Meet the Mind Behind A Stitch in Crime

Howdy y'all! Crystal, here. I'm so glad to introduce you to the great mind behind A Stitch in Crime. Cathy Elliott is such a joy to talk to and her new mystery sounds like such a fun read. (Oh, and if you stick around you might win a copy, hint, hint. :) )

So, Cathy, tell us a bit about yourself.

After many years working as a Library Information Technician in a community college, I’ve retired and am now a full-time writer of cozy mysteries and more on my trusty Mac. My newest novel is A Stitch in Crime, a Quilts of Love book, the last in the series. Other books include, Medals in the Attic: An Annie’s Attic Mystery, and my recently re-released debut novel, A Vase of Mistaken Identity. 

As much as I love being a writer, maybe I cherish my role as “Gramsey” to my two grandgems even more. I try to hone those skills as often as I can. When I’m not with the wee ones, which is more often than not, I enjoy crafty things: quilting, sewing, decorating, creating cool gift bags kind of fun. And lots of reading!

Who doesn't love a good book? :) I know I do. By the way, congratulations on your new release! What is A Stitch in Crime about?

Thanks for the good wishes, and for asking about the book. Here’s a little taste: 

Thea James thought working as co-chair for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza would be a natural extension of her antique business. But while organizing the busy week’s premiere events would make anyone frayed, she doesn’t expect a complete unraveling!

At the opening soirée, local matriarch Mary-Alice Wentworth is knocked unconscious and robbed of her diamond brooch. Soon a rare quilt—the main attraction and a rumored key to great riches—goes missing. Those who signed up to help Thea are strangely no help at all. What more could possibly happen?

Amid a cast of colorful characters and a tight schedule of garden galas, tea parties, and televised socials, everything is falling apart at the seams – and nothing is quite what it seems. Can Thea sew everything back together?

This sounds like such an interesting read. I love a good mystery that keeps me guessing. Where did you get the inspiration for your story?

After perusing a book about Civil War quilts and the Underground Railroad, I wondered about messages in quilts and legacies over time. That was the core spark for me to create the fictional Larkin’s Treasure, a quilt with a secret of great riches that is highly prized. And decide how someone might insert that message into it somehow, yet in a way that isn’t apparent and is mysterious.

I love how historical tidbits can spark ideas. Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

I have a few favorites, but I loved writing the afternoon tea scene out at the Lake House. Thea was in the throes of her “investigation” but trying not to appear so since the local Police Detective’s wife was also there. Watching Gram thwart Thea’s desire to keep a secret in bumbling-Gram-style was a delight to write. (I love Gram.)

Sounds like there's some humor there. :) What do you plan to work on next?

Though I’m still having Thea-withdrawals, it’s time to move on. So, I have another mystery series in the works. And a romance novel that might see the light of day, too. Plus, a secret project I’m not ready to talk about yet, but hope to see come to fruition. Lots to keep me up late writing – which is when I work best.

You know how to tease, don't you? :) Where can readers connect with you? Where can they buy your book?

Some of my frequent online haunts: Website & Occasional Blog - www.cathyelliottbooks.com,
Pinterest,  and Facebook – Author Cathy Elliott
And lots of places to buy the book:

• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• BAM! (Books-A-Million)
• Christianbook.com
• Cokesbury
• Christian Supply
• Parable

Thanks for all the info and links. Okay, last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

It’s a tie between quilting and playing my guitar. Or fiddle. Not doing much fiddling these days, so I let Thea’s mum play her violin in a string quartet as my outlet. I do music leading at church, working with some dedicated, talented folks. And belong to a lovely quilt guild that reminds me of the Quilt-Without-Guilt-Guild in the book. Sort of. :)

Ooo, love to hear me some fiddlin'. :) Would love to see those lovely creations of yours too. :) Well, it's been such fun chatting with you today, Cathy. 

Everyone, I hope you liked the sound of Cathy's book because she'll be giving away a copy of A Stitch in Crime to one of this weekend's commenters, so now's the time to get those questions in. :) If you've no questions, here's one for you: Do you like reading a good mystery? If so, what's a favorite you've read in the past?

(P.S. I'll announce this winner on Monday, March 2nd in the comments and on our Weekly Wind-up post. If you don't win this contest, remember your comments also enter you into our bi-monthly drawing. The winner for that giveaway will be announced on the Weekly Windup on March 9th. For more information on our giveaways, visit our Prizes Galore page. Thanks for dropping by!)