Jackie Layton joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. Read on to learn more about Jackie’s current and upcoming books, her morning coffee ritual, and why she chose to write cozy mysteries.
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 Jackie Layton
NAME: Jackie Layton
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery Series: Bite the Dust, Dog-Gone Dead, Bag of Bones, Caught and Collared
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? Traditional
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
My husband and I live on the coast of South Carolina. I’m a pharmacist and always dreamed of writing, but it took me years to gather the courage to try my hand at writing.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I learned to love sports while raising my sons. I enjoy watching football, but basketball is my favourite sport to watch, and I love March Madness. In professional sports, I enjoy watching tennis and golf.
- Agatha Christie and Diane Mott Davidson were the authors taught me to love adult mysteries.
- I do Wordle every morning while drinking my coffee.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
At first I tried romantic suspense, but I didn’t like the pace and writing chase scenes. I prefer creating a crime and having the sleuth search for clues. I also enjoy the relationships between the characters.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
My published series involves a dog-walker. In 2023 my first flower-farmer cozy mystery series will be published. I also have a series coming out in 2023 the sleuth will be a personal organizer.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
I knew my amateur sleuth would need a job with a flexible schedule in order for her to solve mysteries. I also love dogs. It was fun to create Heyward Beach, South Carolina from my favourite beaches.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
Cozies are fun. There’s also a sense of community and good friendships, and there’s the challenge of solving the mystery.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
I participate whenever I’m invited with author takeovers, author panels at conferences, and a few podcasts.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
Jenn McKinlay, Leslie Budewitz, and I still enjoy reading books by Agatha Christie.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
Agatha Christie’s Complete Secret Notebooks, The Bible, and How to Survive on a Deserted Island.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Caught and Collared is my only release for 2022, and the fifth book of A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series will be published in 2023.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Salmon
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Coffee
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: My wedding and engagement rings
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Paris, and I want to visit London again.
To keep up to date with Jackie Layton online, you can connect with her on:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BOOKBUB | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
Great interview, Jackie! Cheers from one Agatha Christie maven to another!
Thanks for hosting me! It was fun answering your questions!
Hi JC! Thanks for stopping by!
It was my pleasure Jackie – I’m glad you enjoyed the interview (I did too!)
Hi Jackie! Good to hear about your two upcoming series. I imagine a personal organizer would uncover many interesting clues for a mystery while getting someone’s things in order. Fun! And a flower farmer so intriguing as well. I loved the Diane Mott Davidson mysteries…..probably because I love food! Great to see all your writing success, my friend!
Thank you, Sherida! You always say the nicest things!
Jackie,
Your favorite food is salmon? Really? I wished I liked it because it’s healthy.
Such a fun interview! Thank you!
Thanks, Connie!
You are funny! How To Survive on a Deserted Island as the book you’d like to have if on a deserted island! Haha. I love your cozy mysteries and the great sense of community you weave through your stories.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting Sherrinda!
Great interview!
Thanks, Rose!