Hearing from readers how much they like a character from one
of my books is pretty nifty, to say the least. A number of readers fell in love
with Jake Cameron from the Cameron saga, Memories
of Jake and Man with No Yesterdays.
Every reader I’ve heard from about my most recent release, The Case of the Slain Soprano, has been
impressed with Augusta McKee.
“It’s 1963. Former opera singer and now a professor of music,
Augusta McKee finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Not only
has one of her students been murdered, but now she’s short one leading lady for
the school’s annual musical. However, Augusta, a strong force to be reckoned
with, isn’t the type to take bad news lying down. Instead, she decides to do a
bit of snooping on her own, especially when her red stilettos and sassy wit
cross paths with the hunky, smart homicide detective, Malcolm Mitchell.”
“McKee makes a strong protagonist and I liked her instantly
as she asserts herself in defiance of the detective, who seems a bit
overwhelmed by her, but later regains his composure sufficiently to woo her … I
hope Jordan will choose to continue the McKee character in future books.”
Writing a cozy mystery … a totally different genre from my
historical novels, which tend to cover a long period of time and a lot of life
challenges … was more fun than I expected. Rather than putting Augusta in a
small town, I chose instead to situate her
in a city I love, Cincinnati, and a community of musicians and educators within
that city. Augusta came to Cincinnati to study voice at the Conservatory of
Music (exactly as I had, many decades ago); studied and sang in Europe for a
time (which I did not do, so I envy her that experience!). She eventually
returned to Cincinnati as a member of the voice faculty for her alma mater and
taught as well at a Catholic women’s college, Cliffside College.
“Augusta McKee, (the) heroine, is well-drawn for us and we
are soon thoroughly intrigued by this well-dressed and extremely well-shod
woman in midlife with many roles - professor of music, voice teacher, stage
play director, and supportive mentor to faculty and students.”
I understand Augusta pretty well, even though her personal
life definitely does not parallel mine. And physically she’s everything I am
not … she’s 5’9” and slender. She also wears stilettos. I will admit to owning
a pair of those when I was young. But Augusta and I both have a passion for helping
young singers discover their gifts. And we both enjoy the challenges of
directing a stage musical or an opera.
“Augusta McKee takes her place among the memorable
women of the mystery genre -- imposing in her height (enhanced by her beloved
stiletto shoes), her no-nonsense approach to life, her love of music, and her
bulldog determination to find answers when confronted with a mystery. She meets
her match in Homicide Detective Malcolm Mitchell…and the adventures begin!”
The Case of the Slain
Soprano (Kindle edition) is currently on sale on Amazon for the measly
price of $0.99. Sale runs until 8 a.m. September 4. Grab a copy now and enjoy!
cover design by Taylor van Kooten
Order now: https://www.amazon.com/Slain-Soprano-Augusta-McKee-mysteries/dp/1718802420/
Or visit my website: www.susanmoorejordan.com
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