Join us for a special episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast as host Jed Doherty welcomes celebrated author Robin Cannon for an in-depth conversation about her latest cozy mystery, "Into the Shallows Darkly." As the highly-anticipated sequel to her popular novel "Into the Attic Darkly," this engaging episode dives into the compelling world of Connecticut-based crime fiction.

Discover how Robin draws inspiration from the places and people around her in Connecticut, weaving local charm and personal experiences into her twist-filled mysteries. Robin shares the creative journey behind her novels, from the real-life attic that inspired her first book to the new adventures in "Into the Shallows Darkly," where a young lawyer returns home only to unravel secrets, deception, and family intrigue.

Listeners will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Robin's writing routine, her love for classic cozy mysteries, and the balance between suspense and comfort that defines her storytelling. The episode also teases Robin's future literary projects, including an exciting new mystery set in a trailer park.

Whether you're a fan of mystery books, Connecticut stories, or just love discovering new authors, this episode offers plenty of inspiration and book recommendations. Tune in to the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast for a dose of mayhem, mystery, and heartfelt conversation with Robin Cannon. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes author Emily Raymond and her mother, illustrator Gail Striegel, to discuss their collaborative children's book, "Danny the Goat Does Not Like Pears." The conversation begins with Emily recounting the inspiration drawn from her childhood habit of hiding vitamins—a quirk that became the heart of Danny the goat's story as he goes on whimsical adventures to avoid eating pears. Gail shares her artistic background and describes how their familial bond made the book's illustration process especially joyful and productive. Emily also explains her resolve to work with her mother, choosing self-publishing over traditional routes to keep Gail as the illustrator.

The interview explores the book's reception, with children delighting in counting illustrated pears and families embracing the story's playful lesson about trying new things. Both Emily and Gail highlight the impact of local libraries and community support, sharing heartfelt anecdotes of their book being recognized and loved. The episode closes with talk of future projects, encouragement for supporting local authors and libraries, and practical details on where to find the book. The conversation captures the warmth, creativity, and community spirit at the heart of their literary journey.

In the latest episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Mary Karnes, the brilliant mind behind the captivating wedding planner mystery series that's taking the literary world by storm. Karnes shares her fascinating journey from real-life wedding planner to cozy mystery author, offering listeners a peek into the world of "Save the Fate" and the art of crafting the perfect mystery.

Inspired by her own experiences planning her daughters' weddings, Karnes discovered a unique storytelling opportunity. Her protagonist, Kate, is a wedding planner from California who finds herself solving mysteries between wedding bells - a premise that combines the excitement of detective work with the intrigue of wedding planning.

For those unfamiliar with cozy mysteries, Karnes breaks down the genre's charming characteristics: a female protagonist in a nurturing profession, minimal gore, and a clean narrative that keeps readers guessing. Her books aren't just mysteries; they're a delightful blend of humor, suspense, and wedding day drama.

The conversation takes fascinating turns, from wild wedding stories (including an incident with a DJ who collapsed mid-toast) to the unexpected ways characters develop during the writing process. Karnes reveals that sometimes her characters take on a life of their own, changing the story's direction in surprising ways.

Wedding planning enthusiasts will appreciate Karnes' expert tips, including advice on hiring coordinators, managing flowers, and selecting the perfect wedding cake. Her professional insights come straight from years of experience in the wedding industry.

With upcoming books in the series promising destination weddings and unexpected twists, Mary Karnes is an author to watch. Readers can find her books online and follow her journey on Instagram @MaryKarnesAuthor.

Whether you're a mystery lover, a wedding enthusiast, or simply enjoy a good story, this podcast episode offers something for everyone. Tune in and discover the magic of Mary Karnes' literary world.