Kate is an award-winning short story author and the author of the Colorado Wine Mystery series, which includes Killer Chardonnay and A Pairing to Die For. The third book in the series, Mulled to Death, hits shelves on October 19, 2021. I was thrilled to interview Kate for the October 19 edition of the Cluesletter.
Want to pick up a copy of Mulled to Death? View it on IndieBound, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
Connect with Kate on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her website.
Hi, Kate! Let’s start with the main theme of your series, wine! Your sleuth Parker Valentine is a wine aficionado. Do you consider yourself a wine expert too, or do you conduct some research to write your books?
Hi, Manon! I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but wine tasting has been a hobby of mine for years and it’s fun to incorporate random tidbits I’ve picked up into my stories. That being said, with each book, I’ve researched and learned even more about wine, especially the chemistry behind winemaking, which is super cool! One especially fun “research” trip was to a local winery during harvest, where I got to see tubs of grapes in early stages of fermentation and smell the intense jammy aroma pervading the space.
I have to ask about your covers, created by artist Samantha Dion Baker, which are adorable. Can you describe your cover design process?
It’s definitely a collaboration between me, my publisher (Berkley), and the artist, Sam, who is mega-talented. Early on in the process, often before the manuscript is even finished, my editor and I toss around ideas for the cover (which, let’s be honest, usually involve exchanging pictures of cozy backdrops, classy wine glasses, and cute cats). After that, my publisher works with the artist and I’m always wowed by the final product. Seriously, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot in the cover department!
How do you approach writing a cozy mystery? Are you an outliner, or do you like to write and see how the mystery unfolds? What does your writing process look like?
My writing process has evolved with my series. During the writing of the first one, Killer Chardonnay, I was very much a pantser (i.e., fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants), but have fully transitioned into an outliner. In part because outlines are part of my contract, but I actually prefer that method! I love brainstorming characters and mystery elements and putting together a detailed outline, and then diving into the actual writing. I set myself word count goals during the first draft, which helps keep me from getting lost in the weeds of wordsmithing. After that, there are multiple rounds of revisions—both solo and with my brilliant editor—until the manuscript shines!
Could you share some of your favorite mysteries, cozy or otherwise? Are there any upcoming releases you’re excited about?
Absolutely! One of my favorite series this past year has been the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series by Louise Penny—I devoured those books, savoring every sojourn to Three Pines. I’ve also read a few advanced copies of cozies lately that double as upcoming releases I’m excited about! Namely, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer Chow (I adore this series), How To Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn (gotta love a bookstore cozy), and A Dash of Death by Michelle Hillen Klump (such a great debut).
I loved the way you described Boulder and the broader Colorado landscape, in Killer Chardonnay. If you were to set your series in another state, where would you relocate Parker and Vino Valentine?
What a fabulous question!! It would probably be Seattle. I love so much about that city. The cool vibe with Pike Place Market and all the musical influences, the drizzly weather and hilly landscape that leads down to the waterfront, THE FOOD. Not to mention, Bainbridge Island has a definite cozy feel—and a few wineries, to boot!
You recently announced a fourth book in your Colorado Wine Mystery series, Til Death Do Us Port, which is slated for Fall 2022. Are there any interesting tidbits you can share about this release?
As the title portends, there will be a wedding, although not for one of the main characters . . . yet ;-). In it, Parker attends her favorite cousin’s wedding, where she’ll be providing refreshments in addition to celebrating the happy couple. Although, of course, murder throws everything awry. As for the cover, there’s a cat in the role of ring bearer so I can only imagine it will be something related to that!
Thanks so much to Kate for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features alongside other mystery goodies.