Alexis Winston is the sleuth in “Sierra Pines B&B” mysteries and sits down to answer a few questions so that we can get to know her better.

What is your full name?
Alexis Winston

How old are you?
I’m 28.

What is your profession?
Currently, I own and run the Sierra Pines B&B, but I have a background in show business—screen writer, show researcher, and prop design.

Do you have a significant other?
It’s a serious relationship. . .sort of.

If so, what is his name and profession?
Quint Sterling. He’s the local sheriff.

Do you have any children?
No.

Do you have any siblings?
I’m an only child.

Are your parents nearby?
They live across the country in New York City. They are well-known Broadway theater actors.

Who is your best friend?
I’m still getting to know people in town, since I’ve only lived in Sierra Pines for a few months. I’d have to say Gladys and Ollie Bellwether are the closest to me. They help run the bed and breakfast. I’ve known them for years.

Do you have any pets?
My late great aunt Julia’s parrot, Blackbeard, is like the house mascot. Ollie and I help take care of him, but I think Blackbeard belongs to no one. He’s a free spirit.

What town do you live in?
Sierra Pines, California

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
It’s small and friendly, nestled in the foothills and pine forest of the Lake Tahoe region.

What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
The B&B is an old Victorian house with three floors, if you include the attic bedrooms.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
I’d have to say the atrium. Beautiful view of the backyard and the rosy dogwood, dedicated to the memory of my dear great aunt Julia.

What is your favorite meal and dessert?
Everything Gladys cooks or bakes is delicious, so it wouldn’t be fair of me to choose. However, the Christmas holiday baking with all those cookies has to be the best!

Do you have any hobbies?
Between running the B&B and solving mysteries, I have no time for hobbies. Unless you’d call watching classic movies, especially ones that are connected to Aunt Julia, with Gladys and Ollie a hobby.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I’d say where I live is the best vacation spot! Plenty of resorts to ski, and the Pacific Ocean is only a three-hour drive away.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Besides the evening game night every Friday at the B&B, I love all the entertaining events our town presents. Like the Christmas charity function coming up. Lots of holiday spirit to go around!

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Life With A Showbiz Family

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Definitely amateur, and Sheriff Sterling runs the show!

What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
Generally, the days are spent running the B&B—preparing rooms for new guests, helping Gladys with breakfast meal prep, housekeeping details, entertaining guests with game nights, organizing local tour sites, etc. However, when my cousin’s new bride ends up dead at the bottom of a ski slope and he’s suspected of murder, how can I not get involved? Good thing I have friends to help me, like the Bellwether siblings. Together we can get the crime solved. Oh, and of course Quint Sterling does his part too! *Wink, wink.*

Snowed Under Murder, A Sierra Pines B&B Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: March 2022
Purchase Link

The holiday season has arrived when all should be merry in Sierra Pines. A plea from her mother pushes Ali to offer her annoying cousin, Nathan, and his even more annoying bride, Isadora, lodging at the B&B. When Isadora is found dead at the bottom of a ski slope and fingers point to Nathan as suspect number one, the merry season turns into a scary season for the residents of Sierra Pines. Soon, the B&B needs numerous repairs, the Sierra Pines Alliance of Cultural Activities is missing funds, and business owners quarrel incessantly about their dismal sales. What horrible spell has fallen on this cozy town? What’s worse—everyone blames Nathan for bringing a curse. Ali knows her cousin might get on her nerves, but he’s no killer. However, can she prove his innocence?

About the author
Retired teacher, Kathryn Long now spends her days plotting and writing mysteries. Besides her Sierra Pines B&B Mysteries, published credits include Buried In Sin and The Lilly M. Mysteries. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. As Bailee Abbott, she writes the Paint By Murder Mystery Series. The second book, Kill Them With Canvas, will release October 11, 2022. She lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio.

All comments are welcomed.