By Liz, excited to welcome Carol Perry back to the blog! You may know I’m kind of obsessed with my nearby town of Salem, Mass., and so of course I love that Carol’s books take place in the Witch City, where she’s also from! She’s celebrating her 14th book today – and she’s talking about Salem and its impact. Congrats, Carol!
Thanks, Wicked Authors for inviting me to spend time with all of you to celebrate the release this week of my new cozy mystery, Death Scene—the 14th book in my Witch City Mystery series.
Here’s a bit of the back-cover blurb:
“It takes a lot for Salem locals to get excited about their historic Massachusetts town being known as “the witch city.” But when a major studio arrives to shoot a witchcraft-themed movie, folks go Hollywood. For WICH-TV’s program director and chief documentary-maker, Lee Barrett however, the project may come complete with a real-life death scene . . .”
When the first book in the series, Caught Dead Handed was released in September of 2014, I had no idea that Lee Barrett, cop boyfriend Pete Mondello and a clairvoyant gentleman cat named O’Ryan would still be having adventures together a decade later! Choosing my birth city of Salem for the locale of my very first attempt at mystery writing came easily. (The fact that I was born there one long-ago Halloween Eve might have had something spooky to do with it too!)
Salem is blessed with a wealth of historic buildings. The cover of Death Scene shows the one we call “The Witch House.” This structure is the only one still standing with direct ties to the witchcraft trials of 1692. A Judge Jonathan Corwin and his family lived here, and legend tells us that the Judge actually held the trials in his home which ultimately sent seventeen souls to the gallows. Last summer I made a visit to the Witch House to see for myself the room where the trials took place—and where much of the action in Death Scene happens too! The main floor houses artifacts both historical and horrifying. I saw hand-written transcripts of the actual trials as well as some of the downright creepy things used to induce confessions from the accused.
In my story, when the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where Corwin held the trials—and her on-screen lover in full period costume is found asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a present-day killer on the loose in Salem. Even with help from Pete, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, O’Ryan the wonder cat, and Lee’s best friend –tarot card reader and practicing witch River North, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act!
Kirkus Reviews had these good words for Death Scene : “A little history with a little mystery proves just the right mix in this good-natured tale.”
Readers: Do you like books set in in real places, with mentions of present day streets, buildings, restaurants, or do you prefer made-up towns? (I write both—real Salem for Witch City Mysteries and make-believe Haven for the Haunted Haven series.) I’ll send the newest book of each series to one lucky commenter!
The Wickeds 
Congrats on your book release Carol. I do love books set in real places because if I visit that location, I get to visualize what I read in the book.
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Thank you, Dru. Salem has so many interesting places to visit, the city makes it easy for me to tell about them.
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Congratulations on your newest book! I do love reading about places that I have been too. I’m originally from MA and have been to Salem a few times. When my husband and I were dating, he took me to Salem on Halloween and it was such fun. All the costumes and plays and touring. Thank you so much for this chance at your giveaway.
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Paula, I’m so glad you’ve had the opportunity to visit Salem–especially in October!
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I like reading about real places because then I can explore the actual area with the book. And then again, fictional lively towns are fun to imagine. Congratulations on your new book!
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I agree about liking both kinds of story, Kathy. I like writing each of them too.
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Congratulations, Carol! I live not far from Salem but I’ve only been for the Peabody Essex Museum and the brewpub. One of these years I need to do some historical touring – but unlike Liz, I’ll never go in October.
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The October thing is something you’d only do once in a lifetime! Unless you live there and even then, some folks leave town! That museum is such a treasure, isn’t it?
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I love this series and just received the new book yesterday. Congratulations to you on the new book. Being from Lowell, not far from Salem, and a history fan, I have been to Salem many times. I like visiting with Salem through a book and the familiarity of places. Fictional places are as much fun when you read about them, since as a reader, I can also recognize the community similarities I see in places I know. A reader can find the place for the cup of coffee and the Saturday run to the hardware store. Community and the people who populate it are a great lure to a good story. Keep bringing us Salem!
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Thank you so much Doris..I can tell you really “get it” in both kinds of books–and I’m delighted that you like mine!
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Congratulations on the newest release, Carol! Yes, I love fiction set in real places. It gives readers a special connection to that place. A few weeks ago while vacationing with my family, we decided to make a slight detour driving from Boston to Québec City to see the Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME. I narrated a 5-book series based on the Nubble Light and environs and I cannot tell you how moving it was for me to be there. The sci-fi series I’m now recording is set the 31st century in the far reaches of the universe and I can only visit it in my mind.
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Thank you Anne Marie. My husband Dan and I are big fans of “road trips” and often take detours to see places we’ve read about! The most recent really cool detour on the way to New Hampshire took us to Gettysburg!
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Gettysburg is a must-see for sure!
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I like both really. I think it is interesting when they are actual cities. Even if you haven’t been there, you can look it up if you want to and get a feel for where it is.
