Hayden Caldwell 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 Hayden.

What is your full name?
Hayden Caldwell

How old are you?
26

What is your profession?
I’m co-editor of an online magazine called Natural Living. I also just got a new job as editor/writer/photographer for the Destiny Falls Observer – our local paper.

Do you have a significant other?
If you mean a significant other person that I’m really interested in. . . then yes. I can’t give you his name yet because there are two guys that have caught my eye. We’ll see what happens!

What is their name and profession?
One guy is our local sheriff, Jaxson. Ohhh, he’s amazing. Ruggedly handsome yet sweetly charming. And the other is an investigator. Han is a cool, quiet, James-Bond-ish guy with a heart of gold and a smile that’ll knock your socks off.

Do you have any children?
No kids yet, but hopefully someday.

Do you have any siblings?
That is an amazing part of my tale! I grew up as an only child, but recently discovered an enchanted world with two brothers and two sisters I never knew I had!

Are your parents nearby?
And there’s another part of my story! My parents disappeared right after my birth. We never knew what happened! I recently found my father- you’re not going to believe that story! And now I’m trying to solve the mystery of my mother, Emily’s disappearance.

Who is your best friend?
Oh, now you’re going to make me cry! My best friend Luna is back at home . . . and I’m trapped in this enchanted new land. I’m trying hard to connect with her, but it’s difficult.

Do you have any pets?
Well, you can’t exactly call her a “pet” anymore. My cat, Latifa has been elevated to side-kick! And she is an absolute kick, that one. Who knew?

What town do you live in?
I’ve recently been transported to the magical, enchanted land of Destiny Falls. It’s not on any map, so don’t try to find it. It’s filled with wonder and mystery.

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
I wish I knew! Destiny Falls feels very Hallmark movie, so you would assume it’s a small town, right? But others have suggested that it’s not. Another puzzle to be solved.

Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
For now, I’m living with my new-found family in their amazing home known as Caldwell Crest. It’s one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen. It has the feel of a cabin or a lodge with wood ceilings and rock fireplaces. But it’s the size and feel of a mansion! And rooms appear and change location to suit the family. Quite bizarre, if you ask me.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The kitchen here at Caldwell Crest is breathtaking! I’d never seen a room so beautiful. The ceiling is wood-covered, and the walls are also wood, made to look like a log cabin. A very expensive, modern log cabin, but a cabin, nonetheless. The cabinet doors are made of a rich, deep wood. There were miles of countertops made of black granite so shiny it reflects the lights in the ceiling. Oh, I could live in this kitchen!

Favorite meal and dessert?
I’m a big fan of cookies and tea—extra cream and sugar!

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to jog and hike, particularly on mountain trails. Happily, there are plenty of those to be found in Destiny Falls.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love to visit any remote place with mountains, trails, and lakes. Destiny Falls has all of that—plus some miracle waterfalls that would take your breath away.

What music do you listen to?
I used to listen to a runner’s channel that has everything with a solid beat. Now I seem to gravitate towards the natural sounds of the area. Birdsong, owls hooting, and even coyote howling off in the distance. It’s peaceful and energizing at the same time.

Do you have a favorite book?
I love cozy mysteries, especially those with a bit of magic. And I enjoy paranormal romance, too. I seem to be living the mystery plot these days!

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Put me in my hiking gear and show me to a mountain trail and I’m happy. I pack a lunch of all my favorite forbidden foods, like sausage with cheese and crackers, cookies and muffins. When you’re working hard to climb, calories don’t count!

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Hayden Finds Herself in Destiny Falls: The story of a regular girl in an enchanted place.

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I guess I’d qualify as an amateur sleuth! I seem to find myself around murder mysteries that I’m compelled to solve. I tend to draw in anyone who could possibly help, family and friends alike.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I love to start my day with a big mug of tea followed by a jog. Early mornings are my favorite, before the rest of the world is awake. Then I spend some time in my yoga and meditation room – oh, I told you the house is enchanted? It created that room just for me. Then off to work at the Destiny Falls Observer office, or sometimes just opening a laptop in my personal suite. Often, I join the family for dinner, 6:30 sharp. The meal is always 5-star amazing. I never know what to expect, it could be a simple family meal with quiet conversation, or a wild-themed event, costumes included.

What does a typical day look like when you are on a case?
I don’t really have “cases” – I just fall into mysteries and try to figure them out as I go about my day. It seems things sometimes get pretty wild, then the pressure is on to solve the mystery before someone (including me!) gets hurt.

The Disappearance of Emily, A Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic #2
Genre: Magical Realism
Release: March 2021
Purchase Link

Hayden fell through a mirror and was thrust into an alternate, magical place. Destiny Falls is not on any map and is home to a family she never knew she had. The town is enchanted and charming, but something is amiss. She gets an ominous warning, and the promise of a package. Once it arrives, someone turns up dead and there are too many other suspicious episodes to call them coincidences. All signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother – way back when Hayden was just two days old. Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away?

About the author
Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books books for parents. She is also the author of The Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic book series. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.

All comments are welcomed.