Tory Benning 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. So, let’s get to know Tory.
What is your full name?
Hey! Great to meet you! My full name is Victoria Benning, but most people call me Tory.
How old are you?
Thirty-four. My birthday is July 4th. My BFF, attorney Ashley Payne, likes to tease me and says I probably came out with a bang.
What is your profession?
I’m a landscape architect and president of Benning Brothers Landscape Design and Nursery. Every November we convert the nursery parking lot into a Christmas tree lot where our employees dress up as Santa, reindeer, and elves.
Do you have a significant other?
I did. Unfortunately, he was murdered.
What was his name?
Milo Spinelli. He was an architect.
Do you have any children?
Define children. I have two rescue fur babies. Iris, a Pomeranian. And Otis, a black cat.
Do you have any siblings?
No. Like Harry Potter, I’m an “orphan” and only child.
Who is your best friend?
The aforementioned Ashley Payne. And my Pom, Iris.
Do you have any pets?
You mean “children?” See above.
What town do you live in?
The beautiful California coastal community of Santa Sofia, about twelve miles north of Santa Barbara, populated with small town folk like me and the rich and famous who come for the fancy restaurants, first class wineries, and the luxurious Hotel Santa Sofia resort.
Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I own three homes now. My own, a white stucco Spanish Mediterranean bungalow with a red tile roof near the beach. I also inherited my father’s large house in Sycamore Canyon, currently under renovation before I rent it out, and my late husband’s beachfront condo, which I also rent out.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
I have several favorite spots indoors, my kitchen countertop bar, my leather living-room couch, my cozy bedroom. Love the drought-resistant landscaping in my front and back yards too.
Favorite meal and dessert?
Sadie’s Seafood’s hot lobster roll with coleslaw, washed down with a glass of Chardonnay. For dessert, I’d say my uncle Bob’s Christmas trifle, which is to die for!
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to exercise. Whether it’s hiking along the beach or the foothills or going to the gym. (Ashley claims my “boyfriend’s” name is Gym).
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii and Santa Barbara.
What music do you listen to?
I love most music, from classical to contemporary. I adore Tchaikovsky ballets, especially the Nutcracker (which I play on repeat in December). My other current obsession is the K-pop boy band Stray Kids. Yes, I’m aware I’m thirty-four. But I am a teenybopper at heart. I also like listening to oldies on the radio because they remind me of my late parents who enjoyed them.
Do you have a favorite book?
Can’t narrow it down. I love mysteries. My favorite author is Sue Grafton.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
Eating Santini’s take-out everything pizza and drinking wine in my living room with Ashley, and two other good friends, PI Jake Logan, and SSPD detective Adrian Ramirez. With Iris and Otis curled up nearby.
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Buckle up, Buttercup: Adventures of an Amateur Sleuth.
Amateur or professional sleuth and who do you work with?
Amateur sleuth. For my sleuthing adventures I’m joined by Ashley, Jake, and Adrian. For my non-sleuthing work as a landscape architect, I work with my uncle Bob and my aunt Veronica.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I’d first buy you a warm eggnog and gingerbread from the food truck that parks at our tree lot, to give you a taste of what I typically enjoy on most December mornings. Christmas time is the best time of year in Santa Sofia, where our main drag, the Avenue, is decorated for the holidays, from top to bottom, with twinkle lights, garlands, poinsettias, and twig reindeer. In December, our landscape architect work slows down, so I have more free time for fun outings to the foothills or the beach. We’d have lunch at Sadie’s Seafood on the pier, then stroll along the Avenue to window shop at the boutiques and art galleries. Then we’d head over to the Hotel Santa Sofia for a walk in the Secret Maze, the Hidden Garden, and perhaps stop for a cup of tea at the hotel’s El Colibri restaurant. And then finish off the evening at Lazarro’s for a gourmet dinner.
What does a typical day look like when you are on a case?
I’m usually juggling landscape work with sleuthing, so I try to compartmentalize my work but often unsuccessfully when a murderer is on the loose. I’m usually involved in some intense googling that I can’t quit until I find what I’m looking for. Between following leads, taking photos of possible clues, eavesdropping, making nice with guard dogs, or possibly rubbing shoulders with a killer, if I’ve learned anything, it’s that often people and situations aren’t necessarily what they appear to be.
Murder in the Christmas Tree Lot is the second book in the “Tory Benning” cozy mystery series, released November 17, 2020.
Still struggling with the death of her husband, Tory Benning is doing her best to get into the festive spirit of the holiday season, but when her landscaping company’s email is hacked and there’s a break-in at the office, it’s enough to make her see red. And then the unthinkable happens, when the owner of a specialty food truck is brutally slain at the company’s Christmas tree lot, and Tory finds herself mired in murder once again.
With a long list of suspects—including an untold number of revelers disguised in Santa suits, seasonal employees handling tree sales, and even a vengeful jilted suitor—the police investigation grinds along slowly and methodically. But as Tory begins piecing together clues on her own, she finds she’s the target of a menacing stalker who may be out to do more than just scare her. Refusing to be intimidated, Tory vows to nab the culprit, even if it means that catching a Christmas killer has become her lot in life . . .
About the author
Judith Gonda is a mystery writer and Ph.D. psychologist with a penchant for Pomeranians and puns, so it’s not surprising that psychology, Poms, and puns pop up in her amateur sleuth mysteries featuring landscape architect Tory Benning. Visit her website at judithgonda.com.
All comments are welcomed.
Thanks so much for hosting Tory’s interview today, Dru Ann! Happy Holidays!
Thanks for sitting down for my questions, Tory.