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Yes, Linda. I’ve learned that some of my readers actually do that and it brings me joy.
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Congratulations on the new release. I love this series and I think a small part of it is because of the location. I prefer a setting in a real place but still love made-up locations. Salem is my most favorite place. I live in southern NH but travel to Salem MA all the time. My son lives in Salem and for those from the area, Laurie Cabot was my teacher and that’s where I began my journey to become a better witch. Salem has great little independent shops, wonderful restaurants and a great museum. October and yes, even now September is busy and the closer you get to Halloween the crazier it gets but if you’re wanting to people watch, it’s a fun time.
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Oh, New Hampshire reader–how special that you learned from Laurie Cabot. I’ve met her daughter back before I began writing the Witch City books. I’m working now on Book #15 and begin with a quote from Laurie!
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Penny is a wonderful person. I’m honored to be her friend. I love your books and look forward to each one. Laurie doesn’t come to our rituals anymore because as she’s over 90, it’s not safe to be around lots of people. Penny does sometimes come to ritual though.
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Yes, I’m old too and try to avoid crowds–especially airports!
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I love this series! Can’t wait to read this latest book! I don’t mind books set in real places, most of those places I have never been to so wouldn’t know if you got something wrong…lol. I don’t mind fiction places either. 🙂
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I try hard not to get things wrong–but sometimes a restaurant changes its name before the book comes out! Oooops!
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Congratulations on your new book baby, Carol! I enjoy the escape of a completely made up setting. On the other hand, it’s a lot of fun to read about a real setting and think, “yeah, I know where that is!” So, best of both words!
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That’s the way I see it too!
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I love books set in real life places with references to real streets, buildings, etc. It gives me more of a sense of the place. Congratulations on your new release!
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I like to feel that I’m walking down that street, seeing that house–(whether it’s real or imagined!)
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Carol J, I love both your series!
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Thank you Susan! I love yours!
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Congratulations on the new book! I like both. Real places let me armchair travel and pretend places are fun to imagine. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
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Thanks Carol. I like both too.
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Congratulations on your new book. I enjoy reading about real locales as it is meaningful and resonates with me.
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Sometimes when I read about real places, I look them up and learn more about them.
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Congratulations on your release! When I read about real places it comes alive for me and it makes the experience even more authentic and interesting.
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There are so many places I’ve read about in stories that made me want to visit for real! My bucket list keeps growing!
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Yes, love reading about real places because I love learning about places like Salem because of the information on it and like seeing pictures and explanations too. Also reading about real life makes me feel like I am there which is more interesting and intriguing.
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Yes, Crystal. That’s the way it is for me too.
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Congratulations on your new book. I enjoy reading about both. Makes for an interesting read either way.
Thanks for the chance!
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A good author can hook me either way too, B.
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I enjoy both, real places can take you there, especially when the author really knows the locale. I do find it a bit distracting though when I know the location and the author gets it really wrong, like moving a well-known landmark or omitting a street, building or other spot that is iconic to the area. On the other hand, it’s fun to imagine what could be! Fictional places often allow both the reader and writer to create new worlds. Congratulations on your new release!
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I appreciate that thought. I try so hard to be accurate in the Salem books, and let my imagination fly in Haunted Haven!
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I love both – reading about real places can give me an entirely new perspective on them or simply just take me to them through the power of the imagination, while made-up places help to give a little glimpse into the author’s fantasy world. Congratulations on the new book, it looks and sounds incredible! The cover is just gorgeous.
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Kensington does make all my covers beautiful! I love this one especially too.
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As long as they are well written, I love both. Place is very important to me when reading a book. I have to be able to walk with the protagonist to really get into a book. If I can’t “see” the story, I lose interest fast. I enjoy reading about real places, either ones I’m familiar with (like Salem), or invented ones that become very real to me. Would absolutely love to win your latests.
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Yes, GInny. I want a writer to really “put me there,” whether it’s a real place or a make-believe one.
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Fictional places allow for more leeway and creative license, but I really like learning about real-life places and getting to experience them through the characters. And it’s fun to recognize a place I have been to and bring back memories of the trip.
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You’re right about the creative license in the fictional places–and I like to let my characters experience the real ones!
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Congratulations on the recent release of DEATH SCENE!
Honestly, I love stories both ways. If an author uses an actually place or event, they need to do their research to make it as accurate as possible. If the place is imaginary except through the pages of a book, the author had more flexiblity but even then it needs to be believable and consistent in details. It’s often the backdrop that makes the reader imagine the events in the forefront of the story. I know it does me bringing depth and life to what’s going on. Sort of going from 2D to 3D.
Thank you so much for such a generous giveaway! I would be thrilled if selected and would love to read and review both books.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Fortunately, I love doing research–and often find myself in a rabbit hole chasing a shiny object that has nothing to do with the main quest!
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One of the best day trips I took was a bus trip Salem on Halloween. It was the strangest sites to see.
