BooksChatter: ℚ Wings In The Dark: Jake & Laura Mystery [3]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Michael Murphy to talk about Wings In The Dark (14 July 2015, Alibi, 223 pages), a historical / cosy mystery novel which is book three of the Jake & Laura Mystery series.

Praise for Michael Murphy’s Jake & Laura mysteries:

“Glittering with a hint of Nick and Nora, Michael Murphy’s 1930s Manhattan provides a witty setting for murder and mayhem.”—Mary Daheim, bestselling author of The Alpine Yeoman, on The Yankee Club

“[Jake and Laura] are fun, witty, and charming, and [All That Glitters] is filled with the same kind of 1930s Hollywood glamour that made the film of The Thin Man such a classic.”—Popcorn Reads

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Tour Stops

Hello Michael, welcome to BooksChatter and thank you for chatting to us!

What was the inspiration for Wings In The Dark?

"The Jake and Laura series was inspired by The Thin Man movies [apparently the original film was so successful that it spawned five sequels!] with William Powell and Myrna Loy. Their relationship is developing over the timespan of the novels. So before Wings in the Dark begins, they were married. The novel takes place in Hawaii, January of 1935 and involves one of Laura’s friends established at the end of book two, Amelia Earhart."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I’m not at all like Jake, he’s charismatic and charming. I’m a bit more gruff, but we share a sense of humor and appreciation of a good woman."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Wings In The Dark - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The cover was designed by Random House Alibi. They’ve done a great job with all three covers, capturing the thirties look, don’t you think."

I sure do, and I like that the each books is immediately recognisable as belonging to your series. I want to read the book before even having read its synopsis!

Why should we read Wings In The Dark and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Wings in the Dark is a fun journey back to post Prohibition-era thirties. I want readers to enjoy solving the murder mystery, but as important, I want them to enjoy the two main characters, their interaction with historical characters of the time and the overall humor of the story."

Can you tell us something quirky about Wings In The Dark, its story and characters?

"I picked the names of the two characters before writing a word of the first novel, The Yankee Club. Jake and Laura sounded like characters in a thirties movie to me, so I went with it. Now they’re like old friends."

Who would you recommend Wings In The Dark to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Readers will enjoy the journey back to an important historical time in our country’s history, pre-World War II. I’d recommend the book to historical mystery fans, people who enjoy relationship novels and those who enjoying actual historical people popping up from time to time."

If you could / wished to turn Wings In The Dark and the Jake & Laura Mystery series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"The dream team would be two actors who could present Jake and Laura as sophisticated, caring and fun loving. I’m thinking Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone who had plenty of that in Gangster Squad."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I’ve written in other genres, but, as a reader, I’ve always been a mystery fan. My favourite contemporary authors are Dennis Lehane and Nelson DeMille and favourite classic mystery authors are Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler."

What is your writing process?

"I’ve evolved over the years from a seat of the pants writer to one who outlines and creates detailed character studies before writing. However, my approach is the same. I strive to finish a first manuscript as quickly as possible. Then the real work begins. I polish the manuscript often focusing on one aspect, like enhancing the setting and sensory details with my first revision, characterization next, etc. The final manuscript is a detailed polish."

What is in store next?

"Next up is book four in the Jake and Laura series, The Big Brush-off coming in February of 2016."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you (this could be absolutely anything!)? Could you please share with us a picture of you with them / it?