By Julie, sweating in Somerville (from 55-95 in a week, yikes!)
I am so thrilled to welcome Terrie Farley Moran to the blog today! Terrie is embarking on a new writing adventure–she’s writing the Jessica Fletcher series. How cool is that? She’s also doing a giveaway of her new book to a commenter.
On September 30, 1984 I was sitting in my green arm chair with my feet propped up on the matching ottoman. I had a mug of tea at hand and was about to watch one of the new shows of the television season. Little did I know I was about to meet someone who would occupy an hour of my life every week for more than a decade and also become a book character who hung out with me on long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons. Her name is Jessica Fletcher and she is a mystery writer. She is also strong willed and resolute which comes in handy because dead bodies seem to show up regularly in her cozy home town of Cabot Cove, Maine and in any of the towns and cities she visits. And, of course, she brings the killer to justice. As an avid, lifelong mystery fan, I adore her.
Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: during your routine physical your doctor should always palpate your thyroid while you sip water—fast and easy—just do it.
When I scheduled the surgery followed by treatments that would require me to be in strict isolation for weeks at a time, I decided to (finally!) order cable for my television. And there was Jessica Fletcher waiting for me!
There is nothing like reconnecting with an old friend. Jessica and I hung out every day during my treatments and recovery, laughing at the comedic mysteries like “If It’s Thursday, It’s Beverly” and “Mr. Penroy’s Vacation”, and rolling our eyes through all the mishaps at Grady and Donna’s wedding.
It was around that time that I was fortunate enough to have my mystery short fiction start to be published in various venues, and the short stories were soon followed by my cozy mystery novels. When Jessica was on screen saying she had to meet a deadline or finish edits, I definitely understood the pressure. And so it went, two mystery writers who became great friends.
And then….
On Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2020, I was baking Irish soda bread farls and dancing around the kitchen to Irish music. With the world on lockdown, I had no parade to attend. *sigh* The telephone rang and I assumed it was still one more of my grandchildren calling since we weren’t able to spend the day together, as we usually did. As I reached for the phone, I was deciding whether I would sing “Raglan Road” or Steve Earle’s “Galway Girl” to them. I am super glad I answered the phone with “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day” rather than bursting into song because the caller was my agent asking if I was interested in writing with Jessica Fletcher. I did not hesitate.
Jessica’s fifty-third and my first contribution to the Murder, She Wrote series is Murder, She Wrote Killing in a Koi Pond. For a chance to win a signed, hard cover copy, please comment below. Giveaway ends at midnight your time Monday, June 14, 2021. (Happy Flag Day, America)
READERS QUESTION:
Are you glad that we live in an era of Streaming, Cable, inexpensive DVDs and huge DVR capability because it allows you to watch your favorite television show over and over again at your own convenience? And what show would that be for you?
BIO:
Terrie Farley Moran is co-author, along with Jessica Fletcher, of the Murder, She Wrote series. Murder, She Wrote Killing in a Koi Pond (June 2021) will be followed by Murder, She Wrote Debonair in Death (November 2021). She is the author of the beachside Read ‘Em and Eat cozy novels, and is co-author of Laura Childs’ scrapbooking mysteries. Her short mystery fiction has been published innumerous venues. Terrie is a recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer awards. Find her online at www.terriefarleymoran.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/terriefarleymoran/
I’m not a TV watcher now (don’t even have TV service), but I used to be. Now I have a huge library of DVDs. My favorites include Murder She Wrote (I have the complete series), Agatha Christie everything, Jeeves, Lovejoy, Sherlock Holmes, and many others. See a pattern here? Congrats on Killing in a Koi Pond. I would love to win a copy!
I love that streaming allows me to watch shows I watched when I was younger. I just wish someone would stream REMINGINTON STEELE. Right now I’m watching Columbo and Perry Mason.
Dru, I’m so glad that my mom bought the Remington Steele DVDS when they were released. I can watch that show whenever I want.
Dru, they are on YouTube (or at least they were).
I loved that show, Dru Ann! And Moonlighting.
Moonlighting!!!
So many congratulations, Terrie! I confess I haven’t read a single Jessica Fletcher book, but I loved the TV series.
Does the publisher give you a “bible” for each book, the theme, topic, and title, or is that all yours to come up with?
Good morning Edith! I am all on my own–no “bible”.
I just love Jessica Fletcher! I still watch the reruns, as a matter of fact. Classy, smart and independent lady. Yes, I do appreciate being able to watch my favorite shows when I want although all these streaming choices have me frustrated lol! I generally lean towards mystery series on Britbox, or maybe an old Godzilla movie on Comet.
