How not to research a mystery and a #giveaway with Krista Davis

by Posted on

Liz here, so happy to welcome our friend Krista Davis to the blog today! Krista has a hilarious take on the best way NOT to do research and I feel like she totally got in my head…Take it away, Krista!

I was wondering recently why it takes me so long to write a book. While I’m sure there are many reasons for that, I think I’m prone to being distracted by the research I do. I won’t mention all the curious headlines which pop up begging to be investigated. Important things like whether or not Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, wears pantyhose when the fashion trend is to go bare-legged. In case, like me, you simply must know, she wears Barely There Nonslip Tights from the department store which retail for about $6.50. I don’t know about you, but it makes me like her even more. She’s so sensible.

Yes, but back to the book and what originally threw me off. In The Diva Delivers on a Promise, I researched a number of things, as I do for every book. I needed to understand delivery kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens. They are a fascinating development. Much like a restaurant, they cook meals. But there is no dining room, and you cannot drive-through or pick up your food. They are delivery only. As you might imagine, this cuts down on expenses a lot. No servers for starters! No tables or chairs. And no high rent because they don’t have to be located in popular high traffic areas where the rent is steep.

But that led me to another question. Can you pay with a ghost credit card? Hah! It turns out that you can. Will this be the wave of the future? Maybe! With a ghost card, a bank gives you a one-use number. After it is used, it’s not valid anymore, making it a waste of time to steal the number. Pretty cool, huh? Kind of a hassle, though. But surely, it’s only a matter of time until some genius works out the kinks. Oh, wait. My favorite skin care company is having a sale. 20% off! 

What was I saying? Things I research. Are daffodils toxic? Answer below in the comments before you read on. Good golly! Valerie Bertinelli is 63! She looks great, though. And is now happily divorced after a toxic marriage. Good for you, Valerie!

The answer is yes! Like Valerie’s marriage, all parts of the daffodil are toxic, especially the bulb. So keep them away from dogs, cats, and babies. But wait! While they make you very, very sick and you should hurry to the hospital or the veterinarian if anyone eats one, daffodils probably won’t kill you. For most people that’s great news! But for someone writing a murder mystery where a victim needs to be poisoned, it’s kind of a letdown. Off to research other poisonous plants. 

Why would the BBC have an article titled How Do People Learn to Cook a Poisonous Plant Safely? Aha. Cultures evolve and people learn through trial and error (rather horrific and deadly error) how to prepare a plant that could kill them. Apparently, cassava root must be treated and cooked in a long list of steps before the cyanide in it is detoxified. Yikes! Do people know that? Now that has possibilities!

Readers, how do you do approach research? Share in the comments for a chance to win a copy of The Diva Delivers on a Promise!

Unknown's avatar

Published by Cate Conte / Liz Mugavero

Cate Conte writes the Cat Cafe Mysteries and the Full Moon Mysteries. As Liz Mugavero, she writes the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, the first of which was an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel. She lives in the Boston area with her rescue pals.

97 Thoughts

  1. I don’t normally need to do a lot of research but I am interested in trivia so if I don’t know the answer to some odd question I will look it up and then have to figure out which of the answers that come up is the correct one. Congrats on the newest Diva book! Thank you for this chance at your giveaway. pgenest57 at aol dot com

    Like

  2. Krista, congrats on your latest Diva book which I enjoyed. I do research for my job, so I know how it can get carried away.

    Like

  3. I love this post, Krista! I do get lost down research rabbit holes, and now I want to check out that BBC article. The most recent botanical poison I used is sort of like daffodils – but if a person has an underlying medical condition, like, say, a bad heart, THAT makes the toxin more deadly. [author rubs her hands in anticipation…]

    Like

  4. Congratulations on the release, I am excited to read it. As for research, I do research on everything. Depending on what it is I will read up, look at reviews, do my best for background info. Write everything down. My husband calls me the hound because I do so much LOL.

