Marvey 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?
Dru Ann, thank you so much for inviting me to chat with you. I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with you and your community. My full name is Marvella Marie Harris, but my friends call me Marvey.
How old are you?
I recently turned 28. I’m a Cancer, water sign: loyal, caring, observant and ambitious. And, like a lot of New Yorkers, dislikes small talk. Ha! What about you?
What is your profession?
I’m a proud librarian. After years of working for the New York Public Library System, I’ve relocated to the small Southern coastal town of Peach Coast, Georgia, where I accepted a job as its first-ever director of Community Engagement. It was a culture shock, I can tell you. But I was more than ready for the career advancement, even if it took me away from home.
Do you have a significant other?
Well, . . . not at the moment. But I’ve got my eye on someone . . .
Who and what is his/her name and profession?
I don’t want to scare him off by speaking too soon. LOL! Check back in a month or so. Hope springs eternal.
Do you have any children?
No, not at this time. But again, hope springs eternal.
Do you have any siblings?
I have an older brother, DeAndre Isiah Harris, who’s my best friend. He teaches forensic accounting with John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.
Are your parents nearby?
I’m afraid not. Most of my family’s in Brooklyn, New York, 908.4 miles away.
Who is your best friend?
Now, that’s a tough call. One of my best friends is Spencer Holt. Spence is from Peach Coast. He’s the son of one of the wealthiest families in Camden County, Georgia. The Holt family owns a hotel, a bed-and-breakfast, a bank, and the town’s daily newspaper, The Peach Coast Crier. Spence is its editor-in-chief. My other best friend is Jolene Gomez. She’s a successful entrepreneur. Jolene launched the town’s independent bookstore, To Be Read. I love it there! She’s a University of Florida aluma and an obsessive Gator fan.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, Phoenix. He’s my four-year-old gray tiger tabby, my rescue cat, and one of the great loves of my life. We’ve been together for a little more than a year.
What town do you live in?
I moved to Peach Coast, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, five months ago. I relocated from Brooklyn, New York, where I was born and raise. I’m still getting to know the town and getting used to Southern culture.
Do you live in a small town or a big city?
Peach Coast is a small town with fewer than 1,000 residents.
What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
When I moved to Peach Coast, I bought a home. It’s a simple little A-line cottage, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a cute backyard with a deck where I could sit outside and read.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
The living room. I love to curl up on the sofa and read with Phoenix resting on my calves.
What is your favorite meal and dessert?
Oh! For today, I’ll say New York pizza and cheesecake, which I’m sorely missing here in Georgia.
Do you have any hobbies?
So many. Ha! In addition to reading and jogging, I love making book pendants and matching hair barrettes. I’ve been making them since high school. The hobby feeds my love of art and jewelry making, and allows me to pay homage to great works of literature. I draw the book covers using colored pencils, then encase them in glass pendants, which I suspend, usually from long, antique silver chains.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
For today, I’ll say Philadelphia. There’s so much history there, and research is one of my favorite hobbies. Did I mention that earlier? Oops! I guess not.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
A day at the library, selecting books to read for the month, reading publications, watching other library patrons. That’s a really fun time. I’ve toyed with the idea of locking myself in the Peach Coast Library overnight. (Let’s keep that between us.)
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
You ask excellent questions, but I like this one the best. I think it would be, “We’re Going to Need More Coffee.” Ha!
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I’m a reluctant amateur sleuth. I only get involved in a case when I have a personal connection. And when I do investigate, I work with my librarian coworkers, a dear friend who owns a bookstore, and a well-connected newspaper editor. (He’s the one I asked you to check back with me about; wink.)
What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
Ah, typical days. Those seem to be few and far between. Ha!
But on a typical day, I get up early to jog before work. I use a five-mile route that takes me past the Hans Christen Anderson fairytale homes in my neighborhood to a dirt path that snakes its way to the nearby wetlands. After cleaning up and getting dressed, I walk to work. (Ah! As a native New Yorker, I’m not missing the buses or sardine-can-like subways.) On my way to work, I swing by an independent coffee shop where I get a café mocha (with extra espresso) and a slice of peach cobbler for a coworker. Even though I have a cup of coffee at home, I like to visit the coffee shop because it’s a community hub and I use the opportunity to promote literature, literacy and the library.
Because the shop’s regulars are familiar with me, when I’m on a case, they’re comfortable sharing insights and information about victims and potential suspects.
During my investigations, my librarian coworkers and I work the case over lunch or at the end of the day, sharing research and theories. My coworkers are knowledgeable on a variety of topics, including criminal investigation methods, psychology and local gossip. I usually ask Spence to come with me when I need to interview people. He’s well-known and well-respected around the town. I call him the Prince of Peach Coast. People open up to him. When I need to do something that might be questionable, I invite Jolene. She doesn’t always appreciate my methods, though.
Dru Ann, thank you again for inviting me to stop by and chat with you and your community. I’ve had a blast and I’ve really enjoyed your questions. I hope to see you at the library!
Murder Out of Character, A Peach Coast Library Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: September 2022
Purchase Link
Marvey, a small-town librarian, finds a mysterious list of names. . .and what happens next can’t be a coincidence! If you love Hallmark mystery movies, you’ll love this cozy mystery with humor, intrigue, and a hint of romance.
Marvey, still adjusting to life in Peach Coast, Georgia, is at a library fundraising event when she comes across a list of four names. One is the name of someone who recently died—and who may have been murdered. Another is Spencer Holt, the handsome newspaper owner who’s become one of Marvey’s best friends.
The four people appear to have nothing in common other than living in Peach Coast. Spencer dismisses the list at first, but before long, he has to admit he may be in danger. As Marvey prepares for a visit from her parents, can she, Spencer, and their intrepid librarian friends stop a killer bent on long overdue revenge?
About the author
Patricia Sargeant is a national best-selling author. She writes romance as Patricia Sargeant and Regina Hart, and mysteries as Olivia Matthews. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews.
All comments are welcomed.
Oh, this looks so good. Need to read this.
Loved the first book in this series, so I can’t wait to dip into this new one!