Emily sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we, the readers, can get to know her better.

What is your full name?
Emily Wilson, but my closest friends call me “Em.”

How old are you?
Old enough to know better, still too young to care.

What is your profession?
2nd Flute, Colorado’s Monroe Symphony

Do you have a significant other?
No, but we’ll see what develops. My lawyer is. . .well, very good at litigation.

What is his name and profession?
Barry Reitman, lawyer, seems interested, and he’s intriguing, but I’m not sure commitment is for me. The jury’s still out.

Do you have any children?
No. My nephew is as close as I’m likely to get.

Do you have any siblings?
A sister. I love her, and we help each other, so when her son is accused of the murder of the Monroe Symphony conductor, we both jump to his aid.

Are your parents nearby?
Yes. My mom is in the next town. Near, but not too near. She’s a little odd. She’s been a widow for years, but wants me to find a man.

Who is your best friend?
KC Giroux, who lives with me. She has a complicated past and a bright future.

Do you have any pets?
Yes. Golden, a retriever who’s always there for me, even when no one else is. She’s a professional napper, therapy dog, and amateur psychologist.

What town do you live in?
Monroe, Colorado; a smallish city near the mountains.

What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I own a small three-bedroom house, close to Fleisher Hall, which is where the symphony performs. I’m on a musician’s budget, so I’m a DIYer.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The kitchen. It’s a cheery yellow with skylights and windows into the trees and, at least when KC’s home, it’s filled with yummy smells.

Favorite meal and dessert?
Depends. Anything KC cooks. If I’m the chef, frozen meatloaf in the red box is the best meal to be had.

Do you have any hobbies?
Practicing and sleuthing take up most of my time. I also cross-country ski. This is Colorado, after all.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
A relaxing lodge in the mountains, with hot tub.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Reading a good mystery or thriller in front of the fire with my dog nearby. And maybe talking to Barry about anything and everything.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Have Flute, Will Sleuth

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Definitely amateur. My lawyer, Barry, provides moral support and legal knowledge, but it’s my friend KC who taught me to rely on my instincts.

What is a typical day in your life like in general, and when you are on a case?
Before the murder—practice, students, rehearsals, playing Nutcracker Ballet, dog walking. After the murder about the same, except add in investigation, worrying, and hugging Golden.

Ballistics at the Ballet, A Musical Murder Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: September 2022
Purchase Link

When temperamental conductor Felix Underhayes is killed before a rehearsal of the Nutcracker ballet, everyone realizes the show must go on. At an already crazy time of year, things become more complicated when Emily Wilson’s nephew, percussionist Charlie McRae, is accused of the crime.

Emily’s sister, Kathleen, and their mother arrive to help prove Charlie’s innocence, but in spite of their best intentions, their efforts do more to hinder the police investigation than to help.

To secure justice for her nephew, can Emily juggle performances and family dynamics, while she dodges a demented killer who wants to silence her?

About the author
Barbara Bowen is a freelance writer and accomplished professional oboist. Drawing on her quirky fellow musicians and orchestral experiences, she created the mystery series, “Musical Murders.” The first is “Music is Murder” (Release date, 6-9-2021). The second is “Ballistics at the Ballet” (Release date, 9-14-2022) The third is “Fireworks on the Fourth” (Release date TBA). She is a member of Sisters in Crime, lives in Colorado with two canine friends, and has a song for any occasion.

Contact Barbara at barbarabowenauthor.com, on BookBub, and on Facebook.

All comments are welcomed.