The news is really a downer these days, right? If you’re tired of what you’ve been reading in the newspaper and hearing on the radio and TV, here’s a suggestion: Jennifer J. Chow’s cozy mystery, Mimi Lee Gets a Clue. It’s perfect for COVID-19 times.
To quote from the back cover:
“Mimi Lee is in over her head. She has her new Los Angeles pet grooming shop to run; her matchmaking mother to thwart; her talking cat, Marshmallow, to tend to—oh, and the murder of a local breeder to solve …. Now if only Mimi hadn’t landed herself on top of the suspect list.”
You may think a talking cat is outlandish, but I guarantee that before long you’ll be thinking of Marshmallow’s powers as normal, not to mention useful.
I met Jennifer Chow in November 2015 when both of us were invited to take part in what was called a “Cross-Genre Promotion—Storytellers from Around the World.” Since then, I’ve been following her blog. But I hadn’t read her book until recently. I should have read it earlier, but, as I said above, it was perfect for our “stay-at-home” time.
Here’s a link to Jennifer’s website where you can read more about her and find links for buying her books: www.jenniferjchow.com
Today I’m pleased to say that Jennifer has agreed to come on my blog and answer a few questions.
Nicki: Hi Jennifer. Welcome. First, let me say that I’m really impressed with your ability as a writer and also with your productivity. Seven published books is a great accomplishment. When did you become interested in writing? Were you always interested in mysteries?
Jennifer:
Thank you for the kind words and for interviewing me, Nicki! I’ve always been an avid reader and writer. I took my dad’s old typewriter and started tapping on its keys when I was a little girl. Up through high school, I was involved with journalism, yearbook, a young poets’ association, and a literary magazine.
As a kid, I started off enjoying mysteries from reading Encyclopedia Brown. My mom and I would also read books by Agatha Christie. Even after I started writing seriously as an adult, I didn’t actually begin with straight mysteries. I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the twists and turns. Writing my first mystery began as a professional challenge and a personal way of honoring the time my mom and I had spent together.
Nicki: Toy Chihuahuas and a fluffy white cat feature prominently in your book. Do you have pets? Do you favor cats, or do you like dogs better?
Jennifer:
I plead the fifth! Haha! We have a divided household (dogs versus cats). I must say that I do admire the independence of cats and the loyalty of dogs. But, really, I’m a lover of all things fur-tastic!
Nicki: I loved your cast of characters, especially Mimi’s matchmaking mother and the quirky rich clients of her pet grooming shop, Hollywoof. Did you draw on your knowledge of LA and its people for your characters?
Jennifer:
Mimi’s mother, of course, has traces of my relatives in her. I did draw on my own experience as a Los Angeles resident for the others—either through direct impressions or via stories from friends. I made sure to sprinkle in customized quirks and fictionalize the characters, though!
Nicki: Mimi Lee Gets a Clue is A Sassy Cat Mystery, the first book in a series. When will the next book be available?
Jennifer:
Book Two in the series will release on November 10th. It’s called Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines, and it comes with double the kitty cuteness! You can pre-order it here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/605897/mimi-lee-reads-between-the-lines-by-jennifer-j-chow/
Thank you Jennifer for coming on my blog.
This looks very fun! Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for checking out this post, Marta!
You’re welcome.
Nice interview, Nicki. And nice to meet you Jennifer. I do love a cozy mystery. Pets are always welcomed. 🙂
Thanks, Lani.
Lovely to meet you, too, Lani! Cozies are fun to read (and write)!
Very timely! I finished my last series today. Thanks for the recommendation. As a dog and cat owner in L.A., I am looking forward to this.
Also, I once worked in that studio building you have pictured!
I’m glad we caught you at the right time, Autumn.
It’s interesting you worked in that building. Jennifer supplied the photo.
Yes! Sounds like great timing!
Thanks again for hosting me, Nicki! I really appreciate it!
It was really my pleasure, Jennifer. I like sharing a good book like yours.
Sounds like a fun book . . . I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a talking Marshmallow?
The cat is funny–very outspoken and opinionated, as many cats seem to be. He doesn’t like his name, by the way.
Marshmallow was such a pleasure to write!
Thanks for introducing us to Jennifer’s series, Nicki. It sounds fantastic! Lovely interview, ladies.
This book also has romance. I don’t think we mentioned the good-looking neighbor, who just happens to be a young lawyer. I think you’d like it, Jill.
Thanks for reading this post, Jill! It was such a fun interview.
Sounds like a fun book!
It definitely was a fun book, Kate. Now I’m reading Stephen King’s new book, If It Bleeds, another kind of fun.
I can’t handle too much horror, so I’ve only read 11/22/63 by Stephen King & On Writing. He does have a lot of great tips!
I haven’t read many of his either. But I did read 11/22/63. If It Bleeds is a collection of short stories. So far they’re not very scary.
Thanks, Kate!
Yay! Nicki, great minds think alike as they say, because I’m preparing a blog post on books I like to read during the pandemic. So this is awesome! This book sounds like what I need right now. I love a mystery, especially a cozy one! So glad to learn about Jennifer’s series! It sounds so entertaining!
So happy for you, Jennifer!
I haven’t read many cozy mysteries, so I can’t compare this to the wider field. But I loved it. Mimi and her family were delightful, the cat was fun, and the mystery really kept me guess. And lets not forget the good-looking guy. I’ll have to read more. I think you’ll like it.
Thanks for your kind comment, L. Marie! Happy reading!