Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Marjorie McCown, the author of the Joey Jessop Mysteries, including the first book, Final Cut, which is out now!
Would you please tell us a little about your book, FINAL CUT?
First of all, I want to say thank you for having me here today, Jessica!
FINAL CUT is a murder mystery set behind-the-scenes of a big budget Hollywood movie in production. The protagonist, Joey Jessop, is a film key costumer, and on the first day of principal photography, she finds the body of a murdered coworker on the beach in Malibu where the company has been shooting. The dead woman was seeing Joey's ex and because of that, along with the fact she found the body, she immediately becomes a suspect. Right away, because it's Hollywood, the story blows up in the press and social media, so Joey suddenly finds herself the target of a lot of negative publicity, too. That's when her problems really begin.
What was the inspiration for the series?
The inspiration for the series came from all the amazing experiences I've had working on movies like FORREST GUMP, APOLLO 13, HAIRSPRAY, ANGELS & DEMONS, and X-MEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. I've thought for a long time that a big movie in production would be an interesting setting for a mystery because a movie company is its own unique community, like a very specific kind of small town, with its own set of relationships and drama brewing. The film industry offers such a huge variety of people, activities, and locations that are just part of the normal moviemaking process, there's always plenty of raw material to inspire an endless number of stories!
Random Question: What's your favorite time of year?
This is a hard question to answer because there's a lot to love about every time of year! But if I have to pick, I'd say autumn, right around Halloween. I guess that's maybe a little on-the-nose for a costume designer, but I've always loved the pageantry and fun -- and the costumes of course -- at Halloween. It just feels like the big kickoff for the whole holiday season.
If you're able to talk about it, what are you working on now?
I've just handed in the second mystery in the Joey Jessop series to my publisher, Crooked Lane Books. The working title is STARSTRUCK, and the story follows Joey to another job on a movie that's set in 1930s Hollywood. Joey is thrilled about working with all those glamorous costumes, but there are (of course) problems on the job -- such as a hit-and-run accident that happens near the location where the movie company is filming -- that may or may not be linked to one of the movie's stars.
What are some of your favorite cozy mysteries? And what are some you're looking forward to reading?
Oh, my gosh -- so many answers to both!
Some of my favorites:
The Cajun Country Mystery Series (all 7 books) by Ellen Byron
These books are full of heart and humor, set in the fascinating Cajun community in Louisiana. Ellen always tells a great story!
The Maine Clambake Series (10 books and counting!) by Barbara Ross
These books will sweep you away to picturesque coastal Maine, but it's Barbara's twisty mysteries that will keep you turning the pages.
The Blue Ridge Library Series (7 books and counting!) by Victoria Gilbert
Victoria's characters feel like real people you're getting to know over the course of the series. The setting in the Blue Ridge mountains is charming, and the mysteries are all quite interesting. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself eagerly looking forward to the next book.
The Jane Wunderly Mystery Series (4 books and counting!) by Erica Ruth Neubauer
These books are set in the 1920s, and each mystery takes the reader to a different country and adventure with Jane Wunderly, who is a resourceful amateur sleuth. The stories are so vivid you can almost smell the exotic aromas of Istanbul or feel the Egyptian sun on your shoulders.
Cozy mysteries I'm looking forward to reading:
1) PLAYING IT SAFE by Ashley Weaver
2) DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA by Jennifer Chow
3) HIDDEN BENEATH by Barbara Ross
4) A CRYPTIC CLUE by Victoria Gilbert (this is a brand new series, and I'm really looking forward to the first book!)
Thank you again, Jessica, for the opportunity to be part of the conversation on your wonderful blog!
Thank you so much to Marjorie McCown for participating in this event!
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I love Hollywood books - looking forward to this one!
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