Interview with cozy author D.W. Thompson

Cozy mystery author D.W. Thompson chats with me today about his new novel, The Mystery at Love’s Manor.

During his virtual book tour, D.W. will be giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
D.W. Thompson is the mystery genre pen name for award-winning author David W. Thompson. As a multi-genre author, he’s been awarded membership in the Horror Writer’s Association, The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association and the Mystery Writers of America. David lives in picturesque Southern Maryland with nearby family and dear old friends.

When he isn’t writing, Dave enjoys time with his family, kayaking (flat water, please), fishing, hiking, archery, gardening, winemaking, and pursuing his other “creative passion”- woodcarving.

He’d love to hear your thoughts on his tales that he describes as occasionally twisted, but always honest and original!

Welcome, D.W., please tell us about your current release.
The Mystery at Love’s Manor is a cozy set in Southern Maryland. Our heroine, Emma Love, secretly returns to her hometown after years away. Although estranged from her family, when her sister-in-law is kidnapped, Emma puts her life on hold to find her—with the help of an old flame, Deputy Sam Mattingley. Emma has a degree in Criminal Justice and part-time experience working at a detective agency, but her past experiences in this town often leave her doubting herself.

As the layers of secrecy are peeled back, Emma realizes the mystery shrouding Love’s Manor and her brother’s marriage is more intricate than anyone knew. Emma must navigate the convoluted trail of clues and locate Gwen before it’s too late. And there’s her long-suppressed feelings for Sam Mattingley to consider. Are they merely a product of nostalgia…or something more?

What inspired you to write this book?
I grew up in Southern Maryland, where the novel is set. It is an area of historical interest and intrigue with a significant paranormal heritage. Having always loved a good who-done-it, I thought this would be the perfect setting for one. 

Excerpt from The Mystery at Love’s Manor:
I glanced out of my bedroom window. Raindrops slithered down the glass, and the filtered dawn cast its shadowed light. I wished the window faced east for the sunrise, like my childhood bedroom in the old house. Nana is staying there now. It was the closest one to Daniel and Gwen’s bedroom. I hoped Nana would find more peace there than I had.

Sliding my feet into cheap imitation fur-lined slippers, I set the book on my nightstand and made my way to the kitchen, and the coffee pot. The old-fashioned percolator began its flirtatious dance, and the scent of the fresh ground coffee teased my nostrils.

I glanced around the room, noticing all the work that needed to be done. The condition of the place made it affordable for me. The paint was chipping from the walls, and the kitchen cabinets were stained with decades of accumulated grease. The sink’s constant drip kept time with the ticking of the kitchen clock, a throwback black cat with rolling eyes and a swishing tail. But it was home, and it was mine. Well, mine and Old Joseph’s—the name I gave to the source of falling objects and bumps in the night. What I only somewhat jokingly referred to as my resident ghost. I wasn’t sure I believed in ghosts, but I firmly believed in my vivid imagination.

The phone rang as I poured my first cup of the day, and my teeth clenched. I hated the sound, the nerve-rattling jangle, and the irrational call to immediate action it demanded. I wished the telemarketers would at least allow me to enjoy my morning coffee. Who else would call so early?

At the second ring, I felt an ice-cold trickle creep up my spine, like when Sammy Mattingley threw ice cubes down the back of my blouse. My hand trembled, hesitating to answer when I recognized the number. It was my brother, Daniel.

At the third ring, I wished he hadn’t discovered I was home. Last month, Gwen spotted me leaving the crappy hotel I used as my temporary local residence while I house-shopped. This phone call meant the cat was out of the bag. I felt disloyal anyway, not letting

Gwen in on my secret return, but Daniel? My ten years away hadn’t healed all the old wounds. Creating a new life and forging my independence provided a much-

needed salve to my soul. Still, I wished he didn’t know.

By the fourth ring, I’d convinced myself his call was to bitch at me—feigning hurt for not telling him I was back. My finger brushed against the phone’s “ignore” button…but what if it was about Nana? And he was my brother…the DNA test said so.

I answered before the fifth jingle when the voicemail would kick in. Might as well get it over with—in case it was about Nana…

“Hello?”

“Emma, I need you at the house as soon as you can get here.”

“Daniel? How about ‘Good morning, Emma. Did you pass the test and get your license, Emma? I’m so glad you’re home safe and—’ ”

“Not now, Sis. Please get here as soon as you can. It’s important. I need you.”

“Is something wrong with Nana? Is she—” But the line was already dead. Typical of my brother. His needs came before anyone else’s.

What exciting project are you working on next?
I am currently about halfway through the first draft of my next Emma Stone novel. I fill in the dead spaces in the creative process by writing short stories in several anthologies.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Hmmm, well, maybe always! I’ve loved writing for almost as long as reading, and I learned to read under my mother’s tutelage before I set foot in a classroom. I was hooked when I saw a teacher smile at something I wrote or a reader’s jaw drop in surprise.  

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I’m retired from a position in the aerospace industry. Retired, as in, I don’t do anything full-time. That said, I’ve written for as long as I can remember. Retirement was not a prerequisite, but it sure makes it easier! I also enjoy woodcarving, hiking, archery, kayaking, eating, sleeping…Most of my family lives nearby, which is a blessing to me.  

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I read this question to my wife. I said I was unsure how to respond as I was basically a quirk-less human. It was the first laugh I got out of her today… No, I don’t use whiteout on my computer screen or wear a Mickey Mouse hat when I write, but she assures me I am single-minded when writing and tune out the entire world. She says just pray there’s not a fire! 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
You probably get this a lot, but once I realized it was unlikely I’d make a living reading, being a writer was my heart’s desire—along with being as good a spouse and parent as I saw my parents being. I know, corny, right?

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I hope you enjoy my latest novel and that it brings you joy. Best to you and yours always.

Links:
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