Guest Post by Chrystle
Fiedler
Reality is over rated.
At least I think so. Instead, I find comfort escaping into the world of a cozy
mystery. Before I wrote cozy mysteries, I read them, Agatha Christie’s tales of
Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes and Dashiell Hammett and
watched them; Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, and Murder, She Wrote which
I’ve recently rediscovered on Hallmark TV.
Whether it’s in these
pages or by watching these shows, I escape, like you do, to the coziness of
quaint country villages, dappled country lanes, inviting stores on the high
street, and of course, lovely rose covered cottages; inside, a cup of tea
waiting.
Of course, the world of
the cozy is in stark contrast to the murderous crimes committed there that
shatter the peace and serenity. But we also know the detective will figure out
the puzzle, catch the killer and put things back in their proper place. That’s
incredibly satisfying to me as a writer as well, to have the power to put
things back into balance.
My natural remedies
mysteries are also set in a classic cozy setting, in this case, a real, idyllic
fishing village on the East End of Long Island in NY called Greenport. When I
was growing up the area was somewhat depressed but within the past two decades,
Greenport has come into its own as a tourist destination with upscale eateries
and boutiques, sandwiched between Mom and Pop hardware stores, diners and retro
stores. Forbes magazine has even named Greenport one of the prettiest
villages in the U.S.
I’ve always had an
interest in natural medicine so I made my cozy protagonist, Willow McQuade, a
naturopathic doctor who takes over a health food store – Nature’s Way Market
& Café - after her Aunt Claire meets an untimely end. The store is located
in a lovely 3 story yellow Victorian house across with a water view. Inside,
it’s cozy too, with a homey feel, yummy cooking smells and the scent of
essential oils, herbs and flower essences.
To complete my cozy
universe, I gave Willow, a hunky ex-cop love interest named Jackson Spade, an
adorable rescued dog and two rescued cats, loyal friends and workers and the
spirit of her Aunt Claire to guide her.
Writing the natural
remedies mysteries also gives me a wonderful chance to share what I’ve learned
about natural cures with readers. It’s amazing what you can find in your
kitchen and garden that can soothe and heal you. That’s a cozy feeling too.
In Scent to Kill, my
latest natural remedies mystery cozy, I focus on the practice of aromatherapy,
the use of essential oils to improve health and well-being. As I’m writing I
can smell the lavender, jasmine and roses.
Whether I am writing my
cozies, reading or watching them, I experience the same comfortable, homey, and
safe feeling, knowing that no matter what happens, that all will be well in the
end. Where else can you get that guarantee? Cozy mysteries are one of the best
antidotes to reality I’ve found. How about you?
Here’s the scoop on
Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery
“Scent to Kill is a
well-crafted mystery…Devotees of natural medicine and aromatherapy will enjoy
the tips that appear at the beginning of each chapter and scattered throughout
the text.” Publisher’s Weekly
Willow McQuade,
naturopathic doctor, along with her hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade,
attend a party for a psychic TV show that is filming on Long Island’s idyllic
East End. However, Willow is much more interested in visiting the estate’s
lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops she'll be
holding at her store, Nature’s Way Market & Café.
Before the party is
over, Roger Bixby one of the producers is dead and the police suspect murder.
Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife
and the new girlfriend of Willow's ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon
Lewis.
After Willow leaves the
party, she gets a frantic text from Simon asking for her help. Since Simon had
a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the
primary shareholder in Galaxy films, Willow's ex becomes the prime suspect.
Simon begs her to crack the case and clear him of the murder. MJ McClellan, the
psychic and star of the show also asks Willow for help. She hires Willow to
provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga
to soothe the agitated crew of her show.
To find the killer,
Willow has to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional
family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical
to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson has been hired to
provide security and is there to watch her back and help Willow solve this
spooky mystery.
As a bonus, you’ll find
dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that can improve your
health. I think you’ll be surprised as how much they can help you feel better
in mind, body and spirit!
For a chance to win a
copy of Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here!
Chrystle Fiedler is the author of SCENT TO KILL, (Gallery Books/Simon &
Schuster) the second in the NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY series, DEATH DROPS: A
Natural Remedies Mystery, the non-fiction title THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO
NATURAL REMEDIES (Alpha, 2009), co-author of BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW!
(Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, the BEAT SUGAR
ADDICTION NOW!COOKBOOK (Fairwinds Press, 2012) and THE COUNTRY ALMANAC OF HOME
REMEDIES (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle’s magazine articles featuring natural
remedies have appeared in many national publications including Natural Health,
Vegetarian Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Remedy. Visit www.chrystlefiedler.com