Day 4: Mystery We Write Tour with Marilyn Meredith

It’s day 4 of the second 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour. We’re fifteen mystery authors on a virtual two-week tour of interviews, excerpts and of course, giveaways. (Rules may vary author to author. Details posted on our blogs.) About those giveaways - sixty (yes, 60!) free books are up for grabs, so let’s get started and talk writing!

My guest today is the prolific Marilyn Meredith.

Author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Bears With Us  from Mundania Press, Marilyn also writes as F. M. Meredith. F.M.’s latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel is Angel Lost, the third from Oak Tree Press. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Central Coast chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America.

Marilyn is an original member of the first 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour. She’s also its inspiration. Without her this tour would be possible, so thank you, Marilyn!

If you’d like to read my first interview with Marilyn, click HERE. For an excerpt of Angel Lost, click HERE.

Anne – Welcome back, Marilyn! It’s a pleasure to feature you today. Before we chat about Bears With Us, I’d like to tell you how much I enjoyed it. A fabulous read from cover to cover. I’d also like to encourage readers to watch the Youtube book trailer below.

Okay, Marilyn, now it’s your turn. Tell us a little more about Bears With Us!

Marilyn - Deputy Tempe Crabtree has her hands full when bears turn up in and around Bear Creek, a young teen commits suicide and his parents’ actions are suspicious, a prominent woman files a complaint against Tempe and her preacher husband Hutch, a love affair from long ago comes to light, and a woman suffering from dementia disappears.

Anne –Usually when an author is asked to share an excerpt, they select the passage. I thought I’d try something a little different. Let’s go with a random page! How about page 99 of Bears With Us?

Marilyn – Why not?!

“By sensible precautions, you mean what exactly?” Deborah Tingsley moved closer to her husband.            

“I take it you weren’t at the Community Club meeting on Monday,” Tempe said. If she belonged to the Women’s Club no doubt she’d joined the Community Club too.    

“No, I couldn’t make it. We both had doctor’s appointments in Dennison.”         

Tempe recited a shortened version of the litany about preventing bear encounters she’d given at the meeting.

“You mean bears have been known to open doors and climb through windows around here?” Bryce Tingsley’s white eyebrows had shot up.

“Bears are strong animals, but remember, they’re only looking for food. If your doors and windows are locked, you shouldn’t have a problem.”

Vivian Hampton pulled on Tempe’s arm.

“I’ve got to go. If you have a problem call 911. If you see a bear, get away from it.”

Deborah Tingsley leaned against her husband. “Maybe we shouldn’t have moved up here.”

He patted his wife’s hand. “We’ll do exactly what the deputy said and we’ll be fine, I’m sure.” He didn’t appear convinced.

Tempe led Vivian back through the house and to the front door.

Vivian said, “Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you home to Ben.”

Bryce Tingsley followed along behind. As soon as Tempe and Vivian were outside, he shut the door and Tempe heard the lock click.

Once she seat belted Vivian into the front seat and they began driving up the hill, the woman said, “I know you. I’ve ridden in your truck before.”

“Yes, you have,” Tempe said.

As they drove past the entrance to Farrel Sparks property, she sighed. “You came and got me from Farrel’s. Ben must never know about Farrel and me. It would break his heart to know his wife and best friend are having an affair.”

Fascinating how Vivian jumped about in time. Tempe had no idea how to respond to that remark so she said nothing.

Anne – I really enjoyed that scene. Thank you! Next on my wish list for today. I’d love to see a photo of your home office. Show us where all of this creativity begins, Marilyn!

Marilyn – Here you go.

Anne – Thank you. It's great to see just a little clutter, but honestly, you've got nothing on me. ;-) Where can readers reach you online?

Marilyn – At my website,  blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Anne - Tell us about your Mystery We Write Blog Tour giveaway.

Marilyn - I’ll be picking a winner for a copy of Bears With Us from one of the people who comments on my posts during this blog tour.

Anne – Thank you so much, Marilyn. It’s always a pleasure to chat with you.  Happy writing!

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AKA Update: I’m visiting John M. Daniel today. Please drop by his blog, and leave a comment to win one of three e-copies of Frank, Incense and Muriel, book one of the Muriel Reeves Mysteries. The winners will be announced December 9.

Tomorrow on Day 5 of the Mystery We Write Blog Tour my guest is Jean Henry Mead.

Comments are always appreciated and welcome, have a super day, and happy reading!

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