Aleksandra Daniels sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we, the readers, can get to know her better. Are you ready? Alex, take it away!

What is your full name?
Aleksandra Elzbieta Daniels but everyone calls me Alex.

How old are you?
27

What is your profession?
That’s a good question. I used to be a risk analyst but now I work in my aunt’s herbal apothecary. I think I’m too inexperienced to be called an herbalist, though I’m fast learning about the herbs and remedies we sell. . . maybe apothecarian since I work in one?

Do you have a significant other?
I’m dating Jack Frazer. He’s a detective on the Bellamy Bay Police Force.

Do you have any children?
No. But maybe one day. . .

Do you have any siblings?
No. Just me.

Are your parents nearby?
My father died this past year and my mother drowned when I was a child. Sorry, I really don’t want to talk about it.

Who is your best friend?
I don’t have a best friend. I was always too busy working to nurture friendships. And I lost contact with friends from college. . . I guess my cousins Minka and Kamila are my best friends now.

Do you have any pets?
I have a wonderful German Shepherd puppy name Athena. She belonged to my father, but when he got too sick to take care of her, I took her in.

What town do you live in?
Bellamy Bay.

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
A very, very small town.

Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I’ve just relocated to Bellamy Bay about six months ago, so I’m living with my aunt Lidia until I get my bearings and figure out what I want to do and where I want to be. She lives in a beautiful historic Queen Anne-styled house and she invited me to stay with her. I help with utilities and groceries. I offered to pay rent, but she wouldn’t hear of it.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The kitchen table. Someone is always in the kitchen, and its where we talk and eat and drink together.

Favorite meal and dessert?
That’s a hard one! My aunt is an amazing cook. . . But probably rosol – Polish chicken soup. It’s a simple recipe but really filling and tasty, perfect when you’re sick or just coming inside on a cold, wintery day. My mother used to make it for me whenever we had snow days – a big pot of it – with fresh crusty bread. So good! And then my aunt’s apple cake placek z jabłka is probably my favorite dessert but that also depends on my mood. There’s also her szarlotka – Polish apple pie. . . Very hard to choose.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to jog for stress release. I get a lot of thinking done when I run, especially along the beach. Besides working at the shop and making candles and soaps – which I guess is a new hobby of mine – I don’t have any. I should get one, huh? LOL

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Right now, it doesn’t get any better than the beaches of Bellamy Bay.

What music do you listen to?
Depends on my mood but currently a lot of classic rock. The Eagles, Led Zeppelin. . . music I used to listen to with my dad. I miss him and when I hear it, I can pretend like we’re together, and listening to his vinyl collection.

Do you have a favorite book?
Not really. I’ve never had a lot of time for reading. I guess I should begin though. My life is a lot slower-paced than it used to be.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Movie night with my aunt and cousins, or a day at the beach with my boyfriend. I like simple pleasures.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
My Life Began In Bellamy Bay – Seriously, I feel like I’m finding myself now that I’ve moved down south.

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Amateur, I guess. But don’t let my boyfriend hear that – he gets very annoyed when he thinks I’m doing his job and also putting my life in danger. I try to get help from my family and friends, though I do as much as I can by myself.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
Wake up, and have coffee with the family. Head to Botanika, make candles and soaps – haven’t learned to make herbal teas just yet – work the counters, stock the shelves, and then after work I spend time with family and friends. . . And try to stay out of trouble.

What is a typical day when you are on a case?
Running around town trying to get answers, and hoping my aunt doesn’t wonder why I’m not at work!

A Hex for Danger, An Enchanted Bay Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: July 2021
Purchase Link

The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn’t used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other. . .except, of course, for the mermaids.

Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she’s still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who’s in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay’s history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.

The police investigation nets Celeste who asks Alex to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friend’s name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye. . .and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook?

About the author
Ever since Esme discovered Nancy Drew, she’s wanted to solve mysteries. As a mystery author, she’s finally found a way to make that dream come true. Esme lives in Raleigh, NC with her family. When she’s not writing or dreaming up new mysteries for her sleuths to stumble upon, you can find her dancing her calories away in Zumba, patronizing her local bookstores or visiting the beach, the mountains and all historical sites in between. Learn more about Esme at esmeaddison.com.

All comments are welcomed.