What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?
I taught middle school language arts at St. Alyosius and after retirement I spent a few years traveling the world with friends and colleagues before returning to Eugene. By then the parish was converted to senior apartments. I was pleased to move into The Abbey: Senior Living, even though Rin Sato got here first and took occupancy of my former classroom—I wound up with the former 6th grade classroom. Frankly, before Melissa showed up with AJ Lewis, I was getting bored with my daily routine and looking for a new hobby.
As for that daily routine, it’s my habit to do stretches and devotions before tying my sneakers and walking around the neighborhood to get my steps in. I’ll spend the rest of the day reading, running errands, doing puzzles, and visiting with whoever’s in the common area. Dinner’s served at 5pm most nights, and I join neighbors in the dining room to eat. I like going to movies and plays, traveling when I can, and corresponding with friends and relatives. I remain a very active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?
I’m a take-charge kind of lady. Some people call me bossy, but who does everyone turn to when they need advice or direction? Me.
What do you like least about yourself?
I’m not crafty. I like to read and do jigsaw puzzles, but that’s about the extent of my hobbies, and it bothers me to have so much time on my hands and very little to do. I need a sense of purpose or a side hustle. Everyone else here at The Abbey has one.
What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?
She sent me on vacation with my best friend Eleanor to Portland during a Comic-Con. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Grown-ups wearing costumes, talking about comic books and video games, the place was swarming with monsters and aliens and robots. I wound up trapped in an elevator that weekend, too…
Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?
Sometimes she suggests I’m wrong, and of course I’m never wrong. Well, almost never wrong.
What is your greatest fear?
Irrelevance. I worry people might stop asking for my advice or someone moves in and starts running everything wrong. People need good leaders, and I know I’m skilled at running things. If others fail to recognize that quality in me and stop listening to me…well, it’s a terrible thought to contemplate. Things would go south very quickly.
What makes you happy?
Knowing I’m right. And having people depend on me to help solve their problems.
If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?
I’d have spoken to Cliff sooner instead of ignoring and avoiding the old crank. I really had no idea…
Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?
Rin Sato can push people’s buttons sometimes, but I do consider her a good friend. Also, she’s cheap. You ever wonder where all the sugar and jam packets disappear to when we go out to eat? Check her purse. No, I’m not joking.
Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?
Taylor Jones, only because I think it must be thrilling to be a detective.
Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?
Bless Melissa. She sent her sons to Catholic school, but she’s not even Catholic! Her heart’s in the right spot, though. She writes about all sorts of topics at www.melwestemeier.com.
What's next for you?
There’s a developer interested in buying the properties down the block from The Abbey. Ethan told me Vision Co. wants to tear down the existing buildings and put places like the Pharmers Market and In Stitches out of business. What will happen to our neighborhood if those places close? It’s terrible to think about, so I’m organizing opposition to that project.
A Nun the Wiser Mystery, Book 1
Meddling and murder can both be deadly sins
When retired nun and teacher Sister Bernadette returns with her fellow residents to The Abbey: Senior Living, she is the first to discover the body sprawled in the hallway of the converted school where she once taught English and now lives. Instead of freezing with horror, Sister Bernie has questions. Lots of them. Why does Toni Travi, the bedazzled and bejeweled resident from apartment 218, have so much chest hair? Did anyone at The Abbey know Toni was a man? Was Toni’s death related to allegations that she cheated at cards? Where’s the murder weapon? Who had motive? And did someone kill Toni, or the man hiding beneath the Revlon foundation and blonde wig?
Detective AJ Lewis is in charge of the investigation, though Sister Bernie acts as if he is still her student. With unholy stubbornness, she dogs his every step, eavesdrops, sneaks beyond the police tape and offers unsolicited conjecture and clues. He wants to keep her safe, but she’s determined to lend a helping hand—it’s her habit, after all!
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