INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Treasure in Paradise
(A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 7)
(A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 7)
by Kathi Daley
Treasure in Paradise is the seventh book in the Tj Jensen Mystery series by Kathi Daley. It is due for release on 11 April but is currently available for pre-order. Also available: Pumpkins in Paradise, Snowmen in Paradise, Bikinis in Paradise, Christmas in Paradise, Puppies in Paradise, and Halloween in Paradise.
Treasure in Paradise is currently on tour with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The tour stops here today for my interview with the author and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
Tj Jensen and her family head to Turtle Cove Resort for summer vacation, but their plans for rest and relaxation are thwarted when they find a dead treasure hunter in the attic of the resort’s main house. Initially vowing not to get involved, Tj quickly changes her tune when the Gull Island deputy on the case closes it after a bare bones investigation.
All evidence points to foul play, and Tj’s determined to uncover what the deputy wants to keep hidden. With the help of her best friend and a chatty parrot, Tj digs up a centuries old legend, a hidden map, and secrets buried deeper than pirate’s treasure.
"A combination of local secrets, greedy land developers, devout environmentalists, moody preadolescents and TJ’s own emotional ride mixed with memories and recent relationship changes, investigating a murder seems to be the logical choice for our amateur sleuth." ~ Laura’s Interests
"... this book is just another great representation of Kathi’s hard work and great writing style. Tj is always ready to be kind to another person. She is just a fictional best friend to many readers, and to this reader." ~ Bibliophile Reviews
"With some twists, secrets and a beach setting you are pulled into the book and on the edge of your seat." ~ Sleuth Cafe
"Great storyline with lots of twist and turns. Makes you feel like you know all the characters. Can't wait for next book in series." ~ Judy Tucker
"This is such a great series and I was excited to read this book! In this installment of the series, [...] Plenty of twists and turns and there is an interesting and talkative parrot named Blackbeard - who might be able to provide some clues." ~ Kelly Pfister
Interview With the Author
Kathi Daley joins me today to discuss her new book, Treasure in Paradise.
For what age group do you recommend your book?
This series of books is popular with readers 16 – 116.
What sparked the idea for this book?
The Tj Jensen Mystery series is normally set in a small town on a fictional lake, but I wanted to write a story set on an island off the coast of South Carolina, so I had Tj pack up her friends and animals and set off on a cross country trip to Gull Island. The story has a southern flare and a treasure hunt component which I thoroughly enjoyed.
So which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
It varies from one novel to another but in this case it was the setting that drove the story.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
Because Tj was on location, I didn’t want to bring too many of the characters from the series who were not with her into the story, yet there were ongoing plotlines that I knew readers would be wondering about, so I had to weave what was going on back in Serenity with the ongoing investigation on Gull Island. I would say the hardest part was finding a balance between addressing these plotlines and having too many characters involved.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
Some of my books have deeper meanings, but this one is just for fun, so I hope readers will relax and enjoy the story.
How long did it take you to write this book?
About 3 weeks.
What is your writing routine?
I publish a book every 3 to 4 weeks, so it is a full-time job for me, and I write almost every day. I am in Hawaii right now, on a working vacation, and will complete a book from my Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series while I am here.
How did you get your book published?
This book is published through Henery Press who are wonderful folks to work with.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
If you have the time and desire to do everything required to self-publish, I would recommend that, since you have a lot more autonomy and make a lot more money. But self-publishing isn’t for everyone so, if you decide to go the traditional route, find a publisher that you are comfortable working with.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to travel, spend time outdoors with my dogs, go to the beach, hike in the woods near my home ...
What does your family think of your writing?
They are all very supportive. My husband decided to give up his real estate career to be my full time assistant. It is nice that we both work for Kathi Daley Books since neither of us have other commitments that hinder our ability to travel, which we do a lot.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I grew up in a close family with a stay-at-home mom and a working dad. I have three siblings, and we are all close. I met my husband in high school, and we are still together 43 years later. We live in Lake Tahoe where we enjoy spending time at the beach and on the water.
Did you like reading when you were a child?
I didn’t like reading when I was a child. I was a tomboy who was outside riding bikes and building forts with the other boys in the neighborhood.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My husband and I sold the transportation business we owned when we were both in our mid-fifties. I felt I was too young to do nothing at this point, but I didn’t want to be tied down to a job since I love to travel, so writing seemed a good fit. I have enjoyed it even more than I thought I would and can see myself doing this well into the future.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
I suppose everything that has ever happened to me is in some way a part of me and yes, I do feel my experiences both good and bad have influenced my writing.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
I love Joss Whedon. Okay, that might not be a traditional response but the man has a way of putting a twist on words that is truly magical.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I hear from my readers every single day. I have readers who email me and about 20K Facebook "friends". Some of these readers are simply fans who chat with me about my most current book, while others are true friends who share the ups and downs of their lives.
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
As I said before, I publish a book every 3 to 4 weeks, but I do have a new series I am super excited about. It is a bit more of a traditional mystery than the cozies I usually write, although still clean and low on violence. The series title is A Writer’s Retreat Southern Mystery and the first book – First Case – publishes 1 May.
I also write the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery, Whales and Tails Island Mystery, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery, Seacliff High Teen Mystery, and of course Tj Jensen Mystery series.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Kathi. Best of luck with your future projects.
About the Author
Kathi Daley is the author of the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series, Tj Jensen Mystery series, Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series, and Seacliff High Teen Cozy Mystery series.
Come for the murder, stay for the romance.
Kathi lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken and dog Echo. When she's not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book.
Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with.
Giveaway
Enter our giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Treasure in Paradise by Kathi Daley.
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