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Monday, June 26, 2023

A CHAT WITH TEMPE CRABTREE FROM AUTHOR MARILYN MEREDITH'S TEMPE CRABTREE MYSTERY SERIES

Today we sit down for a chat with Tempe Crabtree from the Tempe Crabtree Mystery Series by Marilyn Meredith.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

First, I am Native American. I worked as a resident deputy in the mountain community of Bear Creek. As a young widow, I raised my son on my own until I met, fell in love with, and married a pastor. 

 
What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

I care about people and what happens to them. That’s why I never give up when trying to solve a mystery.


What do you like least about yourself?

That I didn’t learn much about my Indian heritage until I met Nick Two John who has helped me learn about the spirituality and mysticism of my culture.


What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

Ghosts and spiritual beings becoming a part of my life. I’ve been visited many times by the spirits of murder victims—and even demons and angels.


Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

Not so much argue, but I do make her understand and see what I will do when something happens to people I care about, or to me. 


What is your greatest fear?

That something might happen to my husband Hutch because of something I’ve done, or someone I’m investigating.


What makes you happy?

Solving a case and helping a soul to find rest. And because I now have a grandchild, being a part of his life.


If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why? 

I’d learn about my heritage much sooner than I did. Because Nick Two John opened my eyes to a whole part of my life I should have known about.


Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

In this particular book, it’s the husband of the murder victim. He is not the person I thought he was. 


Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places
with? Why?

I don’t think I’d trade places with anyone in this book or any of the others. I’ve had a great life. Yes, there’s been some heartache, but I share a great love with my husband, raised a son who is now grown, married, and a father. I’ve had a great career as a deputy, had some amazing adventures, met many intriguing people, and solved a multitude of puzzling mysteries.


Tell us a little something about your author. 

Marilyn Meredith is the author of more than forty books, including the Tempe Crabtree Mystery Series and the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. She lives in a place with a great resemblance to Bear Creek, where I worked. Readers can find her at her website and blog.

 

What’s next for you?

A Final Farewell is the last book in the series. My husband and I are starting a new life, one you’ll have to imagine.

 

A Final Farewell

A Tempe Crabtree Mystery, Book 20

 

A woman’s body found in a neighbor’s pond piques Tempe’s curiosity. It isn’t long before she is enmeshed in the intrigue and gossip surrounding the mystery.

 

Miqui Sherwood has two handsome suitors both wanting to marry her. Does either one have any ties to the murder victim?

 

Tempe’s life is threatened, and the health of Tempe’s friend and mentor, Nick Two John, is failing.

 

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9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a fun interview. Thank you so much.

Michael A. Black said...

Another great and entertaining piece from a master writer... Excellent job, Marilyn.

Donnell Ann Bell said...

So fun. Lois asks the best questions and Marilyn gives fantastic insights into her books and characters. Well done!

Violet Moore said...

I've had conversations with some of my characters, but this is the first time I've read an author interview from the main characters. I will try it. Even if I don't post Morgan Madrid's perspective on my dormant blog, it will help me understand my main character better.

John Schembra said...

Very clever, Marilyn! It was fun reading it, from the character's point of view!
John

M. E. Roche said...

Enjoyable read, Marilyn! Thanks, Lois!

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Thank you to Mike, Donnell, Violet, John and M. E. for posting a comment. This truly was a fun one to do.

Lorna Collins - Author said...

A fun look at a complex character. I enjoyed it a lot.

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Thank you, Lorna--it was fun to answer the questions.