Charley Carpenter first appeared in The Book Club Murders and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Charley.

What is your name?
Hello! My name is Charley Carpenter.

How old are you?
My twenty-ninth birthday is in just a few days’ time. Something tells me my boyfriend, Marc, has something very special planned. . .

What is your profession?
My “real” job is running my beloved shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. Of course, people come to me for investigative help more and more these days.

Do you have a significant other? What is his name and profession?
Marcus Trenault and I started dating about 8 months ago, although we first met back in high school—a story for another day. He was a detective with the Oakwood Safety Department until last month, during the Advice Column Murders case, when he dropped his badge on the chief’s desk and walked out. Another very interesting story! Of course, since Marc recently revealed that he’s worth in the neighborhood of $12 million, he hasn’t been stressing too hard about finding another day job. Instead, he uses his amazing brain to help me solve my little puzzles.

Any children?
I’m holding off on children until I’m married, if that day ever arrives. One emotional crisis at a time, please!

Do you have any sibling(s)? Who is your best friend?
I’m an only child, but Frankie Cartolano and I have been BFF’s since we met in 7th grade. She’s dearer to me than any sister. Of course, she’s right beside me whenever I need backup during a case.

Do your parents live near you?
My mother died when I was a baby. It’s always been just me and my dad, Bobby. A series of strokes confined him to a wheelchair a few years ago. When it became clear I couldn’t care for him on my own anymore, we brought Lawrence Whitman into the fold as Dad’s fulltime caregiver. He worships his ex-coach and cares for him so lovingly. And all that muscle comes in handy sometimes, too!

In a few weeks I’ll be moving into the house right next door, with Marc. He bought it for me, so I wouldn’t have to choose between my men. I can’t wait until renovations are complete. It’s going to be gorgeous.

Cats, dogs or other pets?
Hercules is a silver tabby with big blue eyes and plenty of attitude. He helped me catch a killer once! I named him after my favorite fictional detective, Hercule Poirot. Once I make the move next door, I guess we’ll have to share custody. My father’s lap has become that sassy beast’s favorite napping spot.

What town do you live in?
Oakwood is a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. You’d expect a wealthy, insular bedroom community to be quiet and dull. And yet, dead bodies seem to keep turning up. . .

House or building complex? Own or Rent?
(See above)

What is your favorite spot in your house?
In my childhood home, I loved climbing out my bedroom window late at night, sitting on the porch roof, listening to the quiet sounds of my neighborhood, the breeze teasing the branches of the oak tree in our front yard. In fact, that habit helped me solve a crime recently. It pays to keep your eyes open!

Favorite meal? Favorite dessert?
I love Indian food, the spicier the better. My favorite dessert has to be sand tart cookies from Ashley’s Bakery. It’s two doors down from Old Hat, so I indulge more often than I should.

Favorite hobby?
Reading mysteries is my number one favorite pastime, followed by running. The silence, the rush of endorphins, it all helps me clear my head, especially when I’m trying to untangle a twisted mystery.

Favorite author?
Dame Agatha Christie, of course! Our old book club was called the Agathas, named in her honor. Of course, since the Book Club Murders case, most of the members are dead or in jail now. Frankie and I just formed the Oakwood Mystery Club: murder mysteries; female authors only; the more twisted and complex, the better.

Favorite vacation spot?
With this red hair and fair skin, I’m not a beach person. Honestly, money was always tight when I was growing up. Plus, my dad had to work a lot, even in the off season, so I haven’t been many places. Frankie says Italy is amazing; she’s got family there. I guess I’d like to go to Europe one day.

Favorite sports team?
We love the Dayton Dragons single A baseball team! And I’ll always be loyal to the Dayton Flyers.

Movies or Broadway?
Whenever a big blockbuster movie comes out, something with superheroes and plenty of explosions, you’ll find me the front row. Of course, I also love curling up on the couch with my man, a bowl of popcorn, and a black and white classic flick.

Are you a morning or a night person?
Morning person, especially if the coffee’s hot and the case is sizzling.

Amateur sleuth or professional?
I’m strictly amateur, although I’ve been getting plenty of field training from Marc. His years as a Chicago homicide detective have given him a wealth of skills and knowledge, which he’s been passing on to me (not always on purpose!).

Whom do you work with when sleuthing?
Marc helps keep me safe and points me in the right direction. But my favorite street team are the other five members of the Oakwood Mystery Club. In fact, we just solved the Codebook Murders by drawing inspiration from our latest book club read. I have a feeling this won’t be the last time that happens.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I always start my day spending a little time with Bobby, even if it’s just a quick cup of coffee. Then it’s off to work. Oakwood is so small, I usually walk the few blocks to Old Hat. Owning my own business, combined with my love of design and color, has made me so happy. When I’m on a case, I have to juggle that with running the shop. Thankfully I’ve got two awesome part time clerks, Heddy and Vanessa; they’re both Mystery Clubbers, too. If we can’t get an early run in, Marc and I like to hit the pavement after work, or the gym if weather doesn’t permit. He’s a better cook than I am; we’re hoping to dine in more often, once renovations on the new place are finished. Can you believe we’ll be living together? I am truly a lucky, lucky girl.

You can read about Charley in The Codebook Murders, the fourth book in the “Oakwood Book Club” cozy mystery series, released May 21, 2019.

Amateur sleuth Charley Carpenter discovers a coded journal that could crack her small town’s most infamous cold case wide open in this charming cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Book Club Murders.

As the owner of Old Hat Vintage Fashions, Charley Carpenter supplies retro apparel to the residents of Oakwood, Ohio, but she’s been known to set business aside to play detective when a mystery rears its head. And there’s no bigger mystery in Oakwood than the murder of Regan Fletcher—a case that’s haunted the town for decades.

Regan’s boyfriend, Carter, did time for the crime—until another man’s confession freed him. But did the “real killer” really do it? Or did Carter walk away with blood on his hands? When Charley stumbles on an old journal written in code, it only complicates the case by revealing a blackmail scheme that targeted dozens of Oakwood’s citizens, giving them all a motive for murder.

Now, with a spate of new suspects to pursue, plus a fresh murder and the abduction of her sleuthing partner, Charley must dig deeper still into the past—even as she risks being buried by her shadowy prey. Joining forces with Detective Marcus Trenault and the newly formed Oakwood Mystery Book Club, Charley turns to a classic whodunit for clues on catching a killer—before more lives are lost, and the truth dies with them.

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About the author
Leslie Nagel is the author of the Amazon #1 and USA Today bestselling Oakwood Book Club Mysteries, published by Random House Alibi and Audible. She is a lifelong resident of the very real city of Oakwood, Ohio. Uniquely, all her stories feature authentic landmarks of her hometown, many of which are pictured in the Crime Scene Safari on her website. Leslie earned her BA from Smith College and her MS in Education from University of Dayton. When she’s not at her computer, Leslie kills time as a professor of English composition. In those rare instances when the papers are all graded and her characters have fallen silent, she enjoys tennis, cooking, hiking, chasing her cat, and drinking a lot of strong black coffee.

Connect with Leslie online at leslienagel.com, Twitter @leslie_nagel, Instagram leslie_nagel and @LeslieNagelAuthor.

All comments are welcomed.