Author Spotlight: Ginger Bolton
Author of the Deputy Donut Mysteries
BLAME THE BEIGNETS is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mystery series.
Ginger Bolton is an accomplished writer who has authored short stories, humorous essays, and over a dozen cozy mystery novels. Over 40 of her essays have been read aloud on national CBC radio programs, and both of her cozy series are beloved, well-reviewed by readers, and critically acclaimed. Her books have been nominated for an Agatha Award (named for Agatha Christie) and multiple Bony Blithe Awards (a Canadian literary award for books that make us smile).
Ginger writes light-hearted and entertaining mysteries with fun, relatable characters you can't help but root for. Her cozy mystery series include the following:
Deputy Donut Mysteries: This culinary cozy mystery series features amateur sleuth Emily Westhill, a former 911 operator who runs a donut shop in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin with her retired police chief father-in-law and her adorable tabby Deputy Donut. Donut recipes are included at the end of each book.
Threadville Mysteries: This craft-themed cozy mystery series revolves around amateur sleuth Willow Vanderling, who also owns a machine embroidery shop in Threadville, a small town in Pennsylvania known for its fabric, needlecraft, and embroidery. Machine embroidery tips are woven into the books.
You can read excerpts from the Deputy Donut Mysteries and learn more about Ginger's books on her website.
Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Ginger Bolton
What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?
The characters feel real and relatable—we don’t go around being amateur sleuths, but while reading a cozy, we feel like we could. Oh, wait. Maybe that’s not a good idea. Cozy characters can land themselves in trouble!
What essential elements make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?
I particularly like the settings and the friendships—both can be heartwarming.
Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?
It’s impossible to choose only one, but I especially like Sophie Winston from the Domestic Diva Mystery Series by Krista Davis. Sophie seems real, and I admire her cleverness.
The first eight books in the Deputy Donut Mystery series.
What inspired you to write your first cozy mystery?
My first cozy mystery was DIRE THREADS, a Threadville Mystery, written as Janet Bolin. I loved the opportunity to feature needlecraft hobbies in a mystery.
How do you research and create the “cozy” elements in your books, like the settings and community?
I build on places I’ve lived and people I’ve known, and I also like going on road trips. Oh, and trying different foods.
What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?
At first, I started writing without knowing much more than the beginning, the end, the sleuth, the victim, and the villain. Now, before I start writing, I create a long and detailed synopsis. If I’ve plotted carefully, the writing can be smooth. However, I usually think of something new to add or realize that I’ve left a huge plot hole, and I don’t follow the synopsis exactly. But a good one really helps me.
The five books in the Threadville Mystery series.
What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?
Read! Read lots of cozy mysteries and lots of other things. Also, don’t be afraid to revise.
How can readers connect with you online?
Website: gingerbolton.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ginger.bolton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorGingerBolton
Explore Ginger Bolton’s Cozy Mysteries
You can find Ginger Bolton’s books through many booksellers, including (but not limited to) Amazon, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, and Barnes and Noble.
Ginger Bolton Cozy Mystery Bookshelf
The following image gallery features book cover images from Ginger Bolton and Janet Bolin’s cozy mystery series. Use the arrows on either side of the image to cycle through all of the books on this digital bookshelf.
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