A wicked welcome to Sydney Leigh! I’m so glad she could join us today to talk about her new book Peril in Pink !
The Hudson Valley: The Perfect Setting for a Modern Mystery
Choosing the setting for a mystery is a big decision. Like the movies, location not only sets the scene but often plays a pivotal role in how the story feels. Before I set out to write Peril in Pink , one of the key factors I thought about was where the story should take place. The Hudson Valley was an easy choice. In case you’re not familiar with the area, it borders New York City and extends along the Hudson River north for 150 miles, right up to Albany, the state capital.
So what makes it the right choice for my modern cozy mystery? Here are my top three reasons…
The Vibe : The Hudson Valley is cool. With trendy shops and a laid-back feel, it’s easy to see why so many towns within the HV are hot spots. And foodies can rest easy knowing they have high-end restaurants with top-tier meals. And for those who like to indulge in a good wine or a local ale, there’s no shortage of wineries and breweries to choose from.
Lots to Discover : Food and wine is only scratching the surface of what’s around. So close to nature, there’s a ton of outdoor fun to be had. Hiking, biking, mansion tours, secret beaches, museums, art galleries. And with so many towns within the region? There’s something to discover for everyone.
Cozy Essence : Despite the top-tier shops and services, the Hudson Valley has managed to retain its cozy core. How do they do it? For one thing, small business rules. Towns within the region have tree-lined main streets, and big businesses tend to stay out of the forefront. That’s not all. In these parts, people know their neighbors. The influx of visitors, even during busy summer weekends, doesn’t take away the small town feel.
Fletcher Lake, the fictional town in Peril in Pink , takes inspiration from several different places within the Hudson Valley. Can’t wait to visit this awesome area again!
Readers: Do you have a favorite location or setting for your mysteries?
Everything is coming up rosé for innkeeper Jess Byrne until a murder on opening weekend gives her B&B’s killer vibe a whole new meaning. Schitt’s Creek meets Only Murders in the Building in this sparkling debut mystery. It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend—reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong—performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect. After a desperate plea from Lars, and knowing the reputation of her B&B is at stake, Jess agrees to help clear Lars’ name, but the more she digs, the less sure she is that he’s innocent. Especially when he’s found at the scene of another murder.
With the guests under lockdown, the B&B in the press for all the wrong reasons, and a killer on the loose, Jess is in over her head. With the help of her best friend and business partner Kat, Jess is determined to uncover the truth before Lars is put behind bars and The Pearl is permanently cancelled.
www.amazon.com/perilinpink
www.barnesandnoble.com/perilinpink
Sydney Leigh spent several years running a seasonal business, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of Sisters in Crime , International Thriller Writers , and served on the board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018-2021. PERIL IN PINK, the first book in the Hudson Valley B&B Mystery Series comes out in March 2024 with Crooked Lane Books. You can find Sydney at www.sydneyleighbooks.com
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