Riley sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we, the readers, can get to know him better.
What is your full name?
Riley Jonas Morgan, but I usually go by Rye or RJ.
How old are you?
28
What is your profession?
I own a bookstore & coffee shop called Pages & Scones.
Do you have a significant other?
Yes
What is her name and profession?
Her name is Dani Jensen, she’s a police officer just like her dad, uncle, and grandfather.
Do you have any children?
No, unless having a full grown puppy counts.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, an older sister, Katie. Despite being four years apart we’re close.
Are your parents nearby?
Yes, Gretchen and Dean Morgan, aka mom and dad, still live in her small town. Mom just got elected as the head of the library board, dad does a little bit of carpentry work.
Who is your best friend?
Connor Finley has been my best friend since we met in the 2nd grade. Right now he’s got a full-time job working for his uncle, a private investigator. Hopefully he’ll stick to this one.
Do you have any pets?
My red nosed pitbull Duke adopted me when his owner passed away.
What town do you live in and is it small or big?
Cedar Grove is not as small, but still considered a small town. There may be only 3,000 some people that live in our town, but we still have some of the amenities of the bigger towns have, except for a shopping mall and chain coffee shop. There are still plenty of things to do.
What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I inherited a big old house from one of my customers that passed away. I’m going to say it’s a Victorian but can’t because it was built somewhere in the early 1900s. People can be nitpicky, it just looks like a big old house to me, green paint job.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
It has one of those things that rich people have, what do you call it. . .a den, most guys would have turned this into a man cave but I have a bunch of books there, so I sit and read a lot. I have a leather arm back chair, but I stink into you and read both of the cups of coffee. There’s even a big fireplace.
What is your favorite meal and dessert?
Chicken Parmesan and strawberry cheesecake.
Do you have any hobbies?
Reading, puzzles, getting out, and exploring, etc.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Since I’m South Dakota board and bred, my favorite spot is the Black Hills. Although I’m a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, if I could I’d like to go to the Sherlock Museum in London.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
I’m a big fan of books and the outdoors, maybe one of those bookish retreats, but out in the Black Hills.
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
The Bookish Barista’s Guide to Life
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I’m strictly an amateur, my real calling is books and coffee, not solving murders. I appreciate those that are actually investigating crimes, like my girlfriend and her dad. Besides my girlfriend, Dani, I have another connection to the police. My older sister is the desk sergeant at the Cedar Grove PD. Mostly I’ll see Dani, her father Boyd aka our Chief of Police, or Officer Jerry Olstad.
What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
My alarm wakes me up at 7:00, Tuesday through Saturday. If it’s nice I’ll go out for a run. if it’s not I’ll work out in my home gym. On either occasion, I’ll let duke for a run and if he needs to do his business. I’ll make sure we’re both fed, then I’ll get get ready. Both of us get out the door at a quarter after 9:00. I get over the shop and Works straight until it’s time to close, unless it’s Friday I’m done by 4pm. We close at 7:00 on Fridays, we usually have something going on, book club, local author talks, etc. I go home either fix something at her house or get something from the diner or restaurant in town.
Sunday is usually Church day, I get up for the church with my folks and the non denomination church we attend, and don’t really do much. Mondays is usually I go to errand day, I sleep in a little bit, get my errands done right away and then spend the rest of the day relaxing or head in to the city, for treat.
When I do end up in a “case”. I rely on a small group, which includes myself, Connor, Beverly Kramer who is nosy and runs the bakery in town, and also busy body Sherri Schaffer.
A Mocha For Murder, A Riley Morgan Mystery #4
Genre: Cozy
Release: November 2022
Purchase Link
It’s a couple of weeks before Christmas in Cedar Grove and everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit, including Riley Morgan. That is until town disgrace and former classmate, Levi Peirce, comes back after a stint in prison. Everyone turns sour, except for Riley. No tears are shed when Levi is found stone cold dead in a snowdrift, holding a thermos cup from Pages & Scones. Except for his brother who asked Riley to look into his death.
About the author
Ryan Hoffman has an interest in criminal justice and writing. He’s always loved mystery novels since childhood, and a creative mind from his autism. He writes and pens mystery novels set in his home state of South Dakota. He’s a member of the local group South Dakota Writes and national organization Sisters in Crime. He lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with his cat and parents.
Connect with Ryan on his Facebook Author page, Amazon Author page, and Goodreads.
All comments are welcomed.