JUDY L. MURRAY'S HELEN MORRISSEY HOSTS A TEA WITH THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS FEMALE SLEUTHS

Multi-award-winning author Judy L. Murray writes the Chesapeake Bay Mystery series. Learn more about her and her books and find links to connect with her on social media at her website.

Why Women Make Great Detectives

If you are familiar with the award-winning Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series, you know my heroine, real estate agent Helen Morrissey, calls upon the individual talents and varied personalities of her own self-made Detection Club to help defend the innocent and seek out justice.

 

Today, I thought you would enjoy getting to know these women a bit better. Helen is serving as host at her house on a cliff overlooking the Maryland Chesapeake Bay. Nancy Drew, Jessica Fletcher, Nora Charles, and Agatha Raisin join her for tea, scones, and cocktails.

 

Helen Morrisey is leading the discussion. Let’s listen in…“Nancy Drew, are you willing to start? Tell us why helping me is important and what you think you bring to this group of sleuths? Aren’t you a bit young to be fighting crime?”

 

Nancy’s blue eyes flashed. “Since I’ve been involved in hundreds of crimes over my perpetual teen years, I don’t think so. I love working with smart women, but there are times when a young person comes in handy, especially if we’re chasing criminals through the woods or up three flights of stairs. I don’t think you would have survived in Murder in the Master without me.”

 

Helen: “That’s a good point. I am surprised you never seem intimidated by the adults around you.”

 

Nancy laughed, “Fortunately, I was raised by a father who encouraged me to think for myself. I’m definitely not afraid to speak up, even in the company of law enforcement.”

 

“Agatha Raisin, you seem to step on the toes of law enforcement, too. Tell us more about your background. How did you get involved in detection?”

 

“I grew up in a poor section of London and was determined to succeed on my own. Now, I live in the Cotswold’s when I’m not helping you. Sometimes people accuse me of speaking my opinion when it’s not wanted.” She shrugs. “But, there are times when being polite won’t help us capture a killer.”

 

Helen smiles. “I’m not very good at biting my tongue, either. Is it true you don’t like to cook?”

 

“It’s another trait you and I share. We’re both terrible cooks but love to eat. It makes the microwave our favorite kitchen appliance. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc helps, too, although I lean toward gin and tonic. I do draw the line at hiding Twizzlers everywhere like you do. That’s your problem, not mine.”

 

Helen grimaces. “I admit, Twizzlers are not the best dietary habit. I notice you’re wearing your favorite four-inch heels today. Don’t they hold you back?”

 

Agatha glanced down at her feet and winced. “I depend on Nancy to be our runner.” 

 

Nancy rolls her eyes.

 

“Nora,” Helen turns, “What do you think you contribute to my Detection Club?”

 

Nora tosses her short 1930’s waved hair. “Living with a private detective has its influence.” She straightens her satin robe and wiggles her feather topped, blue satin slippers. “I like to think my smarts come in handy for you. I also know how to make a wicked martini served in my coupe glass, of course.”

 

Helen grins. “That you certainly do. And, I’ve followed your advice more than once.”

 

Jessica Fletcher clears her throat. Helen nods. “Jessica, your talent for writing mysteries has helped us get to the truth. We had a few close calls solving Killer in the Kitchen. Have you ever thought to be a real estate agent? I think you would be fantastic.”

 

Jessica smiles. “We both have a lot of experience asking questions and piecing together clues, don’t we? Sometimes we find out things about people we weren’t expecting.”

 

“Or prefer not to know.” Helen glances across the room to the sedate, fluffy-haired old woman closest to the fire. “Miss Marple, as our senior sleuth, why do you think we work so well together? Is it just coincidence?”

 

Jane sets down her needlework, studying Nancy, Agatha, Nora, Jessica, and Helen with fondness. Clear, blue eyes twinkle behind her wire rims. “My dear Helen. You know very well I never believe in coincidence. Just think what we discovered when solving Peril in the Pool House.”

 

“But Jane, how have we been so successful when other sleuths fail,” Helen asks.

 

“We’re very clever women. We read body language. We watch and listen. We know the importance of keeping an absolutely open mind.” The senior offers a little wink. “Most crimes, you see, are so absurdly simple.”

 

Happy Holidays from Helen Morrisey and her Detection Club. May we solve many more mysteries in 2024! 

 

Peril in the Pool House

A Chesapeake Bay Mystery, Book 3

 

The grand opening of Captain’s Watch Bed and Breakfast in one of Chesapeake Bay’s historic mansions, is ruined when the body of Kerry Lightner, a high-powered political campaign manager, is found in the pool house with fishing shears in her back. Is the killer a rival politician, an ex-lover, a jealous co-worker, or the ghost of missing harbor pilot Isaac Hollowell? When state senate candidate and B&B owner Eliot Davies becomes the prime suspect, his friend real-estate-agent-turned-amateur-investigator Helen Morrisey and her Detection Club of fictional women sleuths vow to solve the case—even if it means the end of Helen’s romance with Detective Joe McAlister.

