Nora Charles sits down for a Q&A with dru’s book musings responding to twenty or more questions so that we can learn more about her. Are you ready? Let’s get to know Nora.

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What is your full name?
Nora Myrna Charles. My parents were fans of the actress who played the character as well. However, I rarely use my middle name.

How old are you?
What some would call the ‘sunny side of 30’.

What is your profession?
Right now, I inherited my late mother’s sandwich shop, Hot Bread. I was formerly a true crime reporter and I still occasionally write articles for an online crime magazine. Recently I received a PI course as a gift, so I may be adding that career to my resume.

Do you have a significant other?
Talk about a loaded question! At the moment, I’m torn between two.

What are their names and profession?
Daniel Corleone, FBI agent, and Leroy Samms, Homicide Detective and my former college crush, and before you ask, I don’t prefer one over the other, That’s the problem.

Do you have any children?
No

Do you have any siblings?
I have a sister, Lacey, who’s a handful. We were estranged for a bit, but then she was accused of murder and I helped to prove her innocence, so that brought us closer.

Are your parents nearby?
Both my parents are deceased.

Who is your best friend?
My bestie is Chantal Gillard. She runs the local flower shop along with her brother Remy, occasionally helps out in the sandwich shop and, oh, yes. . .she’s a bit psychic and loves to read the tarot. She’s also into making jewelry, and trying out homemade pet collars on Nick (a very unwilling model). She’s the main reason Nick and I got together.

Do you have any pets?
But of course! My partner in crime solving, my twenty-five pound tuxedo cat, Nick, who loves a good mystery as much as I do. . .maybe more.

What town do you live in?
Cruz, California, not to be confused with Santa Cruz. It’s located in Monterey County, about 30 miles from Big Sur.

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
Cruz is definitely small. Quite a change for me, because although I grew up in Cruz, I lived in Chicago for 16 years.

Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I inherited the building which is a two-floor brick. It consists of a sandwich shop on the bottom, and a comfortable loft/apartment abode above.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
My den, where Nick and I often puzzle over clues.

Favorite meal and dessert?
MMM. that’s a toughie, because they are all my favorites LOL. I love Italian, and I do love a good chicken piccata. For dessert, I’d have to say strawberry shortcake. My favorite sandwich would have to be Hot Bread’s signature dish: the Thin Man Tuna Melt.

Do you have any hobbies?
Does solving murders count?

What is your favorite vacation spot?
OMG I haven’t had one in so long. . . I don’t have a favorite per se, but I think if I can ever get away from solving murders, I’d like to visit the Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland. We can all use some joy.

What music do you listen to?
I’m a big Barry Manilow fan. Don’t judge me.

Do you have a favorite book?
No particular favorite, whatever mystery I happen to be reading at the time. Lately I haven’t had much time for reading, although Nick and I have been working on the murder of a romance author. . .

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Once again – does solving mysteries count?

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Sweet Mystery Of Life

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I am an amateur sleuth, but who knows? After I take this PI course, I might get an upgrade.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
In short: Get up, feed Nick, check on my sister, open the sandwich shop, find a dead body. . .feed Nick again. . .you know, just the usual.

What is a typical day when you are on a case?
More often than not, everything goes by the wayside when Nick and I are working on a case. We both have noses for clues, and Nick and I have both earned the title of ‘body magnet’ from Samms. Whether we deserve it or not, is up to the readers!

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Hiss H for Homicide, A Nick and Nora Mystery #4
Genre: Cozy
Release: February 2021
Purchase Link

Nick and Nora are back in a tantalizing new mystery that’s far more dangerous than a game of cat and mouse . . .

Never one to turn away from a challenge—even when it goes against her better judgment—Nora Charles can hardly say no when an old friend of her mother’s comes to town seeking her help. The author of steamy romances has learned that her writing partner is severing their relationship and threatening to reveal dark and dirty secrets in a tell-all, and she pleads with Nora to intervene. Reluctantly agreeing to help, Nora pays a visit to the writing partner, ready to make her case—right up until the moment she discovers the woman’s lifeless body.

With the police convinced that Nora’s friend is the culprit, she and Nick begin delving into the dead woman’s past and her provocative tell-all. It soon becomes apparent that the woman had a knack for digging up dirt and wasn’t shy about exposing skeletons in closets, and before long Nora has a seemingly endless list of suspects who were at risk of having their darkest secrets revealed. With a police force intent on throwing the book at Nora’s friend and time running out, she and Nick must outwit a dangerous killer before they take their own secrets to the grave . . .

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About the author
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series. Book Four Hiss H For Homicide was just released from Beyond the Page publishing. She also pens the pet shop mysteries which will be debuting from Beyond the Page as well. She, Rocco and Maxx make their home in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. CAT-ch up with them at catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com or tclotempio.net.

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Toni has generously offered to give away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter. To enter, please leave a comment below and tell us who is your favorite crime-solving duo. One entry per person. Giveaway ends June 3, 2021. Good luck everyone!

All comments are welcomed.