Trinidad is the main protagonist in “Shake Shop” mysteries and sits down to answer a few questions so that we can get to know her better.



What is your full name?
Trinidad Jones

How old are you?
37

What is your profession?
Ice cream shop owner

Do you have a significant other?
After divorcing my cheating, embezzling husband, I’m not in a hurry to start over.

Do you have any children?
No.

Do you have any siblings?
My brother Yolo who lives in Miami.

Are your parents nearby?
Dad is deceased and Mama lives in Miami.

Who is your best friend?
Oddly, my former ex sisters in law Juliette and Bonnie have become my best friends.

Do you have any pets?
My beloved senior dog Noodles is my sweet furry friend. He is a flunk out service dog so he’s got an arsenal of dubious skills.

What town do you live in?
Upper Sprocket, Eastern Oregon

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
Eensy weensy small town where they roll up the sidewalks at 6 p.m.

What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I live in a tiny home which I rent.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The little shelf full of my favorite recipe books is where I find my inspiration and comfort.

What is your favorite meal and dessert?
Anything sweet of course, but Papa Luis cooks the most amazing Cuban food. I am partial to his black beans and rice.

Do you have any hobbies?
No time for hobbies!

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anyplace where there’s a warm beach, but I have very little time for vacation.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Being with my family, my dear dog and sharing a freshly churned container of ice cream.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Here’s the Scoop! Ha ha!

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I am a rank amateur and believe you me, the police chief of our department isn’t too keen on working with me. Of course, she’s my ex husband’s baby sister, so. . .

What is a typical day in your life like in general and when you are on a case?
I am busy churning up ice creams at the crack of dawn. Ice cream waits for no man! Then I’m out and about with my catering truck gathering information and scooping up clues. After a long day, it’s lovely to curl up at home with Papa Luis and discuss the clues over a bowl of beans and rice. We’ll end our day with a bowl of the finest ice cream, of course!


A Sprinkle in Time, A Shake Shop Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: May 2022
Purchase Link

The second book in the Shake Shop Mysteries—a new murder in town has Trinidad Jones thrown for a scoop!

It’s Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket! Yodelers are congregating in the square, tourists flocking to the town, and Trinidad Jones is scooping up some fall flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop.

The cherry on the sundae is her upcoming feature in The Scoop magazine. She’s determined to serve up the perfect interview, but it won’t be easy, thanks in part to her meddling Cuban grandfather Papa Luis who has decided to make Sprocket his home for the foreseeable future. Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Buick.

But things take a turn when Papa Luis tells her he’s found a corpse in his trunk. Upon closer investigation, they realize the body has disappeared. With the assistance of Juliette and Bonnie (her sisterhood of exes) and the way too handsome nut farmer Quinn Logan, Trinidad must solve the mystery of the disappearing corpse, before her father is up to his neck in a murderous mess.


About the author
Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (@dana_mentink).

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Dana has generously offered to give away one print copy of A Sprinkle in Time. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends May 27, 2022. Good luck everyone!

All comments are welcomed.