 

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AN INTERVIEW WITH AMATEUR SLEUTH HELEN MORRISEY FROM AUTHOR JUDY L. MURRAY'S CHESAPEAKE BAY MYSTERY SERIES

Today we sit down for a chat with Helen Morrisey from author Judy L. Murray’s Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series.

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

I’ve been a real estate agent in a small Maryland water town at the very top of the Chesapeake Bay since my twenties. I’m in my early fifties now. Believe me, selling real estate isn’t anything like HGTV. My husband Andy died in an accident at a housing construction site about three years ago, and I miss him. I’ve never felt a need to leave home - other than during my college years. I’ve never inherited a B&B, a book shop, or a café, not that I would have minded. I’m a get-up-in-the morning, down a coffee, bolt for my first appointment kind of woman! I hate to cook but love to eat. I depend on the microwave, granola, and Sauvignon Blanc. Don’t expect to find a stash of cookbooks in my kitchen. My daughter Lizzie is a fabulous cook. Don’t ask me where she inherited that gene. I’m addicted to eating Twizzlers. You’ll find them in my desk drawer, my work tote, and my glove compartment. 

 

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

That probably depends upon who you ask. I’m a fixer upper. Not just with houses, but people’s problems. I've always been a good observer of people, which comes in handy when solving mysteries. It also means I may get involved in situations that are over my head – like murder. I know Detective Joe McAlister thinks so. I’m the person who strikes up a conversation while I wait in line at the grocery store. 

 

What do you like least about yourself?

I struggle to bite my tongue and not intrude in my children’s decisions. I tend to put my foot in my mouth. I also tend to talk out loud to myself. As confident and competent as I am, I’m lousy at navigating through romance. I don’t even know if I want to. So, I’m a very slow mover. 

 

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

In her first mystery, I walk into a bedroom and find a dead naked builder sprawled across the bed. Since my childhood friend quickly is accused of his murder, my instinct is to defend her. In my author’s second mystery of the series, I need to help my daughter who narrowly escapes being poisoned in a home shopping network kitchen.

 

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

We get along fairly well. I tend to argue with Detective Joe McAlister and my prosecuting attorney son Shawn. They both think I need to get out of the mystery-solving business and back to selling real estate. My author doesn’t agree. So together, we’ve created my own Detection Club of famous sleuths to help me get into trouble or out of it. Depends upon your viewpoint. Joe thinks I might be losing my mind but admits my method seems to be working. He can’t argue with the best sleuths in the murder business!

 

What is your greatest fear? 

I’m afraid of heights, so house balconies, unfinished open staircases, and lighthouse lantern rooms make me very nervous. 

 

What makes you happy? 

Consulting my Detection Club of famous women sleuths for advice in tracking down killers. My author calls me a grown-up Nancy Drew. I appreciate the compliment. My bookcases are filled with detective stories and I love to rearrange furniture. I also love to sail my boat Persuasion. 

 

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why? Probably Maryland State’s Attorney Scott Harris. He’s incredibly cocky, wears cowboy boots with his tailored suits to look taller, and thinks he’s God’s gift to women. He likes to flash his overly white teeth and seems surprised I’m not impressed with his oversized custom badge that hangs on his belt. It’s all I can do to keep my eyes from rolling back in my head as I listen to him. Ugh. 

 

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

My cats, Agatha and Watson. They eat better than I do since I hate to cook, sleep whenever they want, and give me input on my crime-solving when they feel like it. They have a good life.

 

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?

Judy is a former Philadelphia real estate broker who has worked with delusional sellers, jittery buyers, testy contractors, and diva agents. She’s also a restoration addict. She and her husband have restored two Victorians. The first one had a metal table stuck to the kitchen carpet when they moved in.  The second one was such a disaster, it had a coke machine sitting on its front porch next to the front door. They have grown twins, a boy and girl, who grew up watching their parents shovel plaster, strip walls, and pull nails out of woodwork. After their children were launched, they downsized to a sixties contemporary that needed an overhaul but sits atop a cliff on the Chesapeake Bay. Judy often writes long after sunset. They’re buffeted by winds in winter and invaded by family and dogs in summer. The lighthouse in her first mystery, is only about a mile down the road. Judy’s debut novel, Murder in the Master – A Chesapeake Bay Mystery, is an IPPY Silver Medalist, a Silver Falchion Winner, and an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Second in the series, Killer in the Kitchen is out now. She began her professional writing career as a newspaper reporter and magazine columnist. You can read more about her and me at her website. 

 

What's next for you? My daughter Lizzie, a host on a national home shopping network, introduces me to a celebrity chef who wants to put his mansion on the market. Unfortunately, a killer has other plans. And I’m determined to find out who put my daughter at risk. 

