Come join Leila and dru’s book musings as we sit down for a Q&A session.
What is your full name?
Leila Maya Khoury.
How old are you?
Twenty-nine.
What is your profession?
I have a degree in Elementary Education. Recently, I returned home from my teaching job in Florida to take over Sappy Endings, the family maple syrup farm. It’s been a bit of a sticky situation (yes, pun intended.)
Do you have a significant other?
Yes.
What is their name and profession?
(blushes) Noah Rivers. Talk about your sticky situations. Noah is actually my employee. He’s a terrific guy and I’m optimistic about our future together. For now, we’re taking things slowly since we’re both still getting over past heartaches.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have a younger brother named Simon. He’s head reporter for the Maple Messenger.
Are your parents nearby?
My father died six months ago. I’m currently living with my mother until I find a place of my own.
Who is your best friend?
Heather Turcot and I have been friends since Kindergarten. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s always there when I need her…the butter to my maple syrup. The cream to my coffee. Okay, you get the picture.
Do you have cats, dogs, or other pets?
Yes, I have a cat named Toast. He was a stray we found at the farm, and I immediately fell in love with the adorable orange floof.
What town do you live in?
Sugar Ridge, Vermont.
What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I’m currently living in my childhood home, but hope to get my own place soon. There are some things that need to be worked out first, such as custody of Toast. Both my mother and I are very fond of him.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
The kitchen, because it’s always warm and cozy and full of delectable smells from the food my mother makes. You’d think it would make me want to learn how to cook. Nope. I’d rather just eat.
What is your favorite meal and dessert?
There’s so many! My parents were both born in Lebanon, so we eat a lot of Lebanese food. I can never get enough of it. Kibbi, lamb with pine nuts, is definitely on my top five list. Ema, another favorite, is a hearty soup prepared with kofta meatballs, vermicelli, rice, and cooked in tomato sauce. Okay, I’m hungry now. As for dessert, don’t tell anyone, but Oreos will always be my favorite.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to read when I have time.
What music do you listen to?
Anything but country.
What is your favorite color?
Purple. It’s vibrant and full of life, something that I always aspire to.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation. My parents spent their lives working hard on the farm to make it a success, so there was never time for vacations while I was growing up. I did spend a weekend on Cape Cod with my ex-fiancé several years go. It’s beautiful there and I’d love to go back—with anyone but him.
Are you a morning or night person?
Morning. I’m usually at the farm by 7:30 in the morning, and in bed by ten o’clock at night.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
I’m a pretty simple person. I enjoy spending time with Noah and his little girl, Emma.
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Twenty-Five Things You Never Knew About Maple Syrup.
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Oh, definitely amateur. I’ve only solved one murder case so far. As Heather would say, I’m still getting my Jessica Fletcher groove on.
What is a typical day in your life like?
There’s always something to do on the farm, depending what time of the year it is. Sap gathering and syrup making season has just ended, so things are slowing down with summer coming. But I’ve been busy planning a bridal shower for Heather. We held it at the local country club today and it was a beautiful affair…well, until I found Heather’s Aunt Monica with a knife in her back. Coincidentally, Monica was quite the backstabber herself. Heather’s asked me to help find out who’s responsible, but we need to be careful, before we’re next on the killer’s list…
Syrup to No Good, A Maple Syrup Mystery Book #2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: October 2023
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
Only a sap would try to ruin a bride’s special day…
Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won’t be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather’s wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.
Even with Leila’s own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count.
Heather’s rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather’s dream wedding becomes a nightmare?
Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!
About the author
USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns lives in Upstate New York with a male dominated household and several spoiled pets. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Best Mystery/Mainstream Suspense. Catherine’s written over twenty-five mystery novels and has many more stories waiting to be told. Readers are invited to visit her website at catherinebruns.net.