Today’s featured author is KB Jackson. Kate’s latest release, A Matter of Life and Depths, is a delightful cozy set on board a cruise ship. I enjoyed its healthy balance of humor, emotion, and murder. (Really, what else could you want in a book?)
In the interview below, Kate and I talk about the new book, plus her middle grade mysteries, and more.
Sleuths! Connect with Kate on Instagram, TikTok, and her website. Grab a copy of A Matter of Life and Depths here.
Welcome, Kate! It’s so great to have you. A Matter of Life and Depths is book two in your Cruising Sisters Mystery series, in which sisters Charlotte and Jane live together on a luxury cruise ship. In this installment, the ship’s head chef is found murdered en route to Japan. What do you love about a cruise ship for a murder mystery setting?
When I first proposed the series to my agent at the time, she said series set on a cruise ship were a hard sell. Initially we found that to be the case, but ultimately the story won over four different publishers. I think the fear is that it can grow stale, which is why Charlotte’s story arc was so integral to keeping each book fresh.
My favorite part of the setting is the theme nights. In book one, Until Depths Do Us Part, they were traveling to Alaska, so I kept the theme nights generic like 80s prom and the roaring 20s. For book two, since they were sailing to Yokohama, I could play with both the beauty of Japanese culture and the silliness of putting people in those blowup sumo suits or bad karaoke singing. Book three starts in New Orleans just before Halloween, so I added a hint of Cajun and Creole culture, myths, and spookiness to every themed activity.
I loved the supportive—and still fun—dynamic between Charlotte and Jane. While Charlotte is the main character, the pair solve mysteries as a team. How did you decide on a sister duo for this series? What about their two characters make them excellent sleuths?
Charlotte and Jane were inspired by my grandmother Charlotte and her sister Jane. I always loved watching their relationship. They were fiercely devoted to each other—they even bought their retirement condos across the street from each other—and laughed a lot. However, I knew all along that this was Charlotte’s story and Charlotte’s journey.
I believe what makes them good sleuths is that they are both former librarians, so they are well-read, particularly in the mystery genre. Reading mysteries is a great way to hone puzzle solving skills.
You also write middle grade mysteries: the Sasquatch Hunters mysteries, one of which was just nominated for an Anthony Award (congrats!). How do you approach writing middle grade versus adult novels, especially in the mystery genre? Do you find one more challenging, or more rewarding, than the other?
I love writing both for middle grade and grownups. I was a big reader as a kid, and I find that writing middle grade allows me to connect with that little girl inside me who allowed her imagination to run wild. However, I find that writing mysteries for adults lets me challenge myself, process my thoughts and life experiences, and rewrite some endings to situations that feel unresolved.
While I consider myself mostly a writer of mysteries for grownups, I don’t ever want to give up writing for kids because visiting their schools, being able to show them that anything is possible, and to have them share their work with me is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I love how involved you are with mystery events like Left Coast Crime, Killer Nashville, and Bouchercon (where we just met in person!). What do you like about staying active in these spaces? What are the advantages of attending in-person events, and/or do you have advice for authors thinking about doing the same?
My husband is worried I’m becoming a convention junkie. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, but when I get to spend time with mystery lovers, whether writers or readers or both, I feel like I’m not alone on this journey. In addition to getting visibility through panels, speed dating, new author breakfasts, etc., you can make new friends and gain readers. Plus, where else can you just casually walk past Harlan Coben or Shawn (S. A.) Cosby?
Lastly, what’s next for you? Do you have another Cruising Sisters Mystery out soon, and/or any other exciting projects in the works?Cruising Sisters book three, Frightened to Depths, is scheduled for release at the end of January 2025. My third Sasquatch Hunters book releases November 5th. It’s called The Big Grey Man of Ben MacDhui and takes the kids to the Highlands of Scotland, where a bigfoot-like creature is said to roam on the hills above Loch Ness. I’m currently writing Chattertowne book three and I’ll be trying my hand at a short story this month, because I’m scheduled to read at the Seattle Noir at the Bar Ladies Night on October 24th at Pike Place Market’s Alibi Room.
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 like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.