I’m not sure when I first met Libby–wait yes I do–it was at a Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime event in Arlington, VA. We had a great talk and soon after Libby was published and we started doing events together. You always know you’re going to laugh when you’re with Libby! The eighth book in her Poppy McAllister series, Mischief Nights Are Murder, just released last Tuesday.
Who Says a Good Murder Can’t be Funny?
Few things in life are more enjoyable for the reader than finding a cozy spot with a good book. For me, the best books are the ones that make you laugh. I like to think that when you laugh while reading one of my books, we’re laughing together. Because you can believe I was laughing when I wrote it.
Like other kids of the seventies, I watched enough TV growing up to thoroughly rot my brain. It didn’t matter what the subject matter was, if it was funny, I was a fan. I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, I Love Lucy, Laverne and Shirley, Carol Burnett – all my favorites. My introduction into cozy mysteries was as much Scooby Doo as it was Nancy Drew.
I write a very funny cozy mystery series completely by accident. I didn’t set out with the intention to add humor to my story of a plus sized middle-aged widow returning to her personal “Beach Hell” of Cape May. Instead, I wrote the story I wanted to read. Infused with how I see the world. I guess I’m just weird, because the more pressure you put on me, the funnier I get. Apparently, sarcasm is my go-to.
Sometimes I’ll add humor to my writing that’s just for me. Maybe it’s an inside joke, like the neighbor bringing you more kohlrabi from their garden than anyone could ever want. Or it’s a little jab of social commentary like “Wake Up! South Jersey” the Millennial Morning Show that comes on at ten a.m. I giggle every time I think about these things.
In Mischief Nights Are Murder, Poppy agrees to participate in a Gourmet Dinner Tour. Only she finds out at the eleventh hour that Aunt Ginny has actually committed them to a Ghost Tour. One that includes telling stories about the ghosts – that they don’t have. Easy. Except somehow Aunt Ginny has also signed a contract with Paranormal Pathfinders, a Ghost hunting television show. Allowing them to do a week-long investigation into the Bed and Breakfast’s otherworldly activity – that doesn’t exist. And Sir Figaro Newton has his paws full with the B and B’s newest guest, Owen Rodney – Pet Psychic, who is convinced he knows Figaro’s every thought and is determined to psychoanalyze the black smoke Persian.
Life is hard enough. Humorous cozies are like a vacation. Reading isn’t supposed to be work – unless you’re my editor in which case it is work, but even then I want you to have fun while you’re doing it. When you return to Poppy’s world, I want you to feel like you’ve come home. Everyone belongs. These are your friends. They are going to be crazy. Their lives are messy, and funny, and chaotic, but you are in for a treat. Because for the next few hours they will get themselves into the most ridiculous trouble and make mistakes and things will probably go off the rails at some point, but no matter what happens, you know it will be a wild ride and you’ll love every minute of it.
Readers: Do you like to laugh when you read?
Bio: Libby Klein graduated Lower Cape May Regional High School in the ’80s. Her classes revolved mostly around the culinary sciences and theater, with the occasional nap in Chemistry. She writes culinary cozy mysteries from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her naughty cat Figaro off her keyboard. Libby was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that prevents her from eating gluten without exploding. Because of her love for cake, she now creates gluten free goodies and includes the recipes in her Cape May based Poppy McAllister series. Most of her hobbies revolve around eating, and travel, and eating while traveling. She insists she can find her way to any coffee shop anywhere in the world, even while blindfolded. Follow all of her nonsense at www.libbykleinbooks.com
Of course I love to laugh when I’m reading! Welcome back to the blog, Libby.
Thank you so much for having me.
Congratulations, Libby! A good laugh is always a good thing.
I think so too. Life is too short to take everything so seriously.
Congratulations on the release of “Mischief Nights Are Murder”! It’s on my TBR list and I can’t wait for the opportunity to read it. Love the storyline and the cover.
Yes, I most definitely do enjoy humor while reading. After all, laughter is the best medicine. And sometimes after a long day of “normal”, I need some humor to end the day with. It makes it easier to take some of the rough spots in life. Boy, can’t I see myself in your statement about pressure bring out the laughter. 🙂
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thank you so much, Kay. I love your take on the long day of “normal.” I’m glad I can bring you some humor at the end of the day.
Oh yeah…you do make me laugh, Libby! I love to read cozies with a humor element, so I am excitedly starting to read your series. Thank you for introducing me to Poppy via your gift of CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER. I have to read fast to catch up to MISCHIEF NIGHTS ARE MURDER 🙂 Congratulations! May you be humorously inspired to write many more Poppy and Figaro cozies! Luis at ole dot travel
I’m so glad you’ve started. I hope I bring you many hours of fun.
I do like to laugh when I read a good book especially when I’m reading a new author and their book but laughing while reading is part of the fun
I hope I can bring you a lot of fun in the books ahead.
Funny, well written cozies are my favorite. I’m too old to want to read anything that is dark. Too much of life is like that. I read to escape, and I love to laugh. Keep bringing on the great books, Libby! And for some strange reason, I can relate to Aunt Ginny (maybe she gets her name spelled correctly.)
I secretly relate to Aunt Ginny too! She says all the things I’m thinking.
Yes! I love to see some humor in with the mystery (or whatever genre I’m reading, though it seems to work best with the cozies).
I can’t help but write the way I think so it’s usually funny whether I’m trying to be or not.
I always enjoy a good laugh. It’s why I wish that sitcoms weren’t a dying breed on TV. They were what I always loved to watch.
Me too! I am definitely not a fan of “reality” shows. I’m just about through another re-watch of Community. It’s one of my favorites.
Humorous cozy mysteries are my absolute favorite!! I love a good laugh, and laugh often. In fact, those cat pictures had me giggling, Libby! Congrats on the book! I can’t wait to read Mischief Nights are Murder!!
Thank you so much, my friend. I can’t wait for you to read it too! I hope you love it.
Congratulations on your latest! I like to laugh all the time. Sometimes it’s not appropriate, but it’s always my go to!
Me too! If laughter keeps you young, I’m still about 12 years old.
Congratulations on the new book! I can’t wait to read it! I love to laugh when I read…the funnier, the better.
Me too, Christi! I also love to laugh when I write so Poppy and Aunt Ginny are a win win for me.
Yes, I do. After I stop laughing, my husband will ask me what I was laughing about. I will then read it to him and we both start laughing. Thank you for sharing. Happy book birthday. God bless you.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Love your outlook and sense of humor, Libby!
Thank you so much, Mary.