Spotlight/Book Giveaway/Interview: The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley

About the Book

Genre: Cozy Mystery, #2 in A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery Series
Publisher: Kathi Daley Books
Release Date: February 12, 2018

Synopsis from Goodreads...



It is Valentine's Day in White Eagle Montana and Tess and Tilly are busier than ever delivering Valentine Cards along with the daily mail. Of course it wouldn't be Valentine's Day in White Eagle without a mystery to solve or a Paws and Claws Holiday Adoption Ball to prepare for. Join Tess and Tilly as they team up with Bree, Brady, and Tony to make sure that every Valentine wish comes true and every animal shelter resident finds their perfect match in time for Valentine's Day.

Author Interview

I'd like to thank author, Kathi Daley, for agreeing to the interview and visiting Socrates' Book Reviews.

1. Who is the greatest influence in your writing career?

I really can’t say that there is any one person who has been the greatest influence since I have had help and inspiration from many sources. It was an editor friend Paul Dinas that first turned me onto cozies so if I had to choose just one person I guess I would stay Paul.

2. How do you keep from mixing up your different series and characters?

I have a very good editor who helps me keep track of everything. I also have a list of characters for each series.

3. Is it difficult to include animals in a fiction story?

No I don’t find it difficult to include animals. In many ways they are easier to write than people. I have had animals my entire life and am familiar with the way they act and the funny things they do so I just write about my real life experiences. I love writing animals and have animals in ever series I write.

4. Do you have a favorite series or character?

If you are asking what my favorite series is of the eight series I write it is the Zoe Donovan Series and my favorite character is Zak. I love everything about Zak.

5. What type of research goes into your books?

It depends on the series and the storyline. The setting is a big part of my series so I visit all the places I write about on a regular basis to gain ideas and inspiration. My 8 series are set in Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan Islands, an Island off the South Carolina Coast, Northern Montana, a small town on the Oregon Coast, and two in the mountains.

6. Do you outline your books? Do you know where you want the book to go or are you as surprised as your readers?

Nope I never outline. I just pick a starting point and start writing. I never know who the killer is and I am always surprised how it turns out.

7. Who are your favorite authors and/or books?

I have a lot of favorite authors but I guess I’d have to say that Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, and Dan Brown are some of my favorites. I also really like Barbara Delinsky and Sherryl Woods.

8. Do you have animals of your own? Are any featured in your books?

I had a Bernese Mountain Dog named Echo who is the star of my Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Series. He passed away this past spring. I am currently babysitting my son’s dog while he is in Ireland completing his doctorate so I have decided to wait until he comes home and takes his dog back to look for my next full time buddy.

9. How long does it take for you to write a book?

Two to three weeks depending on what else I have going on in my life.

10. Can you tell us anything about any future book releases?

I release an average of two books a month. Up next is Fifth Night – book 5 in my Writer’s Retreat Series, followed by The Valentine Mystery – book 2 in my new Tess and Tilly cozy mystery – and Farewell to Felines – book 15 in my Whales and Tails series. After that is Finding Answers from my Rescue Alaska series and Hippity Hoppity Homicide from my Zoe Donovan Series. I have worked out release dates beyond this.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!

Here's your chance to win either an ebook or paperback copy of The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley? Thanks to the author, I have one ebook or paperback to giveaway to one lucky winner.

Just a few simple rules...

1) You must fill out the rafflecopter form below.

2) Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old

3) US Residents Only

4) For one extra entry: Tweet about this giveaway.

5) For one extra entry: Leave a comment for the author.

6) For one extra entry: Follow this blog...old followers, too! Just let us know how you follow and under what name.

7) For one extra entry: Follow me on Twitter.

8) For one extra entry: Follow or friend me on Goodreads

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

The giveaway begins on February 13th (midnight est) and ends on February 20th (midnight est).

The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner here on my blog.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway