Jack Callaghan first appeared in Living the Vida Lola and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Jack.

What is your full name?
Jack Callaghan

How old are you?
Thirty-one.

What is your profession?
I’m a journalist. It’s a dying field, but I’m making it work. I write for the Sacramento Bee, but I’m doing some freelance work now, too.

Do you have a significant other?
Oh yeah. And it’s been a long time coming. She’s the sister of my best friend. I guess there was a time—long ago—when I saw her as just Antonio’s sister, but since high school, man, she’s always been on my mind. I moved away for a long time. But when I came back, we were reunited and I haven’t looked back. This woman rocks my world.

What is their name and profession?
Her name is Dolores Cruz. Her friends and family call her Lola. She’s a damn good private investigator. She’s breaking all kinds of boundaries. I admit, I don’t always like her job. It puts her in danger, and she’ll do just about anything to get the bad guy. But I respect what she does. It’s her passion and I could never do anything but support her in it.

Do you have any children?
Not yet, but Lola and me, we’ll have a few one day.

Do you have any siblings?
One sister. Brooke. She’s a local cop, actually.

Do your parents live near you?
My dad left us when we were kids. Walked right out. I have no respect for the man. My mom lives here in Sac.

Who is your best friend?
No question. Antonio Cruz. He’s always been there for me, and I’ve always been for him. We always will be, too, and that’s unrelated to Lola.

Any pets?
Lola has Salsa, her boxer, but no pets for me. I live in a loft in downtown Sacramento. Industrial. The building was converted recently. Part of the revitalization of downtown. Maybe someday when we have a house we’ll get a partner for Salsa.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
Would it be bad for me to say my bed when Lola’s in it? No? Okay, my bed, when Lola’s in it.

Favorite meal and dessert?
Anything Lola’s mom makes is pretty damn good. Pozole during the holidays. That soup is fantastic. Enchiladas? Tacos. I can’t pick just one thing.

Do you have any hobbies?
I play guitar. I’ve serenaded Lola with a John Mayer song. Your Body is a Wonderland.

Favorite color?
Mmm. Green, I guess. The color of grass and trees.

Favorite author?
Without a doubt, Steinbeck. I once read Of Mice and Men aloud to my sister on a rainy day when we were kids. My love of Steinbeck may be a little nostalgic because of that, but maybe not. I love his writing and I love his love of Northern California.

Favorite vacation spot?
Mountains or beach. Mountains or beach. It’s a toss up. I’ll go with the beach.

Favorite sports team?
Sacramento Kings, of course. The Sacramento Royals come in a close second. Lola worked a case involving the Royals. She went undercover as one of their dancers. But the Kings still take my top spot.

Are you a morning or a night person?
A little of both, I guess. If I had to choose, I’d say I’m more of a morning person. Seize the day, and all that. Unless I get to linger in bed with Lola. 😉

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
Being a journalist, everyday is different. Sometimes I’m traveling to interview someone for a story. Sometimes I’m working from home, writing a piece I’ve researched, or sometimes I’m doing the research, whether at home or in the field. If I’m lucky, I’ll get so spend time with Lola. Help her on a case or hold her hand while she gets her belly button pierced. Truthfully, as long as my day includes Lola, I’m good.

Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win the first three Lola books (Living the Vida Lola, Hasta La Vista, and Bare-Naked Lola) on Audio. Giveaway ends March 15, 2020. Good luck everyone!

Drop Dead Lola is the fifth book in the “Lola Cruz” humorous mystery series, released January 28, 2020.

Things are topsy-turvy in Lola Cruz’s world.

Lola’s cousin is getting married, and Lola’s in the wedding, dressed like a throwback from a John Hughes movie; her biological clock has started ticking; and the bachelorette party to beat all bachelorette parties is in the works. The evening’s events will push all the women past their boundaries—including Lola.

But all that pales compared to the new case at Camacho & Associates. Not everyone is convinced that Jack Callaghan’s childhood friend, Philip, committed suicide, least of all the man’s mother, Marnie. Marnie hires the P.I. firm—and specifically Lola—to get to the bottom of her son’s death. There’s not much to go on, but Lola would rather drop dead than leave a case unsolved.

When a second attack happens against Marnie herself, Lola knows she’s on the right track. Now her biological clock isn’t the only thing ticking. She has to stop a murderer before he—or she—strikes again.

Purchase Link
# # # # # # # # # # #

About the author
Melissa Bourbon Ramirez is the national bestselling author of eighteen mystery books, including the Lola Cruz Mysteries, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mysteries, written as Winnie Archer. She is a former middle school English teacher who gave up the classroom in order to live in her imagination full time. Melissa, a California native who has lived in Texas and Colorado, now calls the southeast home. She hikes, practices yoga, cooks, and is slowly but surely discovering all the great restaurants in the Carolinas. Since four of her five amazing kids are living their lives, scattered throughout the country, her dogs, Bean, the pug, Dobby, the chug, and Jasper, a cattle dog/lab keep her company while she writes. Melissa lives in North Carolina with her educator husband, Carlos, and their youngest son. She is beyond fortunate to be living the life of her dreams.

To learn more about Melissa, visit her website at misaramirez.com.

All comments are welcomed.