Elizabeth Penney joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. I’m SO excited to have her on my blog – she writes The Apron Shop Mysteries (which I adore), plus one of my favourite cozy mysteries – The Cambridge Shop Mysteries. Read on to find out more about her books, why she started writing mysteries, and who her favourite authors are.
Who or What is The Cozy 52? Each week I will be sharing an interview with someone involved with Cozy Mysteries – an author, blogger, Facebook Group host, podcaster, cover designer – so that we can showcase this amazing community! I hope you’ll discover some new authors, plus learn more about what goes on behind the scenes with the people who write, publish and promote cozy mysteries!
Introducing Elizabeth Penney
NAME: Elizabeth Penney
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- The Cambridge Bookshop Series
- The Apron Shop Series
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? For the two series above, I’m traditionally published by St. Martin’s Press. I’ve also written extensively for what I call book club mysteries—multi-author series sold by subscription—for Annie’s Fiction and Guideposts.
The Q&A
A QUICK BIO
Elizabeth Penney is the Edgar Award-nominated author of the APRON SHOP SERIES and the CAMBRIDGE BOOKSHOP SERIES for St. Martin’s Press. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts.
Elizabeth’s writing credits include over thirty mysteries and women’s fiction novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She’s also written screenplays with her musician husband. Raised in Maine, Elizabeth spent her early years in England and France. Her ancestors were artisans from Barga, in Tuscany.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends. Oh, and trying to grow things in the frozen North.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I spoke French as a small child. After we left France, no one would respond to me so I stopped.
- I’m fascinated by recipes old and new and love cooking new dishes for my family—and teaching littles to bake and cook.
- I adore old houses with charming architecture (and secrets) and have to include them in my books.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, when I walked to a very old library in Maine and was allowed to check out my first Nancy Drew. My parents were great readers and our house was stuffed with books everywhere. Naturally I too aspired to writing my own stories, but despite encouragement from professors, I didn’t start seriously until I was over forty. Did a lot of business writing, though.
Cozy mysteries have always been a favorite genre for me. I love their sheer escapism and charm as well as how they explore interests, professions, and hobbies.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
So far, books and vintage garments, both interests of mine.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
Ideas for both appeared while brainstorming. Before developing a series idea, I study the market and see what’s been published and where something of mine might fit. I have a list of over twenty concepts for series! The apron shop and English bookshop rose to the top, like cream.
WHILE MOST OF YOUR BOOKS ARE SET IN THE USA, YOUR LATEST SERIES (THE CAMBRIDGE BOOKSHOP MYSTERIES) ARE SET IN ENGLAND. DID YOU HAVE TO DO A LOT OF RESEARCH FOR THE NEW SETTING?
My mother is from England and actually went to nursing school in Cambridge. Relatives of mine still live about fifty miles away, in King’s Lynn. I had planned to visit, but then 2020 happened. So my research was a combination of online (love Google maps street view), memories from previous trips, and input from two Cambridge groups on Facebook. They answered questions for me, which was so sweet. I experienced a big “phew” when a couple of reviewers from the area thought I’d nailed it.
Fun fact: George Flowers is inspired by a real person now deceased, a great friend of my grandmother and mother. I knew him as a child.
WHICH OF YOUR MAIN CHARACTERS DO YOU RELATE TO THE MOST?
Like children, I can’t pick a favorite. Iris is down to earth and wry, while Molly is bookish yet confident. Both are inquisitive and kind.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
My mother introduced me to classic British authors who shaped my reading and writing. Elizabeth Goudge, JB Priestley, and Dorothy Sayers are three that come to mind. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith also hits some of my favorite themes–setting, old houses, personal growth, intriguing family relationships, in general a feel-good and immersive read.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
The Bible, a handbook on how to build a radio, and a foraging guide.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
The Fatal Folio will be released on 10/24/23.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Hot and spicy
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Coffee
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: Pictures drawn by my now grown daughters for me
- FAVOURITE SEASON? Summer!
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Barga, Tuscany, Italy, where my ancestors came from.
To keep up to date with Elizabeth Penney online, you can connect with her on her website.
