BooksChatter: ℚ In It For The Money: Blu Carraway Mysteries [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author David Burnsworth to talk about In It For The Money (12 September 2017, Henery Press, 286 pages), a hard boiled mystery, book one of the Blu Carraway Mysteries series.

“Burnsworth nails the voice of new Southern noir. This talented author will win you over with his engaging and multi-faceted hero, then keep you turning pages with his suspense.” – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Higgins Clark Award-Winning Author of The Other Woman

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm weldome to David Burnsworth; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for In It For The Money?

"First and foremost, I am excited to be sharing on this site today. Thank you so much for having me. The inspiration for my latest book came about three years ago. I knew I wanted to begin a new series with a Private Investigator. My wife was watching a TV program showcasing South Carolina lowcountry islands with horses on them. My protagonist, Blu Carraway, came to me right then and there along with where he would live."

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

"IN IT FOR THE MONEY further develops Blu Carraway, my new protagonist. He made his first appearance in a prequel novella titled BLU HEAT this past spring. Blu is my age, which makes things more real for me. I understand him and what he’s going through. Also, I lived in Charleston for five years so I know the area quite well."

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

"Henery Press is my publisher, and the person there who designed my cover is Kendel Lynn. One look at the cover and I knew she’d nailed it. It depicts a blue sky and the line of exclusive homes that make up the Charleston Battery."

Why should we read In It For The Money and what sets you apart from the rest?

"I enjoy hardboiled so my writing tends to drift in that direction. However, I keep the language and content fairly clean. I like plot twists and engaging characters. What also sets my book apart is Charleston. My apartment while living there was fifty yards from the ocean. I know the beach scene and the downtown area very well and I make sure my setting matches my experience."

Can you tell us something quirky about In It For The Money, its story and characters?

"Blu Carraway owns a small lowcountry island that he inherited. A small herd of scraggly horses (Carolina Marsh Tackeys) came with it and won’t leave. Two of them, named Dink and Doofus, always park themselves between Blu and his front door. They want fresh produce and they aren’t inclined to leave until he gives them each something."

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

"Anyone who likes mysteries with a little bit of an edge will like my books."

What is your writing process?

"I tend to not develop an outline until I’m more than 2/3rds complete with the manuscript. My preference is for the characters to tell the story. And I work best in hour blocks of time."

What is in store next?

"I just turned in the manuscript for the second Blu Carraway book. While I have enjoyed writing every book I’ve written, this next book is my favorite. Of course, my newest books are always my favorites."