Jessica 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?
Good morning, Dru Ann. My full name is Jessica Beatrice Fletcher, although I write under the name J. B. Fletcher

How old are you?
Well, let’s just say that I am a mature woman and leave it at that.

What is your profession?
I spent many years as a teacher, but now I earn my living as a mystery writer. However I still enjoy teaching and I occasionally take on an assignment to teach writing at colleges or community centers.

Do you have a significant other?
Not at this time. My husband Frank Fletcher passed away many years ago.

Do you have any children?
Frank and I did not have children of our own, but when Frank’s brother and his wife died in a tragic accident, we adopted their son, Grady Fletcher. Grady, his wife Donna and their young son, Frank are my dearest family.

Who is your best friend?
My best friend for many years has been our town physician, Dr. Seth Hazlitt.

Do you have any pets?
While I love animals, I am on the road traveling to promote my books or to visit friends and family so often that I think it would be unfair for me to have a pet. But when I am in Cabot Cove, I do volunteer with the local animal rescue, which is an offshoot of the Animal Hospital.

What town do you live in?
I live in the small town of Cabot Cove, Maine where I own a two-story white Victorian style house.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
Actually, my favorite spot is the garden that surrounds my house. I love planting, weeding and most of all enjoying the fragrant and colorful flowers in spring, summer, and fall.

What is your favorite meal and dessert?
My favorite meal is the Cabot Cove Chowder that I make myself with cream, clams, shrimp and plenty of vegetables. As for dessert, depending on the season, I enjoy pie made with fresh Maine blueberries. However, I am not bragging when I say my friends seem to most enjoy my home-baked cranberry cake.

Do you have any hobbies?
Oh yes. I love outdoor exercise of all kinds including gardening, riding my bicycle, and jogging. I also actively participate in the Friends of the Cabot Cove Library, the Cabot Cove Historical Society and many other local organizations.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love to travel but I would have to say that visiting Grady, Donna and Frank in New York City is my favorite any time I can get away for a few days. In fact I am happy to tell you that we are planning a beach vacation together this summer. We’ll be in Rockaway Beach. I believe that is not far from where you live in Brooklyn.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Well, having friends arrive for a spontaneous dinner party would certainly be at the top of my list. I can’t tell you how often my friends have gathered to celebrate the fact that I have finally sent my latest manuscript to my editor in New York. Seth Hazlitt will generally round up whoever is available and we will have a grand time.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Always Expect the Unexpected, My Life by J. B. Fletcher

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Although I really don’t like the label, some people insist on calling me an amateur sleuth. Mort Metzger, our local Cabot Cove Sheriff, has grown used to my offering an opinion or two when a killing occurs in town. I have to admit that on occasion I have been in proximity of murders during my travels. In a few instances local law enforcement has taken kindly to my suggestions, but usually they are quite wary.

What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
On a typical day at home, I get up in the morning and go for a bicycle ride or a jog. I often meet Seth for breakfast at Mara’s Luncheonette on the dockside of our pretty little cove. I tidy my house, run errands and attend committee meetings. Most importantly, I spend at least part of each day working on my next novel.

I don’t like to think of it as my being “on a case”. I leave that to the professionals. However, when someone is slain and the death directly affects me or someone I know, well, questions begin to run through my mind demanding answers. Quite often my work schedule is blown to bits and I can only hope that the killer is quickly arrested so I don’t disappoint my editor.

Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court, A Murder She Wrote Mystery #55
Genre: Cozy
Release: May 2022
Purchase Link

Jessica Fletcher’s sunny beach vacation with her nephew’s family takes a dark turn in this new installment in the USA Today bestselling series.

Jessica is delighted when her nephew Grady invites her to spend a few days with his family in an oceanside New York bungalow. She packs her bags and heads down to the city, ready to spend some quality time with Grady, his wife, Donna, and their young son, Frank.

But the morning after Jessica’s arrival, Donna finds her boss dead on a tennis court, and Jessica’s dreams of a relaxing visit are quashed. Everyone in the small beachside community is a suspect, and the local authorities—headed by an old colleague of Cabot Cove sheriff Mort Metzger—have asked that no one leave town. Will Jessica be able find a killer and salvage the rest of her trip?

About the author
Terrie Farley Moran is thrilled to be co-author, along with Jessica Fletcher, of the long running Murder, She Wrote series. Murder, She Wrote Killing in a Koi Pond and Murder, She Wrote Debonair in Death will be followed by Murder, She Wrote Killer on the Court (May, 2022). She has also written the beachside Read ‘Em and Eat cozy mystery series, and is co-author of Laura Childs’ New Orleans scrapbooking mysteries. Her short stories have been published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly Magazine and numerous anthologies. Terrie is a recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer awards. Find her online at terriefarleymoran.com or on Facebook at terriefarleymoran.

All comments are welcomed.