Terrie, even though I don’t have any streaming services myself, I am glad that they exist. I have a lot of TV on DVD season sets and I watch them all the time. Throw in watching shows on On Demand and I have a lot of options.
My question for you is regarding your plans for the MURDER, SHE WROTE series. I was a big fan of Jon Land’s six books that come just prior to yours. Are you continuing from the point he left the storyline or are you effectively starting all over again?
Good morning Jay! Without spoilers for those who have not read Jon’s books, I considered his storyline completed in the last scene of Murder in Season.
Not much of a tv watcher but Amazon Prime and Netflix gets a workout at my house. I often binge on old fav shows and am pleasantly surprised at how well they hold up.
Congratulations on Jessica, a wonderful post, and your recovery.
Congratulations, Terrie! I was a bit young when the show first came out, but I watched it with my grandmother. Years later, I caught it again in syndication.
I am very grateful for streaming/DVDs. I would watch “Lewis” endlessly if my husband would let me. 🙂
I love TV series and my family has a huge collection of them on DVD, but we all tend to go different directions with our own personal collections. Mine is definitely full of mystery/ detective/ cop series and it is hard for me to decide which is my favorite because I like so many of them. But since every time Murder, She Wrote is on TV I end up watching it, even though I own the series on DVD, I would probably say it is my favorite, favorite! Lol! I do stream things sometimes, but I tend to be more of a binge streamer. I stream a whole series and then I may not stream anything again for a while.
I love the way Jessica has “shadowed” you through the years–a great story in itself. I’m also a Jessica fan with the requisite ability to accept the extraordinary number of murders in Cabot Cove without question. Also, I like you because you bear a resemblance to my own beautiful Irish daughter Allison (Creed) Mondello.
Hi Carol, please say hi to Allison as well!!
Having been greatly limited on my TV watching while growing up, as senior citizens, it’s something we have on most of the time. While on, I’d say 80% of the time is taken up with the shows from the 60’s. We love everything from The Andy Griffith Show series to the shows like Kids Say The Darndest Thing with Art Linkletter or What’s My Line? We have many of the whole series sets so when we can’t find anything on TV to our liking or we just need a good “fix” of our favorite shows. We have watched them so much that it’s became a game between hubby and I to see if we can quote what is about to be said before they say it. More times than not, we are pretty much right on. 🙂
Among the shows we watch on a regular basis, Murder She Wrote, is among the top five shows. Can’t wait for the opportunity to read “Murder, She Wrote Killing in a Koi Pond” which most definitely is on my TBR list. Thank you for the chance to win a hardback copy which would definitely be added to my must keep library! Shared and hoping to be the fortunate one selected.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Good morning everyone and thank you for your good wishes! I am delighted to find I am not alone in watching the old shows in whatever format is available!! Many thanks to Julie and the Wickeds (doesn’t that sound like the name of a decades ago rock band?) for inviting me to hang out here today. I will pop back later on so keep the comments coming!
You will always hold a special place in my heart as one of my fellow debut authors! I’m so happy for you and all of us who love Jessica. I love to watch the occasional episode of Golden Girls.
We are always a team!
Congratulations, Terrie. It’s a dream job. I hope you love it!
Barbara, I do indeed!
I remember as a kid there were 3 channels and if you missed an episode of your show, you’d never get to see it (unless it was shown in summer reruns). So I love being able to watch all the episodes of my shows, and being able to watch my favorite shows over and over. Murder, She Wrote is at the top of the list. I never get tired of it and she keeps me company when I’m puttering in the kitchen. I also love Diagnosis Murder, Monk, Psych, I Love Lucy, The Beverly Hillbillies, and so many more. Congratulations on the book and thanks for the chance to win it.
I’m glad we have all this digital technology. It can drive you nuts sometimes, especially when it doesn’t work right, but overall I like it. Yes I purchased an entire series on DVD more than once but my favorite show to watch over and over is the 2010 remake of Hawaii 5-O With Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. The scenery is off the charts and the storylines are awesome.
Sorry, I simply have no time for TV between burgeoning emails (now 8,216) and 50+ past-due ARCs.
I loved the show from a very young age and been reading the books almost as long. I’m so excited to see where you take Jessica next.
Oh, I’m a big-time streamer! My TV is hardly on. I stream through my desk-top. My two favorites are the old reality show The Mole and my precious Golden Girls.
