Liz here, and today I’m welcoming J.M. Griffin to the blog today! Her latest Jules & Bun mystery, Hop ‘Til You Drop, came out last month and she’s celebrating with a giveaway. Take it away, J.M.!
Many thanks to Liz Mugavero, and all the awesome Wickeds for the invitation to their blog. It’s such a pleasure to share my love of cozy mysteries and to talk about my newest cozy, Hop ‘Til You Drop. This is the third in the Bun & Jules cozy mystery series. I’ve had a great time writing about their adventures. There’s Bun, a black and white telepathic rabbit who complains about boredom just before a murder takes place, (and only Jules can hear him). He has a passion for mystery solving and together they do. The story setting is in beautiful southern New Hampshire and features a host of unusual characters. A healthy dose of Bun’s humor is added for flavor. I consider it an honor to make readers chuckle. That’s when I know I’ve done my best to brighten their day.
While I’m a Kensington author now, I began writing fiction long ago. Try as I might, I couldn’t seem to connect with a publisher or an agent who liked my writing enough to take me on. I kept going and eventually published with a Canadian publishing company who brought me success. But. . . my goal hadn’t changed, I wanted to work with a New York publisher.
By chance, when leaving a NINC (Novelists Inc.) conference, myself and another person were boarding a bus for the airport. We both tripped up the same stair, had a chuckle over it, and we began chatting. Turned out he’s Hannah Howell’s agent and she’s a great friend of mine. One thing led to another and we decided on the bus trip that I should write about a talking rabbit. Bun & Jules came to be, was sent to Kensington and accepted. Funny how life works out. I’ve never been so happy to trip up a stair.
Most of my mysteries are set in New England, with the Vinnie Esposito series based in RI. As my very first series, I learned a lot about writing and how dedication plays an enormous part in it. I’ve also taken time to visit many spots in Rhode Island I hadn’t seen in ages, including Block Island.
My latest Bun & Jules novel was released on February 23rd. With Covid-19 holding on for what seems like forever, I’ve been unable to do in person library visits, book fairs, book stores and such.
Reaching out to Wicked readers, I’m happy to give away five copies of Hop ‘Til You Drop to readers in the USA, so please leave me a comment. Have you ever vacationed or visited Rhode Island? Our beaches are to die for. (pun intended☺)
Thanks J.M. – and I agree Rhode Island beaches are to die for! My favorite is Second Beach in Middletown for sure. Readers, what about you? Tell us below if you’ve visited!