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A bus trip is a truly wise way to see Salem at Halloween–parking in Salem is difficult anytime!
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Halloween is very crazy in Salem. Coming other times of the year is wonderful and less crowded.
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I like both. If it’s a real place that I’ve been then I enjoy spotting familiar places.
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Thanks, Wendy. I know what you mean about familiar places. I like TV shows about places I’ve been too.
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Congrats, Carol! I love both, as long as I can visualize the place.
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Thanks Liz. I’m a “visual” reader too–and try hard to “show,” not just “tell,”
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I like both. It is especially fun when the setting is an area that I am familiar with and I recognize places that are mentioned. Vivien Chien’s Noodle House series is set in the Cleveland area so I eagerly read each new book wondering what places will be mentioned that I have been to. Congratulations on your new book! It just boggles my mind how many long running mystery series are out there that I haven’t had the pleasure of reading. I just added both of yours to my ever growing TBR list.
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Thank you Sue. I had no idea that Witch City would have such a long run!
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I enjoy reading both.
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I do too, and my TBR list continues to grow!
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I like reading both.
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Me too!
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Oh, sounds wonderful! I had no idea that any of the original sites still stood. I’m good with real or imaginary places, but I do like it when the imaginary ones allude to real one to establish a sense of place.
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Yes. That’s tricky to do, but so effective. I’ve tried to do it with the Haunted Haven books–imaginary town, but with bits and pieces borrowed from some of Florida’s real off-the-beatn-path places!
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I love books set in real places. Makes me want to learn more about them.
Congratulations on your new book!
Love the cover and it sounds amazing!
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I love the cover too.I’m thinking about asking Kensington to use real places on some future covers.
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I like both! Sometimes it is nice to visit some place that does not exist and sometimes I like visiting a real place in a book that I could actually visit in person someday. Both can be fun.
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Yep. I agree completely.
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Congratulations on your two new releases. I love both series and I’m looking forward to reading both books. I like stories set in real and historical locations. It’s nice to read about the history featured in the book. I also like books featuring fictional locations.
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I like the real, historical locations in books too, Dianne. I also like the picture of your cat who looks like my O’Ryan!
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I like both real and fictional settings. I also like it when an author takes a real setting and invents things that don’t exist in that setting. An example of that is the Lighthouse Mystery series by Eva Gates (Vicki Delany). In reality, the lighthouse is an ordinary fixture which the author turns into a library with a library cat living there. What a great setting!
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I’ll check out the Lighthouse series. I love the apple barn locale and the cats in the “Cat Who” series for the same reason.
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It is so nice to meet you, Carol! I have been fascinated by your mystery books, and just have to read DEATH SCENE! Congratulations on the birth of your latest creation, which offers us eager readers one more intriguing mystery book! Thank you for your most interesting blog today! To answer your question: I like both …your own Haven location fits right in with your stories, and Salem, well…we all know that for centuries, witches have picked the right place to exist, so it also fits with your series. Please do keep writing your series!!! JOY! Luis at ole dot travel
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Thank you for your kind words, Luis! Even though I was born in Salem, my appreciation for that city and the witches grows with each book. I’m also having so much fun with my ghosts!
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Congratulations on your new book. I will have to read your books, Cape Ann is my favorite place. I go to Salem occasionally and always have a good time.
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I lived on Cape Ann (Gloucester) for many years. I mention places on Cape Ann in many of the books!
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congrats on the new book. I do like to read books set in real locations w/ landmarks. Sadly, i have never been to salem. Perhaps i will make it one day. Do they celebrate Christmas much? maybe i could go then when i have some time off work.
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Christmastime in Salem often features beautifully decorated homes you can visit as well as the usual shopping experiences. A little less witchy, more traditional at that time.
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Congratulations on your new book. I have read the entire series and have enjoyed all of them. I actually like it when it is an actual place and some of the characters go to real places that exist. I am so glad that you have been able to continue this series. Sherrie Wood
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Thank you Sherrie. I love my characters and my city so much, I hope they continue for a long, long, time! I’m so glad you are enjoying their adventures too.
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Congratulations on your new book! As useful as I’ve found writing a fictional setting–no worries about someone telling me I “really wrote about their no ‘count brother-in-law, right?”–I have to admit I enjoy reading a real setting, especially if I can get to visit.
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Not to say that a “no’count brother in law” or a pesky ex-husband might show up as a character in a real setting!
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Congrats on the new book. I like both, but the real town settings give me great ideas for places to visit/things to do. If I’m familiar with the town, that’s even better. sue.stoner72@yahoo.com
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Yes, Sue! I like to visit the real places I’ve read about too.
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I LOVE scary or mysterious books that mention real-lives te places. My town, Bristol, CT, has some wonderful history and places that could for so well into a great mystery…cozy or not! Salem- well, alright!
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I visited Salem last year, as well as The Witch House. I love when I am familiar with a setting. I will have to add this book to my fall reading lineup.
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