Jane/Susannah/Sadie here, wondering which Comfort Food recipe to try first…
Please give a Wicked Welcome to Christine Wenger, author of the Comfort Food Mysteries!
Thanks for having me. I really live in Cicero, New York, but I am playing snowbird in Florida right now at a motor home park. Internet service is wonky, but I hope to make an appearance to say hi to all you “wicked” readers.
The Comfort Food Mysteries feature Trixie Matkowski from the Silver Bullet Diner in Sandy Harbor, New York, a small town on the shores of Lake Ontario. Here’s the description for IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE:
All Trixie Matkowski wants for Christmas is a break—just not the broken leg she got after slipping on some ice. With Sandy Harbor alive in the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s the busiest time of the year at Trixie’s Silver Bullet Diner. There are millions of things to do, including cater the town’s annual Christmas pageant and community dinner with some delicious holiday comfort food.
But the festivities turn into a bit of a turkey after Liz Fellows, the director of the pageant, is found with Trixie’s butcher knife in her back. Now Trixie must help the police arrest the scary gentleman—or lady—guilty of the crime if she hopes to get herself off the naughty list.
Hmmm….someone with a lot of energy, someone who can cook, solve mysteries and who has a great sense of humor…probably ME!!! Okay, maybe a female Emeril Lagasse.
Do you have any quirks? Tell us about them.
Me? Quirks? Why, I am perfect in every way. Okay, maybe I shop too much, spend too much money and love to be lazy on a cold winter day (after I make soup).
Who’s your favorite mystery writer of all time?
It has to be Mary Stewart who wrote all those luscious gothics.
Favorite book (not necessarily a mystery) of all time?
It’s A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith. I’vr read it 10,087 times and cry each and every time.
Who is your most-loved book boyfriend?
Jim Frayne from the old Trixie Belden books.
What is your writing process like? Early bird or night owl? Pantser or Plotter? Do you require special drinks or snacks?
I write whenever I can, but mostly at night. I’m usually sipping on some kind of icy beverage (water, soda) and pizza would be wonderful. I am mostly a Pantser, but I usually get myself jammed up and wish I plotted more!
Best writing advice you ever heard or read?
FINISH THE BOOK!
I have a very sweet and lovely golden retriever by the name of Blondie. She’s on the cover, or is featured in, all five of my cozy mysteries.
What’s next for you?
I’d love to continue my comfort food series with book #6. Actually, I have ideas for five more cozy mysteries! The readers seem to love them, and I love writing them.
Thanks so much for being here, Christine! Here’s where you can connect with her:
Facebook: christine wenger
Readers: Say hi to Christine, and tell us what’s your favorite comfort food!