    Like

  5. Krista, you are hilarious and I also willingly jump down rabbit holes. Even conversationally, I’ll start out in one topic and then float down that stream of consciousness, until I’ll pause and say “what were we talking about?”. Can’t wait to read your book!

    Like

    1. I hope you’ll enjoy the book, Carla. I know just how you feel. I get started on one thing and wander my way through more until I can’t recall what I wanted in the first place!

      Like

  6. You had me laughing out loud this morning!! I’ve thought for the longest time it was only me! I start off researching one topic, low cal creamy garlic sauce, and next thing I know I’m looking up another, Ohio University football schedule because son #2 is in the marching band! Really looking forward to reading your latest release!

    Like

  7. We sound like kindred souls – I get totally lost looking up something on the internet – my nickname is Easily Distracted and I live up to it quite well! After a while, I’ve forgotten what I started out looking for in the first place!

    And tights for Kate, now that’s a tidbit I had not come across yet!

    Like

    1. This is so relatable, Krista! I often find myself getting caught up for ages researching a plot device, even after I’ve found what I was initially looking for.
      For my work in progress, I’ve learned WAY more about Leatherman multi-tools than I ever thought possible!

      Like

  8. Congratulations on the release. I don’t really do research, but when I do it’s just doing a goggle search.

    Like

    1. Congratulations on your release! I usually do research on certain products before I buy. I can spend hours doing. Very distracting, LOL.
      Thanks for the chance! I love your books!

      Like

  10. Congratulations, Krista, on the latest book. I did know that about daffodils. It’s why the deer destroyed almost all my tulips, but left me a thriving patch of daffodils. Smart animals.

    And I know all about the research rabbit hole. LOL

    Like

  11. Wanted to follow direction, so I posted as told to do. (Plus I also knew the answer because of another time when I had to research them. I’m that way when someone mentions something and I don’t know. Use to be encyclopedias and thankfully now I can just google it. But I digress.)

    As for how do I do research – I jump in head first. I look for the most obvious place and then follow all the branches of that tree. Sometimes it’s like jumping down a rabbit hole and then finding it hard to find your way out. I’m a curious person that feels each day is a success if I can learn something new. You are never too old to learn something new. Now through my photograph and learning more about the critters or places we visit, I’m always doing research. If you know more about them – the habits, flight patterns or characteristics of critters or the history of a place, it’s easier to photograph them.

    Love the cover on “The Diva Delivers on a Promise” and it’s on my TBR list. Can’t wait for the opportunity to read and review it. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    Like

    1. I’m so glad you like the cover! I am very lucky to have a wonderful cover artist! Like you, I try to learn new things, too. Life is an adventure!

      Like

  12. What a funny article! Congratulations on the new book! Most of my research is when I plan to buy something so I mostly get distracted by some of the funny reviews. Like people who give one star because they didn’t know how to work a vacuum or something.

    Like

    1. Thank you, Violet. I’m with you on the funny comments! I always read them. I laughed when one person said a coffee maker made the best coffee he had ever tasted-but nothing was worth five stars!

      Like

  13. I really enjoyed your article! When I research I get very distracted… I always jump in head first but then headlines pop up… lol.

    Like

  14. Ha, Krista! Gotta love those click-baits and rabbit holes! I do pretty much what you describe, although I still go to books, which often dig rabbit holes of their own. Or maybe I dig the holes? Send in the terriers!

    Like

    2. This page is playing tricks on me! I think researching in books would be the better choice. But Google does have a wider selection of topics than my bookshelves.

