Crystal Rainey sits down for a Q&A with dru’s book musings responding to twenty or more questions so that we can learn more about her. Are you ready? Let’s get to know Crystal.
What is your full name?
Crystal Rainey
How old are you?
27 Years Old
What is your profession?
Wilderness Guide
Do you have a significant other?
I have a boyfriend I met several months ago.
What is their name and profession?
Connor Oakes, and he’s also a wilderness guide.
Do you have any children?
My parents keep asking when I’ll have children, but let’s wait until Connor and I have been together for at least six months to discuss kids.
Do you have any siblings?
I have a sister, who seems to do everything right in my parents eyes. She’s married, has an exceptional job, as well as two adorable children.
Are your parents nearby?
My parents still live in the same house where I grew up in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. The entire family gathers there every Sunday for brunch.
Who is your best friend?
My best friend is my former college roommate, Olivia.
Do you have any pets?
I am terrorized my cat Evil-Little-Feline, or Elf for short. I love the little cretin, but he has a way of keeping me on my toes.
What town do you live in?
I live in the beautiful city of Seattle, but my job takes me to vacation destinations around the Pacific Northwest.
Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I own a condo on Capitol Hill. It’s way too expensive for what I make, but I adore living in the heart of the city. Connor has his eye on a houseboat on Lake Union, just like Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle. That’s a ways into his future, but I wouldn’t have any problem living on the water.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
My cast-iron clawfoot bathtub has become my favorite place. It gives me a chance to wash away the dirt, aches, and pains accrued while performing my job.
Favorite meal and dessert?
Pizza from Pompeo’s and anything with chocolate.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’m lucky that my hobbies became my job. I get to hike, snowshoe, and canoe while getting paid for it.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
My job takes me to premium vacation spots, and so far my favorite was the mountain chalet we snowshoed to last winter. I just wish I got to stay in the same quality of accommodations as the guests, but maybe someday.
Do you have a favorite book?
I love anything by Edgar Allen Poe. I might have gone through a goth phase in high school, and adore his stories to this day.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
Learning more about the wilderness guide profession with Connor. I get better at my new dream job, have a ridiculously good time, and sneak in a few kisses with my boyfriend.
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
The Reluctant Sleuth
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I’m definitely an amateur. I want nothing more than to show people how to safely enjoy themselves outdoors, but for some reason I keep getting roped into solving murders.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
After receiving an assignment from my boss Amelia, I meet my tour group, drive them to the outdoors, and show them how to hike, camp, canoe, or whatever adventure they signed up for.
What is a typical day when you are on a case?
I wish I had a better plan for when I’m on a case, but I make it up as I go. Sometimes, I poke my nose where it doesn’t belong, pose as someone else to get a suspect to open up, and even do a little light trespassing from time to time. Full disclosure, though—that doesn’t always go over so well.
Spring Upon a Crime, A Seattle Wilderness Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: January 2021
Purchase Link
Wilderness guide Crystal Rainey leads a group of college students to a private campground amidst the awe-inspiring Olympic Rain Forest. The excursion is ruined when the charming hostess Roxie is discovered standing over the land owner’s body, murder weapon in hand.
Enlisted to investigate the crime to absolve her friend, Crystal descends on the quiet city of Forks to find loggers, developers, and eco-protesters circling the property, intent on either exploiting or protecting the bastion of old-growth forest. The list of suspects is intimidating. Can Crystal find answers in a community determined to keep her in the dark?
About the author
Award-winning author ML Erdahl lives amidst the trees of the Pacific Northwest, where he pens humorous cozy mystery novels set in the wilderness he has spent his lifetime exploring. The only thing slowing him down is when his adorable rescue dogs, Skip and Daisy, demand to be pet and cuddled on his lap while he types. When he’s not wandering the mountains, you can find him gardening, reading, or searching for the best coffee in Seattle with his wife, Emily.
All comments are welcomed.
Thanks ML and Crystal for dropping by.
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Dru! “Spring Upon a Crime” was a ridiculous amount of fun to write. The supporting cast constantly surprised me with their antics, which shouldn’t happen because I’m the one who wrote the mystery! I hope everyone enjoys this cozy as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I enjoyed getting to know Crystal, and this series sounds great. On my way to Amazon ~
Thank you, Celia! Enjoy the story!
I’ve read both books in this series.
Thank you so much for reading, Sandy! I just finished the first draft of the third book in the series, so I hope it isn’t too much longer until I get a chance to publish the next installment.