INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY
The Art of Vanishing
(Lila Maclean Academic Mystery Book 2)
(Lila Maclean Academic Mystery Book 2)
by Cynthia Kuhn
The Art of Vanishing is the second book in the Lila Maclean Academic Mystery series by Cynthia Kuhn. Also available: The Semester of Our Discontent.
The Art of Vanishing is currently on tour with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The tour stops here today for my interview with the author, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
When Professor Lila Maclean is sent to interview celebrated author and notorious cad Damon Von Tussel, he disappears before her very eyes. The English department is thrown into chaos by the news, as Damon is supposed to headline Stonedale University’s upcoming Arts Week.
The chancellor makes it clear that he expects Lila to locate the writer and set events back on track immediately. But someone appears to have a different plan: strange warnings are received, valuable items go missing, and a series of dangerous incidents threaten the lives of Stonedale’s guests. After her beloved mother, who happens to be Damon’s ex, rushes onto campus and into harm’s way, Lila has even more reason to bring the culprit to light before anything - or anyone - else vanishes.
Excerpt
Click below to read an excerpt.
Praise for the Book
"Entertaining, intricate, and oh-so-smart! The talented Cynthia Kuhn treats mystery lovers to an insider’s look at the treacherous world of academia - seething with manipulation, jealousy, and relentless ambition. A terrific plot - with a surprise around every corner." ~ Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of Say No More
"The Art of Vanishing is cozy perfection! This engaging mystery is a must read for cozy lovers everywhere. Author Cynthia Kuhn takes readers to the sometimes-treacherous academic world and proves once again that protagonist Lila Maclean is not just educated, she’s smart. This is the ideal book for a lazy afternoon and the best cozy I’ve read in a long time. Hoorah for Lila Maclean." ~ Jennifer Kincheloe, award-winning author of the Anna Blanc mystery series
"Incomparable manuscripts and competitive colleagues unfold into a surprising mystery about love, loss, and betrayal. Author Cynthia Kuhn schools us in the art of duplicity, and the grade is A+." ~ Diane Vallere, National Bestselling Author of the Costume Shop Mystery Series
"Cynthia didn’t disappoint with this fabulous second book ... her books are smooth like a really good cup of tea, not bitter, not sweet, just right." ~ Bibliophile Reviews
"Lila Maclean is one of my new favorite detectives. She’s smart, she works hard, and she just solves a crime when it’s needed." ~ BookStuffed
Interview With the Author
Author Cynthia Kuhn joins me today to discuss her new book, The Art of Vanishing.
For what age group do you recommend your book?
Adults.
What sparked the idea for this book?
Thinking about how authors and academics interact, plus a "what if?" moment.
Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
For The Semester of Our Discontent (the first book in the series), it was definitely the idea. Since The Art of Vanishing is the second book in the series though, I already knew Lila’s story.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
Maybe the beginning. I wrote it from several different angles until it clicked.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
I just hope that they enjoy the reading.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Hard to say because I went back and forth between book one and book two over the course of several years ...
What is your writing routine?
It’s less of a routine and more of a time-grab! I write whenever I can, amidst the demands of teaching and parenting. Basically, whenever everyone in the house is engaged in something else, that’s my writing time.
How did you get your book published?
I submitted my first book to Henery Press, and they offered me a contract that included this one.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Read widely, write constantly, know your genre, participate in writing organizations focused on your genre, and never give up.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Spend time with my family! Then read.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are incredibly supportive - I’m very grateful for them.
Did you like reading when you were a child?
Loved it - didn’t go anywhere without a book in hand.
Same here! When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I honestly don’t remember ever not wanting to be a writer!
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
Very influential: reading was valued in my family.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
L. M. Montgomery, William Goldman, Margaret Atwood, Amanda Cross (Carolyn G. Heilbrun), Sylvia Plath, and the people who wrote the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Readers have been quite lovely, letting me know what they liked/what resonated with them - sometimes they ask a question they would like answered, too.
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
Book three in the Lila Maclean series, I hope.
Sounds good! Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Cynthia. Best of luck with your future projects.
Thank you for letting me visit, Lynda!
About the Author
Cynthia Kuhn writes the Lila Maclean Academic Mystery series. Her work has appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD and other publications. She teaches English at Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves as president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado.
Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a print copy (US) or ebook copy (international) of The Art of Vanishing by Cynthia Kuhn.
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