      Like

  15. Welcome Krista! I love how you research…I am in the travel business, so most of what I do for my clients is research fabulous travel experiences to share with my clients, especially if I have not been to a destination after some 60 years of international travel). I also do research for my book club, and that is almost like a part-time job! Every week when I read the cozy we have selected, I jot down interesting items, locations, songs, recipes and anything interesting mentioned in the chapters. I then research and paste results found in a weekly Word document with photos and any commentary. I attach this to my weekly email that contains any club pertinent information, our reading schedule, a musical video clip (especially if it has been mentioned in the book), and at least 5 jokes. I do so enjoy doing this, and from the comments I receive, I think my fellow sleuths appreciate my efforts 🙂 Thank you for sharing your writing talent with us eager readers!!! Luis at ole dot travel

    Like

      2. Hi Ginny. We’d love to welcome you! Please email me at: luis at ole dot travel Have a cozy reading day!!

        Like

    2. You go to a lot of trouble for your book club! I bet everyone appreciates your efforts. Oooh! Now I want to research travel experiences. That sounds like fun!

      Like

  17. Yes! For my most recent cozy I looked up birds, care for newborn kittens, arborists, Joe DiMaggio, vintage arcade machines, fishing tournaments and more. Spent many happy hours in the rabbit hole chasing shiny objects. I’m thankful for the authors, experts and researchers of the topics that writers like you and me have to learn about to make our stories ring true. BTW, speaking of Princess Kate–did you know that the only nail colored nail polish the royal women are permitted to use is “Ballet Slippers” by Essie?

    Like

    1. I have read that about the Royals. That’s a color I happen to like. You wouldn’t want to take a chance on one of them running around in the garish chartreuse I’m wearing right now!

      Like

  18. Every time I become immersed within a subject I get lost. I look for one topic and then veer off to another one. This can take hours but is extremely interesting as it explores so many things. I enjoy this diversion and learn a great deal. Books, authors, travel and cooking.

    Like

  19. I pick a topic and research in down every avenue I can think of. Which leads me to the next. My challenge is I want to print everything I find instead of just saving the PDF. Way too much paper in my office.

    Like

  20. Welcome back to the Wickeds, Krista! I certainly know about research rabbit holes, though as you say above, other online distractions also apply, part of the downside of working on a computer everyday. Best of luck with The Diva Delivers on a Promise. I know it will be beloved.

    Like

  21. I appreciate a well-researched book. You can still learn something from reading even if it’s a work of fiction. I’m one who loves trivia and facts and if I’m curious about a subject I’ll look up more or search out other books on the topic. And then one thing leads to another and before you know it…. wait, what was I looking for? 😅

    Like

  22. it kind of depends on what i’m researching and why – i can follow a very targeted and in depth path if i need an answer or to learn about something for work. But if more for fun then i can jump from one topic to another quickly.
    i do really enjoy books where i can learn something due to the good researching the writer did.

    fruitcrmble AT comcast DOT neg

    Like

  23. I don’t do alot of research, but if I can’t figure something out, recognize a word, etc, I google it. And usually end up falling down the rabbit hole. LOL
    Congrats on your newest release. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Like

  24. Good cozies show that a lot of research has been done. I love learning anything new. I frequently Google things I read about in cozies. I’m big on the Translate app, too. And maps! I try to find every place I read about. If the place exists, it usually isn’t too hard to find it unless you are searching for small villages in the rain forest. Still looking for Calleria, Peru!

    Looking forward to reading your latest.

    Like

    1. Ginny, I know what you mean. I was trying to find a village in the Amazon River Basin once. I found it but there was only one building as far as I could tell. Still, it was fascinating!

      Like

  25. I fall down one rabbit hole after another when researching, or well, just about anything really.
    A lot of ghost kitchens actually reside inside of other full service restaurants.My daughter works for one. So aside from their own delivery orders, they occasionally have to prepare a completely different menu item for the other brand. It’s a good way for both companies to make money without having to open a second location.

    Like

  26. I usually make an outline then go old school and hit the library not everything is on the net

    Like

  27. Congratulations on your new release. I can’t wait to read “The Diva Delivers On A Promise”. I don’t do a lot of research, but there are things that come up in conversation that I’m curious about and I’ll Google it. We’ll once I’m on Google it takes me to many other places and one thing leads to another and I’ve spent way too much time researching that question and other stuff I didn’t know I was interested in.