 

Killer in the Kitchen

A Chesapeake Bay Mystery, Book 2

Real estate rule #2: How to sell a house fast -- offer a drop-dead kitchen.

 

When real estate pro Helen Morrisey’s bombshell daughter, Lizzie, a popular home shopping network host, invites her to meet an internationally famous chef, Helen jumps at the chance.  What woman doesn’t want to shake hands with a celebrity and do a little shopping at the same time?  Even more intriguing, this culinary superstar is about to sell his waterfront mansion and it’s her chance to get introduced. After all, he couldn’t choose a sharper agent than Helen, could he?  That’s a job that comes to a dead halt when she walks onto the TV kitchen of Cooking with Roberto to find his blood dripping bright red into his signature dish and her daughter collapsed beside him.

 

Detective Joe McAllister arrives to take charge and is none too pleased to find Helen asking his kind of questions. Their on again, off again, romance might sour when she ignores his warnings.  Undaunted, Helen calls on the personalities and special skills of her Detection Club of famous sleuths to stir this investigation pot. It doesn’t take long before the explosive ingredients of off-camera jealousy, competition, and nasty rumors create a recipe for disaster.  Helen has to solve Roberto’s murder before more tempers boil over and they all get burned. 

 

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AN INTERVIEW WITH DEBUT MYSTERY AUTHOR JUDY L. MURRAY

Today we sit down for a chat with debut traditional mystery author and award nominee Judy L. Murray. A Philadelphia real estate broker and restoration addict, Judy has worked with enough delusional sellers, jittery buyers, testy contractors, and diva agents to fill her head with back-office insight and truth versus gossip that she has used to her advantage in her writing. Learn more about Judy and her books at her website.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

Since I edited my high school newspaper a gazillion years ago. When I graduated in newspaper journalism, I became a newspaper reporter. Practicality and a meager, correct that – empty checkbook - pointed me toward real estate sales. As a Philadelphia real estate broker, I was also a restoration addict. I’ve shoveled many a pile of plaster out of old houses.

 

I started this mystery about ten years ago, then set it aside. Three years ago, I started writing every single night, well after midnight. I decided time was of the essence, as we say in real estate. I wrote and rewrote. When I signed a contract for a three-book series, I left real estate. Some days I mentally hyperventilate over the next scene I’m writing, but nevertheless, I’m grateful to be here.

 

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author? 

Traditionally published.

 

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind? 

I like silence. although I enjoy hearing murmuring voices at my local library. Overhearing others discovering books makes me happy. It always has. 

 

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?  

As a broker, I know real estate is a world most people find interesting. It is also often misunderstood. Real estate is not HGTV. Houses aren’t built in a day. Buyers and sellers are understandably emotional. Helen’s career gets her involved with people in a very personal way. It’s a great segue to a mystery.

 

The Chesapeake Bay gives me lots of interesting locations and people with different backgrounds. I have twins like Helen. My husband, who is very much alive, complains he was already dead before my first chapter. It’s a joke among my friends and family. We live on a cliff that looks onto the bay.

 

Describe your process for naming your character?

Helen is named after my mother. She always believed in my writing ability. I wish I could share these moments with her. Helen’s daughter is named Lizzie after Elizabeth Bennett, and her son Shawn is an Irish version of my son John.

 

Real settings or fictional towns?

Fictional town at the very top of the Chesapeake based on a real waterfront town. 

 

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?

Helen consults her self-made Detection Club of famous sleuths to catch the killer.

 

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

I talk out loud to myself. But then, I strike up conversations with strangers too.

 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Women portrayed as helpless or stupid. Everyone gets themselves in difficult situations. Running through the woods in high heels shouldn’t be one of them.

 

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?

A pen and paper set. Orange vodka and comfortable shoes. 

 

What’s on the horizon for you?

My second in the series, Killer in the Kitchen, will be released in September. Very excited about that. In Killer in the Kitchen, Helen’s daughter, Lizzie, a popular home shopping network host, invites her to meet a celebrity chef about to sell his mansion.

Murder in the Master

A Chesapeake Bay Mystery, Book 1 

 

A Chesapeake village rocked by murder. A family empire resented. A friend accused.

 

It isn’t the first-time real estate agent Helen Morrisey has found someone naked in bed while showing a house. But this one is different. One glance at the bluish cast around his lips and the vacant, staring eyes, and Helen knows developer Al Capelli is never going to sign another sales agreement. 

 

His death is big news for a small Chesapeake water town where a family empire is built around secrets and their brash money style is resented by locals. Within days, his lover, her old friend, begs Helen to find the killer before she’s arrested for murder. Helen quickly realizes that solving a murder mystery in real life is a lot more dangerous than reading one. She decides to create her own Detection Club of expert sleuths—Miss Marple, Jessica Fletcher, Nora Charles, Agatha Raisin, and, yes, Nancy Drew to help unearth the truth.

 

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