BooksChatter: ℚ Two Murders Too Many

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Bluette Matthey to talk about Two Murders Too Many (21 October 2020, Blue Shutter Publishing, 167 pages), a Mystery.

"Two Murders Too Many is definitely a captivating story set in the mid-1950s in small town middle America. It's an easy to read novel, but one that will leave you wondering, 'what just happened'."- Linda Thompson, host of TheAuthorsShow.com(TM)

"Writing in a fast-action style, Bluette puts you in the front row as her latest thriller zips past in high speed. Her characters are loveable, colorful and...at least one is crazy." -Fred Steiner, The Icon

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

A very warm welcome to Bluette Matthey; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Two Murders Too Many?

"My father was a masterful storyteller who enthralled many with his tales of the small Midwest town where we lived. His stories played on colorful small-town characters and events that fashioned the community’s collective memories, including a particularly dark crime.

Two Murders Too Many is an adaptation of these recollections and circumstances, as well as tribute to my dad."

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

"I grew up in the small town that is the setting for this book and knew some of the residents who serve as the basis for several of the book’s characters, so the book encapsulates my memories woven with imagination."

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

"The cover is actually a photograph of the main street of this town taken about sixty years ago. I ran the picture through my photo editor to creep it up a bit."

Why should we read Two Murders Too Many and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"The uniqueness of Two Murders Too Many is the richness of the characters and the glimpses of what is bubbling under the surface of this community … the shiny and dark sides. In this case, two grisly murders and a blackmailer who finds the soft spots of his victims and exploits them to the hilt."

Can you tell us something quirky about Two Murders Too Many, its story and characters?

"The main crime is based on an actual happening. As Arthur Conan Doyle would say: “Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent,” and so it is, I think, with Two Murders Too Many."

Who would you recommend Two Murders Too Many to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Anyone who enjoys a good mystery with lots of local color will enjoy Two Murders Too Many. I think of the book as a Cozy Mystery with a bit of a thrill."

If you could / wished to turn Two Murders Too Many into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Josh Brolin for Charlie Simmons; January Jones for Blanche-the-hair stylist; Will Poulter as Rolland Simmons; Javier Bardem as Joe Dale; Martin Freeman as Doc Steiner --- directed by the Coen Brothers."

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

"My two passions are traveling and reading mysteries. I’ve been doing both since third grade but didn’t marry the two loves until six years ago when I started writing my Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery series which takes place in off-the-beaten-locales in Europe.

I have a boots-on-the-ground approach to researching my books which compels me to travel to and explore the various venues that are the settings for my mysteries. I submerge myself in the area’s history, culture, and cuisine, and do hikes and walks to get to know the area intimately.

I have also developed and written the narrative for a travel app for the South of France, where I live. The app, Potty Poche, is available on Apple Apps and Google, and covers the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. If you are following the lavender trails in Provence, the Luberon’s perched villages, or Cathar sites and castles, Potty Poche is a good guide to take along on your adventures."

What is your writing process?

"Normally, I am first attracted to a region in Europe and a story evolves based on the setting. The first time I visited the Engadine Valley in Switzerland I was intrigued with an abandoned castle I saw atop what seemed to be an unreachable location, unless you were an eagle. Hence, the book Engadine Aerie.

I visualize intensely as I write, seeing and hearing the characters as they live in my narrative. When I am out and about exploring medieval villages, castles, or seaside towns my imagination goes into overdrive, and I take lots of pictures and note details that can be useful in my writing."

What is in store next?

"I am currently working on book #6 of my Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery series. I began writing them in alphabetical order by location (A= Abruzzo, Italy; B= Black Forest, Germany; C= Corsica, France; D= Dalmatia; E= Engadine Valley, Switzerland) but somehow skipped from ‘E’ to ‘H’. The current mystery, Homicide Hérault, takes place in Béziers, France, where I live."

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 that you could share with us?

"This is Happy, one of several cats I’ve adopted and cherished. He co-authored my book, Dalmatian Traffick. (BTW, a cat always appears in my books! As for music … I do not listen to music when I work. When I want to feel inspired I listen to Charles Aznavour, Edith Piaf, jazz, classic rock ‘n roll …)"

Hello Happy! What a beautiful boy!
Bluette, thank you for sharing Happy with us; I did see some of your other cats on your Twitter feed and noticed you also have a pirate cat! (we also have one of those)
We hope you are having a great tour :-)