Jade Cavendish, now the owner of the Beachtown Detective Agency, says, “As a PI, solving mysteries is just part of the job. Some are little, like a missing pet case (I thought that was going to be my first case), but others are super consequential, like murder. In the case I’m working on, tracking down a missing antique brooch, I’m discovering that sometimes, even a PI has to reach out for help. When you’re faced with an international art theft ring, a cryptogram, and murder, even the best of us need a little ‘professional help’ to get us over the finish line!”

Marla Vail, amateur sleuth of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries, says, “I think I’m less trusting than I was before I started solving crimes. Everyone has something to hide. But I hope I’ve become more tactful in my interviews with suspects rather than just throwing a barrage of questions at them. Also, life is short. You never know what is fated to happen around the corner. So you should seize the moment and cherish your relationships with loved ones.”

Sarah Blair, amateur sleuth of the Sarah Blair Mysteries, says, “Thanks to solving mysteries, the arc of my character has gained confidence in myself. I’ve also learned that even if someone seems perfect, they probably have some fears or challenges to overcome, too.”

Miranda Trent, amateur sleuth of the Paint & Shine Mysteries, says, “I own the Paint & Shine cultural tourist business I established in Eastern Kentucky. The biggest change I’ve noticed after my investigations has been an appreciation for the supportive friends and family that I have gathered around me. It was a warm and welcoming surprise to discover their support when I moved back to the family farmhouse. A strong sense of community that has always been a part of my upbringing is now part of me. Now, it’s my turn to pay it forward.”

Nina Fleet, amateur sleuth from the Georgia B&B Mysteries, says, “Solving mysteries has given me a keener understanding of my fellow humans. I’ve seen how, when danger lurks, some people rise to the occasion and face it while others cravenly retreat. And I’ve learned that you can be afraid and still step up to do what must be done. But the most important lesson is realizing that in times of trouble your true friends will always stand beside you.”

Tabby Winslow, amateur sleuth of the Valona Jones (aka Maggie Toussaint) A Magic Candle Shop Mysteries, says, “I wasn’t the type to read detective or crime stories as I grew up, so sleuthing isn’t something that I longed to do. Honestly, it just happened. From the first case where my shop clerk was accused of murder, I took on the mantle of “sleuth” because I didn’t trust anyone else to get it right.”

Anastasia Pollack, reluctant amateur sleuth of the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, says, “Prior to Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, I lived the American Dream. Then Lois Winston came along and turned my life upside down. She had my husband drop dead in Las Vegas and leave me with his bookie, his communist mother, and debt up the wazoo. And that was before the first dead body showed up. Since then, I’ve learned not to be so trusting—of anyone. Maybe that’s why I suspect my new husband is really a government spy, not just a photojournalist.”