I agree that Jessica Fletcher is an old friend. And I find it funny that you picked two episodes from season 5 to mention since that is the season I’m rewatching this summer.
I’m currently going through Babylon 5 for the umpteenth time. And working my way through The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I think I Love Lucy is on the horizon as well.
Well, Mr. Penroy’s Vacation has always been a favorite since it is our introduction to Sheriff Metzger and Deputy Floyd McCallum which was quite a change from Sheriff Tupper and various deputies. Something Borrowed, Someone Blue (the wedding) is an absolute classic. I think Conchata Ferrell stole the show which is pretty hard to do with Gail Storm in the cast!
Congratulations, Terrie! What a wonderful opportunity to carry on the Jessica Fletcher tradition! I have read several of the books and look forward to reading yours.
As for TV, I’ll rewatch Jessica anytime. Also Magnum, PI, and Diagnosis Murder.
Congratulations 😊😊 ive a few of the Murder she wrote books i love reading them because i feel like i can actually hear them saying the words , id love to win so i can add to my collection but if i dont win am i able to buy it? Xox
Yes, the book was released earlier this week and is generally available where you usually buy books!
Love murder she wrote .. I’ve read every book , watched every episode and even have the pop figure of Jessica .. can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the book .
Terrie, I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are going to be co-authoring with Jessica. I have loved your short stories and mysteries and am excited to read you and Jessica.
And, yes, I could not survive without my old TV shows. This week I have been alternating between Murder, She Wrote and Columbo. I have the entire series of both on DVD and have had them for years. My family teases me but I am always happy to spend time with them and others from my old favorite shows.
Wow, how exciting for your and Congratulations! Yes, I am very glad to live in this time , of so many conveniences . Thank you for the chance. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. God Bless you and your family.
Thanks for being on the blog today! And congratulations on this new writing adventure!
Julie, thanks so much for inviting me. Quite a lively group you have here. Great fun!
I love Jessica Fletcher and Murder She Wrote. It’s still one of my all time shows. I still have cable and a DVR and a couple of streaming services. One of my favorite shows is The Good Doctor.
Love Murder, She Wrote – have the complete series on DVD.
I loved Murder She Wrote. I also like Netflix but don’t re-watch many shows. Although I didn’t read the previous novelizations, I might try yours since I like some of your other series. Stay safe and well.
I also loved Murder She Wrote, and have read a lot of the books (not all). Would love to read this one.
I grew up watching Murder, She Wrote with my mom and granny. Then I discovered the books. Now I watch the show with my daughter. What goes around, comes around. ❤️
I love the movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. It is great to be able to use my DVR to tape the movies so I can watch them when I have the time. Thank you for the opportunity.
I love the books as well as the show always enjoy when more books come out
I love being able to steam whatever strikes my fancy as often as I like. I rewatch Murder SHE Wrote and old movies,musicals and screwball ones.
I absolutely watching and rewatching both Murder, She Wrote and Rosemary & Thyme. They both have a way of instilling a calm within me. Which sounds hilarious considering they’re both about solving murders. I had struggled with depression postpartum with each of my children and these shows helped give me a kind of release and a sort of mood stabilizer. They were, and still are, a constant companion. Congratulations on your first MSW book!
Lexy, I only wish we had as many episodes of Rosemary and Thyme as we do of Murder She Wrote!!
I do love Murder She Wrote in any form. Screen. Book.
I like being able to watch old mystery movies and shows like Monk, Columbo, and Murder She Wrote.
I’d be embarrassed to say how many times I’ve watched every episode of Agatha Raisin. Also I always watch Murder, She Wrote while cooking dinner. Other repeat shows are Murder in Paradise and Shakespeare and Hathaway, plus the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, the Flower Shop Mysteries, and the Chronicle Mysteries from Hallmark. 🙂
When I was a young-to-be bride finishing college, I used to spend every Sunday evening watching Murder, She Wrote with my future mother-in-law (a wonderful woman who had 11 children On a farm in Maine). We bonded through our shared love of Cabot Cove and mysteries. I still watch it- as well as Law & Order. My family calls my bicycle Jessica (so what if it has a basket and a bell?). I’m proud to be told I’m like her at 52- strong, smart, nosey and lovable.
I loved watching Murder She Wrote with my mom growing up. I have some of the books, love them!!
Giveaway is closed. Winner is being notified. Thanks so very much for all your wonderful comments.
Terrie, thank you so much for visiting!!
And the winner is Tracy Donley who says she is thrilled and a huge fan! Julie it was my pleasure to visit. The Wickeds are always great fun!