BOOK CLUB FRIDAY -- GUEST AUTHOR DOROTHY HOWELL

Today we welcome author Dorothy Howell, the author of 28 novels. Dorothy writes the humorous Haley Randolph mystery series for Kensington Books, and as Judith Stacy, she writes historical romance for Harlequin Silhouette. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, with sales approaching 3 million copies worldwide.

Dorothy is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America. For more information about Dorothy, visit her website where you’ll also find information about a contest she’s running for her readers where you can win a designer handbag. However, just for readers of Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers, Dorothy is giving away a copy of Clutches and Curses. To enter, simply post a comment to the blog this week. -- AP

HOW A PASSION FOR HANDBAGS TURNED INTO MURDER

After writing 22 historical romance novels, most under the pen name Judith Stacy, I decided to try my hand at writing in a different genre.  I loved reading mysteries so I figured I’d try writing one.

Coming up with the premise of the Haley Randolph series was fun.  Haley is a 24 year old salesclerk who’s in the middle of a big-time quarter-life crisis.  Nothing seems to go her way, and she just can’t seem to catch a break.

All mystery series need a theme so I picked handbags.  I’m absolutely crazy about handbags.  A few years ago I had an online purse business.  I gave purse parties, too.  What fun!   So I decided that in the series Haley’s biggest passion in life would be getting her hands on the newest, hottest purse.

This, of course, makes doing the research for the books loads of fun for me.  I shop at retail, discount, and factory outlet stores, and check out fashion magazines to see the latest styles.  I pick up a handbag or two for myself, occasionally – just to keep the series real, of course.

In each book, Haley is on the trail of the “it” bag of the season -- along with the murderer, of course.  I give each handbag a name.  So far, Haley has pursued, and gotten, a Notorious and a Sinful.  In Purses and Poison, the second book in the series, Haley sets her fashion sights on a Judith Leiber evening bag.  Who wouldn’t?  In Clutches and Curses, this month’s new release, it’s a Delicious bag she’s after – where else but at a handbag convention in Las Vegas!

My dream is to one day create my own handbag line.  Since I live near Los Angeles, where the series is set, I visit the garment district where, in the book, Haley buys handbags for the purse parties she gives.  Nearby is the fabric district.  There are thousands and thousands of bolts of fabric from all over the world, in every color, quality and pattern imaginable.  Oh, the gorgeous bags I could make – someday.

           

For now I’m content to write about fabulous handbags.  But who knows that the future will hold?

Dorothy, thanks so much for joining us today. My own purse envy usually runs toward the classic Coach bags, but I certainly wouldn’t mind a Birkin on my shoulder. Hey, I can dream, can’t I? What about you, readers? Any purse envy people out there? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to enter the drawing for a copy of Clutches and Curses. -- AP