Lilly Ann Echosby first appeared in In the Dog House and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Lilly.
What is your name?
Lilly Ann Echosby
How old are you?
50
What is your profession?
Certified Public Accountant.
Do you have a significant other?
Yes
What is his name and profession?
Denis Olson, but everyone calls him “Red.” He’s an agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI).
Any children?
I have 2 wonderful children. My daughter, Stephanie is a successful lawyer in Chicago. My son, is a very successful actor in New York.
Do you have any sibling(s)?
No, I’m an only child, but my best friend is like a sister.
Do your parents live near you?
My parents are dead.
Who is your best friend?
Scarlett Jefferson, but everyone calls her, Dixie.
Do you have any pets?
I have 2 toy poodles. I named both of them after my favorite mystery writers. Aggie was named after Agatha Christie, and Rex was named after Rex Stout.
What town do you live in?
I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, but after my marriage ended, I decided to go in search of my happy place. That’s when I moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Do you live in a small town or a big city?
I’d say Chattanooga is mid-sized.
Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I am currently renting a house, but I plan to buy it.
What is your favorite spot in your house?
I love the back yard. It’s large with a two-tiered deck, lots of trees and is fenced in. I love sitting on the deck and eating out with my friends and family while the dogs play in the grass.
Favorite meal and dessert?
I love when my boyfriend, Red, grills out and I found a great bakery that makes a fantastic cheesecake.
Do you have any hobbies?
Dixie is actively involved in the dog performance events. Now, that I have two poodles, I have been taking obedience classes and plan to compete with them in obedience and agility.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
When Dixie and I were in college, we spent a semester abroad. I loved visiting England and especially loved eating scones with clotted cream.
What music do you listen to?
I love most types of music. I’m especially fond of jazz.
Do you have a favorite book?
I love mysteries and am a HUGE Agatha Christie fan. I think my favorite book is The Murder of Roger Akroyd.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
I love when my children come to visit and we can sit outside and talk and eat.
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
** Finding My Happy Place **
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I’m definitely an amateur sleuth. My best friend, Dixie, and my friends from the dog club are great help.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I like to get up and let my dogs outside while I shower and get ready for work. Then, I drive into downtown Chattanooga where I have a temporary job as an accountant at a museum. There’s a lovely bakery next door, so I often stop and pick up pastries and take them in for my boss and coworkers. After work, I head home and get the dogs and then head for training at the East Tennessee Dog Club.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a digital copy (Kindle or Nook) of The Puppy Who Knew Too Much. The giveaway ends February 15, 2019. Good luck everyone!
You can read about Lilly in The Puppy Who Knew Too Much, the second book in the “Dog Club” cozy mystery series, released February 12, 2019.
Lilly Echosby and her toy poodle Aggie find a fresh start in Chattanooga, Tennessee, spoiled by the scent of murder. . .
Having solved the shooting death of her cheating husband, Lilly’s left behind the drama of Lighthouse Dunes, Indiana, to start over in the hometown of her best friend, Scarlett “Dixie” Jefferson. As she gets settled in her new rented house, Lilly gives Aggie, short for Agatha Christie, her own fresh start by enrolling her in the Eastern Tennessee Dog Club, where Dixie is a trainer.
But drama seems to hound Lilly like a persistent stray. Her cranky new neighbor appears unfamiliar with Southern hospitality and complains that Aggie barks too much and digs up his prized tulips. But what the poodle actually unearths is the buried body of a mysterious man who claimed ownership of the lost golden retriever Lilly recently rescued. Now it’s up to Lilly and Dixie to try to muzzle another murderer . . .
Purchase Link
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About the author
V. M. (Valerie) Burns was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She lives in Eastern Tennessee with her two poodles. V.M. Burns is the Agatha Award nominated author of The Plot is Murder, the first book in the Mystery Bookshop Mystery series; and the RJ Franklin Mystery series. Visit Valerie at vmburns.com.
All comments are welcomed.
Great character interview. I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Thank you, Jaime. Good luck in the drawing.
I would do enjoy this book…..
Thank you for the giveaway…..
Good luck!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Can’t wait to start this next book (phase) in Lily’s journey.
I love the giveaways but equally, if not more important, is I love how I learn about new authors in my favorite genre! Many thanks.
Thanks so much. I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the first book in the series, IN THE DOG HOUSE. Fingers crossed.
Such a cute cover! I love puppies! Thank you for this chance.
Thanks, I love the cover (and puppies) too. Glad to hear you like it and good luck.
Puppies, puppies and more puppies…the only thing better is kittens, kittens, kittens. This cover wins my heart and your insight into this book makes me add it to my list of want to read. Thanks for providing us with the ability to enter the giveaway with jumping through hoops.
Thank you so much. Good luck with the drawing.
Sounds like an interesting character and I love puppies.
Thank you. I love puppies too. Best of luck in the drawing.
If this series is as good as the Mystery Bookstore one, I would love to read it. Thank you.
Awww. Thank you so much. Good luck in the drawing.
Great interview. Would love to read this book
Thank you, Sharon. Best of luck in the drawing.
Me, please!
Good luck!
Such an adorable cover! That alone sells the book! The story sounds interesting and I am going to give it a try as soon as possible. Thanks Dru Ann and VM!
Thank you, Barbara. It’s so good to get positive feedback on the covers.
Best of luck in the drawing.
Sounds like a good read.
I hope you enjoy it. Best of luck with the drawing.
Enjoyed the Q&A.
Me too! 🙂 I hope you enjoy the book too. Good luck with the drawing.
Another good read.
YAY! Thank you. Good luck!
I just love books by V.M. Burns! Thanks for the awesome chance to win this one!
Awe Puppies
Love your cover
Thanks for the chance
😃💖😍💗😘
Shared on Twitter 😍❤😍
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**** WINNER ****
The Puppy Who Knew Too Much is Sharon Whaley
Congratulations!