Author Courtny Bradley is joining me today for an interview. Her novel, Death on Deck, releases September 30th. Take a few minutes to get to know your next favorite author. Be sure to visit her website to check out a slew of cozy mystery fun.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Death on Deck
Author: Courtny Bradley
Genre: Cozy Mystery
BLURB:
Embark on a thrilling nautical adventure in “Death on Deck,” a captivating cozy mystery by Courtny Bradley. Meet Lisa-May Midé and her Cruising Crew—a spirited group of women in their 60s facing retirement head-on. When a lifeless body is discovered, their leisurely cruise takes a sinister turn. Lisa-May finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and murder. Battling ageist suspicions and navigating the waters of friendship, the group of women unravel the secrets hidden beneath the ship’s glimmering surface. With humor, resilience, and a bond forged through decades, the Cruising Crew proves that the journey to solving a mystery is just as exciting as the destination.
INTERVIEW:
Welcome! It is my pleasure to feature your novel.
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
I have a slight obsession with wanting to become a grandmother. This has been my dream since I was a child. I want to be the fluffy, cuddly, silver-haired grandma who gives my grandbabies everything. My book Death on Deck is all about the feisty older ladies I have the pleasure of having in my life. My Nonnie, Nannie and they are the inspiration of The Cruising Crew ladies.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Funnily enough, the idea for this book came about when I was on my honeymoon cruise. An amazing group of older ladies sat across from my husband and me, and they were a hoot-in-a-half. My husband and I started throwing out ideas for cozies because, of course, I had brought some on our trip, and he was teasing me about them. This book might not have happened had we not been traveling.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
I work for my school district full-time during the school year, and I have two boys, ages 3 ½ and 1 ½-year-old. The prime time for writing is the summer. My boys are in school, and I can write all day. I take breaks throughout the day to walk outside and read, but this is the best time for me to write.
Which authors inspire you?
My biggest inspiration and cheerleader is Ellie Alexander. She is a fellow cozy mystery author who is the kindest person I’ve ever met. Without her encouragement and course on mystery writing, I don’t know if Death on Deck would have ever set sail.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on another cozy mystery series called Literary Stitches. In the charming town of Broken Arrow, former bestselling author Addie Doyle must solve the murder of her ex-best friend, all while managing her family’s quirky book and craft store, Literary Stitches—where every clue could be hidden between the pages.
Upcoming books, events, appearances, giveaways:
My book Death on Deck releases on September 30th! I’m going to the Ashland Mystery Festival in Ashland, Oregon in October.
AUTHOR BIO:
Meet Courtny Bradley, affectionately known as Courtagonist in the cozy mystery realm. An educator with over a decade of experience, Courtny has been unraveling cozy mysteries online since 2017. Married to her best friend, she juggles the delightful chaos of parenting two rambunctious toddlers in the heart of Oklahoma. Courtny’s cozy expertise shines as she guides fellow mystery enthusiasts through the charming world of whodunits, a journey seasoned with warmth, wit, and a touch of Oklahoma flair.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Jill Piscitello 