Thanks, Mr. Penn, for speaking with me about your relationship with your daughter, Olivia.
Call me Bill, and I’m happy to do so. Before I agreed to this interview, I checked with Olivia, and she gave me the green light—on the condition that I don’t share anything embarrassing.
Would there be anything embarrassing to share?
The funniest thing happened last October, right around Halloween. Her now-boyfriend locked her up in the police station’s holding cell. It was a big misunderstanding, but it was hilarious because I had to go into town and get her out. She’s never caused me a day of trouble, but finally, I had a good story to tell my buddies at the Elks. Don’t write about that, though—it’s still a sore spot with her.
It’ll stay between us. I understand she’s the reason you’re here in Oregon at the baking school.
For Christmas, she surprised me with a three-week course of professional lessons. She really shouldn’t have spent that much, but I’ve had the time of my life. You know, she works as an advice columnist, but she also writes a weekly column for our local paper. Over the holidays, the editor asked her to do a special feature, “The Twelve Bakes of Christmas,” and we teamed up to test the recipes. I wasn’t much of a baker before then, but now I love it.
Any tips you can share?
If you’re making puff pastry from scratch, make rough puff. You can still get good lamination with smaller chunks of butter.
Good to know. You two live together now. What’s that like?
Other than her insisting I eat vegetables with every meal, it’s been great. She moved back about a year ago, though that wasn’t her plan at the time. Still, my life has definitely gotten a lot more exciting. In December, I went with her to meet a PI late at night at a local lake because he thought Olivia was her deceased friend. It felt like something straight out of a movie—it was a blast.
Meeting with a PI? Is she a sleuth?
I shouldn’t say too much, but she’s been involved in a few police investigations. Apple Station is a quaint little town, but since she’s been home, there have been three murders in the area. It’s starting to feel like that TV show with Angela Lansbury. Now that’s a place I wouldn’t want to live.
Agreed. So, she works from home?
That’s right. She works out of what used to be her mother’s writing cottage in the backyard. After my wife passed away, I left everything inside just as it was. Then, when Olivia moved back, it became her office.
I bet you’re looking forward to getting back to Virginia.
I can’t wait. She told me there’s a carnival in town, and she’s really excited about going. I remember when her mother and I used to take her to carnivals when she was a kid. She always had to ride the carousel twice, and we couldn’t leave until she won a prize. It should be a great time. If something goes wrong at a carnival, then what’s the world coming to?
Indeed. Thanks for your time.
Sure thing. I’m proud of Olivia. She’s faced some challenges recently, but she’s shown remarkable resilience. Just remember, don’t mention the jail incident.
Your secret is safe, Bill.
Giveaway: Kathleen has generously offered to give away one print copy of When the Carnival Came. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends November 14, 2024. Good luck everyone!
When the Carnival Came, An Olivia Penn Mystery Book 4
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: November 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
A mysterious murder at an abandoned military base. A carnival has rolled into town. The shocking connection forces her to choose between a dear friend and her new love.
Spring is blooming in Apple Station, Virginia, and Olivia Penn’s new romance is heating up. With love in the air and the carnival in town, life seems picture-perfect—until a stranger arrives at her door with carnations and a cryptic message for her friend.
When Olivia follows the trail and finds her friend standing over a dead body, she discovers there’s more to the carnival than just fun and games. Compelled to keep an impossible secret from both her new love and the police, Olivia is recruited to go undercover and investigate who among the quirky carnival crew had a motive for murder.
In a race to protect her friend and solve the crime, she must trust a man she never expected to see again. Together, they execute a daring plan to bring a killer to justice and save the lives of thirty very precious, valuable feathered friends.
With the killer on the verge of vanishing without a trace, justice—and her life—hinge on quick thinking and a bold move. Will she and her new love survive to see another day?
About the author
Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. Kathleen has degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She previously worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over twenty years with children who have special needs. She now spends her days writing in Virginia with her adorable feline fur baby by her side. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the James River Writers. Visit online at: kathleenbaileyauthor.com and follow @cozycrimewriter on Instagram.
A carnival sounds like a great setting for a murder mystery.
Yes! It’s just a touch of Something Wicked This Way Comes and a whole lot of Murder, She Wrote.
I’m surprised more mysteries don’t take place at carnivals! They’ve always seemed somewhat creepy and a bit mysterious to me since I was a kid!
Absolutely! Carnivals are a goldmine for mystery. There’s something about the mix of fun and the unknown that makes you wonder what’s happening behind the scenes.
New series for me. I love the carnival setting! Sounds like fun and not one I see very often. I’d think there would be lots of opportunities for mystery with the travel and interesting people, plus lots of places to hide bodies or clues.
Alicia, so true! “Lots of places to hide bodies or clues”—that’s thinking like a mystery writer! Thanks for stopping by today and checking out my series!
Kathleen is a new author to me. Sounds like a great book and an interesting storyline.
Thank you, Dianne! I’m thrilled to pop up on your radar! Hope you get a chance to dive into the series and enjoy the adventure!
Thanks so much for having me, Dru! I’m so grateful for the chance to share my new launch here!
A captivating and intriguing mystery. A carnival is always unique.
Thank you! Carnivals have the perfect mix of whimsy and mystery, ensuring each visit will never be the same.
This sounds like a good book. It is on my tbr
Thank you! I’m thrilled it made your TBR! Hope you’re ready for some small-town sleuthing, carnival secrets, and a few surprises along the way!
Carnivals are always fun to go to. Yet something freaky, scary about them, maybe the clowns?
Yes, totally agree! It’s fun with a side of something’s not quite right. This book is certified 100% clown free! 😀
Congratulations on this joy ride of a book, Kathleen. It sounds like a romp plus.
Thanks so much! “A romp plus”—I love that! I hope all enjoy the ride.
Love carnivals and read any books I find about them especially mysteries. Would love to win your book.
Thank you so much! Sounds like my book is right up your alley! Get ready for some twists, secrets, and small-town carnival vibes—fingers crossed for a win!
Sounds like a great story. I love the carnival concept. I have fond memories of them.
Thank you! There’s something magical and a little mysterious about carnivals, right? The lights, the laughter, the smell of popcorn—it’s like stepping into a whole other world. Hope this story brings back some great memories!
Thank you so much! Sounds like my book is right up your alley! Get ready for some twists, secrets, and small-town carnival vibes—fingers crossed for a win!
I met you at the Cozy Fete in Shiremanstown. A carnival seems like a great setting for a mystery. Thanks for the chance.
Sally, it was so lovely meeting you at the Cozy Fete! What a great time we had! And yes, a carnival has all the right ingredients for mystery—secrets, suspense, and plenty of quirky characters to keep you guessing. Thanks for stopping by today and joining the fun!
It seems like a traveling carnival would be a perfect place to hide, one’s identity or a body!
Exactly! Carnivals are the ultimate cover-up—anything or anyone could be hiding in plain sight. Circuses are for those who want to run away, carnivals are for those who want to hide! 😉