Why do you write the genre that you write?
I’ve always been an avid mystery reader. Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew were childhood favorites and my obsession grew from there. I love cozy mysteries, both as a writer and a reader, because they are “feel good” books. The characters and the settings are fun and interesting. Nothing too gruesome happens, and there’s always a happy ending.
Tell us how you got into writing?
From the time I was a small child, I was always writing something. My dream was to one day have a book published. It took me a long time to achieve that goal. My first published pieces were articles in dog magazines and The New York Times. My first published books were romances, written when that genre began to boom in the 1980’s. Those moderate successes gave me the credibility to be able to switch to writing mysteries which was what I had wanted to do all along.
What jobs have you held, before, during and/or after you’ve became a writer?
My husband and I breed and race Thoroughbred horses.
Where do you write?
In my office on the second floor of our house. The window looks out over green pastures that are filled with horses.
What is your favorite deadline snack?
Cake, preferably mocha.
What is next for you?
I’m really excited that Aunt Peg, a major character in my Melanie Travis series, is spinning off in a series of her own. The first book Peg And Rose Solve A Murder will be out in August 2022.
What are you reading now?
I am binge reading my way through C.S. Harris’s Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series. I have no idea why it took me so long to discover these wonderful books.
Where can we find you?
My website, Facebook, Twitter, and BookBub.
Now to have some fun . . .
Vanilla or chocolate
Vanilla
Pizza or burgers
Pizza
Broccoli or squash
Broccoli
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Breakfast
Mountain or beach
Mountain
Introvert or Extrovert
Definitely introvert
And even more fun . . .
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
I’m a practical person. I’d need fishing equipment, matches, and lots of sunscreen.
My bio
Laurien Berenson is the author of the Melanie Travis mystery series, set in the dog show world. There are 28 titles including the latest, Show Me the Bunny. The series has won the Maxwell Award for Dog Fiction and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and has also been nominated for Agatha and Macavity awards. Laurien and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by dogs and horses.
Thanks for your great books, Laurien! I am looking forward to the start of Aunt Peg’s series.
Christi, thank you for reading them. I’m looking forward to Aunt Peg’s series too. I hope you’ll give this new book a try in the meantime.
Thank you Dru Ann! It’s always a pleasure to be here.
I have been a Laurien Berenson fan since the first Melanie Travis book I read…A Pedigree To Die For! Congrats on the most recent book Laurien and may there be many more.
That’s a long time, Judy! Thank you for sticking with the series.
I have always loved this series and have all the books !! I will enjoy the Aunt Peg one as well I am sure!
Margaret, The Aunt Peg book will be lots of fun. I hope you’ll enjoy this one in the meantime.
I have loved and read the Melanie Travis series from book one, looking forward to every new release. Kudos for creating Aunt Peg as a strong and independent character. It’s something I noticed early on, perhaps because of having an aunt very similar to Pegg. All too often characters over the age of 60 are portrayed as doddering old fools, when in truth the majority are intelligent, technologically savvy and well connected. I look forward to the coming adventures of Rose and Peg.
Cynthia, I’m so glad you like Aunt Peg. I totally agree about the way older people are often portrayed. I’ve known many wonderful older women and it’s a pleasure to have a chance to write about one.