Anna Butler 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? Anna, take it away!

What is your full name?
Anna Butler. Ever since I met my John, I never wanted to be known by any other.

How old are you?
I’m on the wrong side of fifty and have the battle scars to prove it. Like every other decade of my life, I plan to live this to the fullest and have a lot of fun doing it.

What is your profession?
I am a bookstore owner. Bayside Books is where I spent my days for the past twenty years but I’m a baker at heart. And they say I have a knack for solving puzzles. Not just those 1000 piece things that can drive you crazy. I mean real life problems that plague people.

Do you have a significant other?
Sadly, not any more. I was happily married to my John for thirty four years. But I lost him two years ago. His death was highly suspicious. The police suspected foul play but nothing could be proven. Someone in town started a rumor that I had a hand in it. John was a history professor at Dolphin Bay University. He was very popular among his students.

Do you have any children?
I have a daughter. You must have heard of Cassandra Butler? She’s a famous Hollywood star. I’m so proud of her.

Do you have any siblings?
The less said the better.

Are your parents nearby?
My Daddy passed a while ago. Mama moved to a posh senior community in Southern California. She’s having the time of her life there, soaking in the sun near the Mexico border.

Who is your best friend?
I have two best friends, Julie and Mary. We’ve been through a lot together. They have my back and will take a bullet for me if necessary.

Do you have any pets?
None at present. We got a beagle when Cassie was four. She named her Coco. The two were inseparable. Then Cassie left home to try her luck in Hollywood and Coco died a year later. We didn’t have the heart to get a new pup.

What town do you live in?
Dolphin Bay. It’s a small coastal town in northern California, a few miles off Highway 1. Call me biased, but it’s the most beautiful place on earth.

What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I live in a sprawling four bedroom house with a giant backyard. It’s big enough for a swimming pool and a garden. John and I bought it just before Cassie was born.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The kitchen, of course. We remodeled it a few years ago and it’s any cook’s or baker’s dream with a large center island, double ovens, big refrigerator, fancy cooking range and a walk-in pantry that’s pure delight. We put in glass windows over the sink and I can see the bay shimmer somewhere in the distance. In the winter, when it gets dark early, I can watch spectacular sunsets while I cook dinner.

What is your favorite meal and dessert?
I like food! Especially delicious food. I will try anything once and I love sampling different cuisines but my mama’s lasagna has a special place in my heart.

I have a big sweet tooth and being a baker, I am always sampling new recipes for cupcakes. But I am partial to my tiramisu. It’s Cassie’s favorite dessert too, paired with her favorite meal of chicken parmesan.

Do you have any hobbies?
Some might say baking is my hobby but it’s actually my passion. I’m happiest in my kitchen, trying out new cupcake recipes.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere I am accompanied by my loved ones. John and I took many memorable trips to Europe. The girls and I recently went on a cruise to Mexico and it’s at the top of my list right now.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Good food, wine, friends and family around me. I cherish every moment like it’s my last one on earth, especially after the big health scare I had. Thankfully, I seem to have turned the corner.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
The Misadventures of Anna Butler. (laughs) I doubt anyone will want to read it though. Now if Cassie were to write one . . .

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Amateur at best, although even that’s a stretch. I don’t know how I find myself in the middle of solving these murders. I helped a couple of friends who didn’t have any other options and now people kind of assume I have all the answers. I can’t refuse when someone’s life is at stake.

What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
I try to stick to a schedule on most days. Mornings used to start with testing and tweaking cupcake recipes. After a quick breakfast, I headed to the bookstore. Once the café is open, I will get up early and bake a few batches of cupcakes. Julie and Mary come to the café around mid-morning. I try to take a break and have coffee with them. We have lunch together at least a few times every week, at the Tipsy Whale pub or the Yellow Tulip diner. I close up around four and go home and rest for a while. Evenings are spent cooking dinner, now that Cassie’s home. Julie turns up quite often, depending on her writing schedule. We watch some TV for a while and that’s pretty much it.

The routine doesn’t vary much when I’m trying to solve a murder. The only difference is I try to meet all the people involved and hear what they have to say. The girls and I might take a road trip to the city to check on some facts. It all begins with finding out who has a strong motive. And then I just follow the crumbs.

Cherry Lime Havoc, A Dolphin Bay Mystery #8
Genre: Cozy
Release: November 2021
Purchase Link

A heartwarming cozy mystery series about family, friendship and a crusade for justice.

Dolphin Bay is celebrating Founder’s Day with great pomp and show. Anna’s cherry lime cupcakes impress the patron of the year, a retired doctor who has generously sponsored the local food bank. The next morning, the whole town reels in shock at the news of his death.

When the police arrest Anna’s employee for murder, her criminal past is revealed. There is trouble in paradise as Anna realizes her gentleman friend kept secrets from her. Can Anna set her ego aside and go sleuthing to prove her employee is innocent?

Cherry Lime Havoc is a fast-paced cozy mystery with yummy food and plenty of twists and turns. Series fans will enjoy this latest instalment as Anna gets one step closer to solving her husband John’s murder.

About the author
Leena Clover is a popular, bestselling author of cozy mysteries with heart.

You can expect fearless heroines, small town drama, quirky characters and friendships that last a lifetime in her books. Yummy food and a murder or two are guaranteed! Visit her website at leenaclover.com to learn more.

All comments are welcomed.