Kari Stuart 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?
Kari Stuart

How old are you?
29

What is your profession?
I used to be a waitress at a diner, but then I won the lottery and bought a failing animal rescue, so now I run that.

Do you have a significant other?
It’s early days yet, but I am dating an adorable guy.

If so, what is his name and profession?
His name is Angus McCoy and he is a veterinarian.

Do you have any children?
Not unless you count my fur-babies.

Do you have any siblings?
One, my younger brother Mickey. I love him, but he is a bit of a handful.

Are your parents nearby?
My mother died when I was younger and I don’t speak to my father. Believe me, I have my reasons.

Who is your best friend?
Suzanne Holden. I call her Suz. You’d love her. She is six feet tall, has spiky lavender hair, and is a dog groomer.

Do you have any pets?
I do! There’s my dog Fred (named after Fred Rogers because as a puppy he had an unfortunate affinity for gnawing on sweaters), my two big orange cat brothers Westley and Robert, and now Queenie, the little black kitten who started my new adventures. She bosses us all around.

What town do you live in?
Lakeview, in the Catskill Mountains of New York State.

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
It’s definitely a small town, but we get lots of tourists from the big city.

What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I used to have a crappy little apartment, but when I bought the shelter, it came with an old farmhouse, so that’s where I live now. It’s kind of rustic, but I love it.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The living room, either curled up with my animals or sharing pizza and wine with my friends.

What is your favorite meal and dessert?
Pizza and chocolate.

Do you have any hobbies?
Does rescuing animals and cleaning litter boxes count? I do love to read, and take Fred for walks on the shore of the lake.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
You know, I don’t have the slightest idea. I don’t really take vacations.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Kicking back for movie night with Suz and our friends.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
From Lottery to Litter: How a Little Black Kitten Changed My Life

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Completely amateur. It’s not my fault I keep stumbling over dead bodies. I sometimes work with the local sheriff, although if you ask him, he’ll deny it. And I swear, sometimes it seems like little Queenie is leading me to clues.

What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
Usually I get up, feed my animals, grab something to eat and head over to the shelter, Serenity Sanctuary, to help out with whatever needs to be done. If I’m lucky, Angus and I sit down to dinner in the evening. When I’m on a case, I still do whatever needs to be done, including figuring out who done it.

Claws for Suspicion, A Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery #3
Genre: Cozy
Release: May 2022
Purchase Link

When someone from her past comes to town to cause trouble, Kari Stuart and her sassy kitten Queenie will have to work hard to protect the Serenity Sanctuary in this new Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery.

Kari Stuart is finally starting to relax into her role as the new owner of the Serenity Sanctuary and is looking forward to the various fun autumn activities in the beautiful Catskills town of Lakeview, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It’s time for friends and quality bonding with handsome vet Angus McCoy. Until the unexpected arrival of her unpleasant ex-husband, Charlie Smith.

He comes bearing a shocking revelation—the paperwork on their divorce never went through, and they are still married. Worse yet, he thinks this entitles him to half of her lottery winnings—although he’ll happily take partial ownership of the sanctuary instead. Kari isn’t sure if he’s telling the truth, or if it’s just another one of Charlie’s lies.

But things go from bad to worse when an unexpected death makes Kari the main suspect in a murder investigation. Will she and Queenie be able to find the real killer and keep the home they’ve built at the sanctuary safe, or is their string of luck finally tapped out?

About the author
Deborah Blake is the author of the Baba Yaga Series from Berkley (Wickedly Dangerous, Wickedly Wonderful, Wickedly Powerful), as well as the Broken Rider Series, the Veiled Magic series, and her new Catskills Pet Rescue cozy mysteries. She has also published thirteen books on modern witchcraft with Llewellyn Worldwide, along with a tarot and an oracle deck. She lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse in rural upstate New York with various cats who supervise all her activities, both magical and mundane. Connect with Deborah on her website at deborahblakeauthor.com, on Facebook, and sign up for her newsletter here.

All comments are welcomed.

Deborah has generously offered to give away one print copy of Claws for Suspicion. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends May 6, 2022. Good luck everyone!