We chat with author Abbi Waxman about Deadly Does It, which sees Natasha Mason’s AA sponsor in deadly danger and she turns to the cranky yet brilliant Julia Mann for help.
Hi, Abbi! Welcome back! What have you been up to since we last spoke in 2020 for the release of I Was Told It Would Get Easier?
Oh my goodness, so much. Let’s see…I’ve published four more books, including a pair of mysteries, got divorced, got nominated for an Edgar (didn’t win, but that’s ok) and watched my three children fly the nest. It’s been an interesting half-dozen years, that’s for sure.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I don’t remember when I didn’t write, if that makes sense. I made up stories, like all children do, and wrote little books all the time (usually featuring a Cat Detective, I went big on cats). My mom was a writer, so I thought that’s what all adults did. Or at least, what all grown women did.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I was a huge fan of Ruth Plumly Thompson’s Oz books, she took over for L. Frank Baum. But the one that made the biggest impression on me was one of his, Glinda of Oz. There are characters called Flat Heads who have, unsurprisingly, flat heads, and at the end (spoiler alert) they pour brains onto their heads and make them round. I was OBSESSED with that image, which was pleasingly surreal for a child (and still pretty weird, let’s face it).
- The one that made you want to become an author: Carry On, Jeeves, by P.G. Wodehouse. He’s the master.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Rainbow, by D.H. Lawrence. I remember nerding out and calling all my friends about it, as a teen. I didn’t have a whole lot of friends, I wonder why, lol.
Your latest novel, Deadly Does It, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Funny, twisty, character-driven caper.
What can readers expect?
Mason & Mann tackle a mystery that hits close to home, when Mason’s AA sponsor is being blackmailed. What did she do in her past that caused so much vitriol? Why does someone try to kill her with giant vegetables? Which gorgeous vintage car will Mason be forced to drive this time? I’m hoping readers find it amusing and surprising. Fingers crossed.
Where did the inspiration for Deadly Does It come from?
I really just wanted to keep writing these characters. We’ll see if I get to write any more.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I actually love all the side characters; Will, Claudia…and this book introduces a new one, Teddy Kettleman (or Teddy the Kettle), a private investigator and master of the Long Con.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Just the usual aggressively blank screen. And even though I always wanted to write mysteries, because that’s my favorite genre to read, it turns out they’re incredibly difficult to plot. Plot has always been the hardest part for me, so I really had to work hard to make it all come together. Hopefully I pulled it off.
What’s next for you?
My next book, The Great Year After, comes out next year. It’s completely different from anything else I’ve ever done, I’m excited about it.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I’ve been dipping back into older Elizabeth Peters, the Amelia Peabody mysteries. So much fun, her writing goes down so easily.
