Guest Blogger - Krista Davis

In August I had the opportunity to go on one of Molly Weston’s fabulous North Carolina author tours. Along with my Killer Cozy friends, Avery Aames, Riley Adams (Elizabeth Spann Craig), and Ellery Adams, I had a ball. Molly’s interviews and author signings were the highlights of the trip. A warning to authors planning to tour with Molly -- she never asks the same question twice! That fresh, unrehearsed quality is one reason people love her author interviews. You never know what might happen!

Molly denies any domestic diva tendencies, but don’t let her fool you. I know Southern graciousness when I see it. Being a bit of a domestic diva myself, I loved the coziness of Molly’s home. Nestled in trees, it has a huge, wonderful fireplace that made me want to curl up in a cushy chair with one of the hundreds of books lining the shelves.


While we were talking, Molly proudly told me about her daughter Erin’s horticulture business. As part of that business, Erin makes and sells gorgeous Southern Magnolia wreaths at the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh, North Carolina. We’re talking really beautiful natural wreaths that would make Martha Stewart drool.


If you’re familiar with my books, you know that while I love domestic divas, I also poke a little bit of fun at them. In THE DIVA COOKS A GOOSE, Natasha, one name, please, like Cher, has declared pink and turquoise the new red and green for Christmas decorations. Sophie, who is Natasha’s rival, prefers to keep things simple but lovely. Natasha turns her nose up at Sophie’s traditional pine greenery, and it drives her crazy that their friends always gather in Sophie’s old-fashioned kitchen featuring an ancient stone fireplace.

Immediately after my fun trip to North Carolina, my copy edits were due for THE DIVA COOKS A GOOSE. As I read, I realized -- oh no! -- I poked fun at Natasha’s magnolia wreaths. Would Molly think I did that to insult her or her daughter? Heaven forbid!

Now, in my defense, I wasn’t making fun of magnolia wreaths. They’re classic Southern Christmas decor. Like a Chanel suit, they never go out of style. Natasha, who loves complicated crafts, paints her magnolia wreaths turquoise and adds glitter. In one notable instance, she pairs giant turquoise magnolia flowers with life-size pink peacocks wearing white wreaths on their necks. Ah, the joys of Christmas decorating! Just this past week I heard that blue is back for Christmas lights. We may see giant turquoise magnolia flowers and pink peacocks yet. Did I mention how much fun it is to write about domestic divas? Especially one like Natasha, who is always trying to outdo everyone else.


Should you have the good fortune to be in the North Carolina State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh this holiday season, look for Erin Weston and her beautiful magnolia wreaths. Tell her Sophie sent you.


Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Her first book, THE DIVA RUNS OUT OF THYME was nominated for an Agatha award. THE DIVA COOKS A GOOSE will be in bookstores December 7th. Watch the book trailer at Krista's website or You Tube.

Take Your Child to a Bookstore

Bookstores hold a place in the hearts and times of our community. They are places to discover an author, a story, a life. Nothing affords the conversation and interaction among books and book lovers that a bookstore does. In the future, whether you download your story or pluck a volume off a shelf, a bookstore will be able to accommodate. But in order for bookstores to flourish and thrive, we must expose future generations to the unique pleasures they offer. On December 4th, 2010, take the child in your life to a bookstore. Watch his face light up as you give him free access, not just to a new book, but to tomorrow.

NEGATIVE IMAGE by Vicki Delany (Poisoned Pen Press)

Mama said there'd be days like this—but she didn't say they'd come in bunches, like bananas.

Bad days really have come in bunches to Trafalgar, British Columbia. A high-rolling fashion photographer is murdered in his hotel room; Sergeant John Winters' wife is accused of the crime; a series of home burglaries is plaguing the town; Constable Molly Smith's father has a serious fall; and, Molly herself is being stalked. Let's not even mention that the RCMP investigator has already made his mind up about the murder.

I was quickly caught up in the small town's troubles and its people. Delany delivers a great story while letting new-to-the-series know enough about each continuing character to become involved immediately. This traditional police procedural is not too graphic for most and edgy enough for all. I look forward to more time with Winters and Smith and their assorted friends, families, co-workers, and the obligatory crooks.

FTC Disclosure - This book was provided by the publisher.

Oops! and another Video link

How like me to post a contest and forget to announce the winner! MommyWantsToRead posted the most identifications of the "King of Kindle" video by Parnell Hall.

If you enjoyed that video, Parnell made an updated version at Bouchercon which you may also enjoy.

Happy reading!