    Like

  28. Down the rabbit hole I go! Legal background makes learning research a necessity – billable hours made learning when to say got it – enough – a necessity. I admit, I love research. And yes, I knew about daffodils. But there are lots of other things. Like, eyedrops!

    Like

  29. Love your article, yes I do check out articles I find interesting and before you know it you are not doing what you originally planned to do but I have found out some interesting things. oh yes what was the question.

    Like

  30. I love it! My research honors rabbit trails, for sure. LOL. Once I actually forgot what I was originally looking for and had to shut down the computer. I am ordering your book. The cover is fabulous.

    Like

  32. Congratulations on the newest Diva book. I have them all and need to start reading them. So many books, so little time as they say. I get going on ancestry research and the next thing that I know; it is 8 hours later. And I also go off on tangents or roads less traveled and try to make my way to what I want to know. I have always loved research. I used to read our Encyclopedias and World Books and make notes on things. I also write down quotes from books that I read that I relate to in a journal. A fun thing to do.

    Like

  33. I usually start with Google searches and then the library. I am not a writer but I have researched information for school.

    Like

  34. I used to do research in my job. These days research is basically looking for a recipe for something particular or finding out some random fact that piqued my interest.

    Like

  35. Research is so much simpler now that we have the internet. It was quite a challenge years ago when we were still going to school. I wouldn’t want to to back to THAT!

    Like

    1. Going to the library to do research was always one of my favorite things to do all through high school and many years of college. A lot more fun than the internet. I miss card catalogs. Yes, I’m o!d!

      Like

  36. Krista I am the same way with everything not just research. I am doing something and then think of something else i have to do, start doing it and then move onto something else! Great series!!!!

    Like

  37. I don’t do much research and usually it is “how long do I roast a 5 pound chicken at 375 degrees”, or “what can I do about the crackling noise in my ears.” When I do need answers, I go to trusted sites, like WebMD.

    Like

  38. Apparently, exactly like you do. I was researching home printers and suddenly here I am!
    PS, love the new book, very satisfying mystery, … can we talk about Sophie’s love life 😉

    Like

  40. I do not have a lot of research that I need to do these days. I would start with a Google search. When I was younger, I would spend hours at the library. Using the card catalog finding books. I would either outline at the library, read the passages of interest or I would bring all the books home. I have to say, I do not miss those days. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.

    Like

  41. Congrats on the new release! Great series. Like you, I tend to get very involved and interested in everything. I have to remind myself why I’m there, lol. There are just so many interesting things to learn!

    Like

  44. Research used to be much more straightforward before the Internet. Going to the library and various places to research history and practices. With the information highway, I get so lost! One thing leads to another, and I can spend all day looking into various aspects of the first subject I researched. I really have to police myself because I love new information and everything feels like I need to have it.

    Like

  45. I usually do research if I’m writing an essay or preparing for a presentation. I try to find primary sources as much as possible. As a librarian, I have lots of online resources available – the danger is that I often go off on tangents as I learn about something new and have to research that, instead of focusing on what I need to do. But it’s often quite fun!

    Like

  46. I always read more than I think I’ll need to know. I bookmark articles for stuff I might want to research eventually. I read enough nonfiction anyway that a lot of times the research I need just finds me.

    Like

  47. I tend to rabbit hole. Start looking at one thing but get curious about other things related or come up with a more intriguing idea & get wrapped up going down that hole into the history of it. I would love to say I go to the library but the local libraries near me are severely lacking in resources. I also like to talk to people I know about various things.

    Like

  49. I have gone back and looked at my internet history for just one day and I am amazed where my searches take me. I manage to make seemingly unrelated items related in unintentional ways. I would love to win a copy of your book. egoehner(at)roadrunner(dot)com.

    Like

  50. I do the same- looking things up on the internet and in my small collection of books.
    I also head to my local library in neither of those help. Those reference librarians are awesome!!
    I’d like to enter, thank you! adriennechasteensnow@gmail.com

    Like

Comments are closed.