Monica Baker first appeared in Cooks, Crooks and a Corpse and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Monica.

What is your name?
Monica Baker is my American name, because Baker is my ex-husband’s last name and I got to keep it. No way could I use my Italian maiden name, no one could pronounce it correctly, plus, Baker is such an easy last name to remember. Looks good on my business card

How old are you?
I’m. . .wait. . .why do you want to know? Early twenties, yes, I’m early twenties. (Shaking my head)

What is your profession?
I’m a Realtor. I hang my license at Desert Homes Real Estate Office, and I occasionally help Brenda with her catering business, that’s why it’s called B+B Catering. B+B stands for Baker and Baker, not Brenda Baker. Got it?

Do you have a significant other?
What’s with all the personal questions? I’m divorced, yes, that’s what I mark on questionnaires. Tommy Baker, my ex, is Brenda’s nephew so she’s sort of my aunt.

What is his name and profession?
Come close, I’ll whisper a name in your ear. You’re not allowed to repeat it. . .Tristan Dumont. I met him at the office through Sunny Novak, my boss and broker. Tristan’s an important client and the man of my dreams. Unfortunately he’s married to someone else.

Any children?
Noooooo.

Do you have any sibling(s)?
Yes, two sisters, in Italy. Now I’m getting weepy, haven’t seen them in over two years.

Do your parents live near you?
No, my family lives in Italy, I really don’t want to talk about it, it gets me depressed.

Who is your best friend?
That’d be Kassandra. She’s the office receptionist, but she’s a lot more. She also reads Tarot cards, but only for good friends, like me.

Cats, dogs or other pets?
Dior, a blue Great Dane who belongs to Aunt Brenda, at least on paper, but he loves me as much as her and I adore the big goof.

What town do you live in?
Phoenix, Arizona.

House or building complex? Own or Rent?
It’s complicated. I live in my own little house, it’s separated from Brenda’s house, but on the same lot. We share the driveway and the pool. And of course I have the key to her back door and permission to forage in her refrigerator any time I need to. It’s perfect.

What is your favorite spot in your house?
My couch. No judging!

Favorite meal? Favorite dessert?
That’s easy. Pasta and anything chocolate. As long as I don’t have to cook it.

Favorite hobby?
Old movies, the classics, black and white

Favorite color?
Blue, like the sky, the ocean, my mom’s eyes.

Favorite author?
Ah, so many, but really, I mostly watch the movies instead of reading the books, sorry.

Favorite vacation spot?
I’d love to surprise my family in Italy for Christmas, even if I don’t have any winter clothes with living in Arizona and all.

Favorite sports team?
The Cardinals. . .what else?

Movies or Broadway?
Like I said, old classics, black and white preferably.

Are you a morning or a night person?
Definitely a night person.

Amateur sleuth or professional?
Amateur and always under protest or out of necessity.

Whom do you work with when sleuthing?
No one as I never do it voluntarily. I’m forced to act. Survival, that’s the main reason. That and to make sure nothing bad happens to innocent people who, like me, get wrongly accused.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I rarely make it out the door before nine. I stick to coffee with 2% milk and sugar. If I’m lucky, I get something to munch on from Brenda’s kitchen, otherwise I make my own coffee and then depend on the eating habits of my co-workers to scrounge some bagels or muffins to get me through to lunch time. As a Realtor I work odd hours and spend lots of idle time waiting for the phone to ring or prospects to walk in my open house. Open houses are great for making contact and they’re always in the afternoon. I’m a big fan of happy hours, and that usually counts for dinner. Otherwise, I invite myself over to Brenda’s table. I’m always welcome and we share the same taste in wine. . .Pinot Grigio. I try to catch the evening news and watch classic movies often falling asleep on my couch, my favorite spot in the house.

You can read more about Monica in Wine, Dine and Christmas Crimes, the third book in the “Baker Girls” cozy mystery series, released August 15, 2019.

Some Christmas surprises don’t come from Santa. At a gathering atop the tallest building in Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate Monica Baker’s newest listing, the body of a mysterious young woman is found floating in the pool. But why do fingers point to Monica? Is it the victim’s missing clothing that links Monica to the crime?

As if being alone during the holidays and in love with someone else’s husband wasn’t depressing enough, Monica now needs to convince the cops, her real estate broker, and her friends, that she really, really isn’t a Christmas killer. And she better be quick if she wants to make midnight mass instead of prison roll call.

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About the author
Award-winning, USA Today Bestselling author Maria Grazia Swan was born in Italy. She’s lived in Belgium, France, Germany, Southern California and Arizona—all juicy places that fuel her stories and characters.

These days, Maria Grazia concentrates on her deepest passions. Writing and being the matchmaker for people and pets who are waiting to find each other.

Maria Grazia loves travel, opera, good books, yoga, and intelligent movies. Her idea of a perfect evening? Stimulating conversation, Northern Italian food, and chilled Prosecco.

She loves to hear from her readers! Feel free to contact Maria through her website at mariagraziaswan.com.

All comments are welcomed.