ABOUT THE BOOK
IT manager Mia Connors is up to her tortoiseshell glasses in technical drama when a glitch in the Horseshoe Falls email system disrupts security and sends errant messages to residents of the gated community. The snafu's timing couldn't be worse — Renaissance Faire season is in full swing and Mia's family's business relies on her presence.
Mia doesn't have time to hunt down a computer hacker. Her best friend has disappeared, and she finds another of her friends murdered—in her office. When the hunky new head of Horseshoe Falls security identifies Mia as the prime suspect, her anxiety level registers on the Richter scale.
Eager to clear her name, Mia moves into action to locate her missing buddy and find out who killed their friend. But her quick tongue gets her into trouble with more than the new head of security. When Mia begins receiving threats, the killer makes it clear that he's closer than she'd ever imagined.
INTERVIEW WITH JULIE ANNE LINDSEY
What’s the story behind the title A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder?
This title was inspired by one of my favorite geeky books, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I had a serious internal battle with my feminism before deciding to put the word “girl” in this title. It seems silly, but it bothered me. Mia isn’t a girl. She’s a strong, educated woman. Still, Geek Girl has a better ring than Geek Woman, so what’s an author to do?
Tell us about your series. Is this book a standalone, or do readers need to read the series in order?
This is book one in The Geek Girl Mysteries series. I’m not sure how many books will be a part of the series, but I can say that books two is already written and set to release early in 2016. Book three will arrive next summer. After that, I don’t know. Hopefully readers love Mia and ask for more. This spring, the unpublished manuscript was requested by a production company for consideration as a television series. I hear it's making its way through the system, so keep your fingers crossed on that!
I will! Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the same town I live in now. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family, if you don’t mind following the occasional Amish buggy or farm tractor at eight miles per hour. You get used to leaving early or being a little late, but it’s worth it.
What do you love about where you live?
So much. I love the scenery. The peacefulness. The seasons. I love that Amish women go door to door selling their baked goods and that there are more horses and cattle who reside on my street than humans. I love the low crime rate and gorgeous sunsets. The view from my rear deck is basically heaven. Life is good here.
What’s your favorite memory?
Honestly, I think my life is enchanted. It’s definitely blessed. I couldn’t pick a favorite memory sooner than I could pick a favorite child.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
Chase your dreams. No one’s going to chase them for you, and no one can take away what you learn in the process. Not the bank or a thief or a jaded ex-husband. The rewards earned from dog-headed tenacity, in the face of adversity, in pursuit of your dreams is all yours. Keep going.
What dumb things did you do during your college years?
Everything. I did all the stupid things. Regularly and with enthusiasm. Let’s just say I’m super thankful those were the days before Instagram and cell phone cameras. Yes. I’m old.
What’s one thing that you wish you knew as a teenager that you know now?
Don’t wear tube tops to amusement parks. They’re no good on roller coasters, and those sneaky contraptions take photos which are displayed at the ride’s end. To everyone. You’re welcome, Cedar Point goers, summer 1994.
What makes you nervous?
The dentist. Strangers. Animals without people. Monkeys. Dark alleys. Parking garages. Driving. Crowds. Traffic. Public speaking. Meeting new people. Small groups of power, like the PTO and other parent-run organizations. Ringing phones. Dressing rooms. People at my door. I could go on. Forever.
What makes you happy?
Life. Health. My family. Friends. Twitter and Tumblr. Reading and writing. My many shows and fandoms. Comic Con. Board games. Marvel. Coffee. Sugar. The ocean. Art. Music. Books. Silence. Laughter. I could go on. Forever.
What makes you scared?
I’m afraid of everything.
What makes you excited?
I get excited really easily. I’m overtly happy, and I make a habit of it.
Do you have another job outside of writing?
I mom. I know mom isn’t a verb, but it should be. Momming should also be a paying gig. I mean in cash, not warm fuzzies and excellent memories. Kids are expensive.
I totally agree! What’s one of your favorite quotes? “She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.” ― Louisa May Alcott, A Story of Experience
Who are your favorite authors?
Janet Evanovich and Gemma Halliday .
Where and when do you prefer to write?
I will write anytime, anywhere, including but not limited to napkins, receipts from my purse, and my arm.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your writing?
When someone tells me my story made them smile, or laugh, I drop the mic and toss my hands over head. That’s a victory, folks. If I can give one reader a reprieve, even for a minute, if I make you smile, I reached my goal.
What are you working on now?
I keep a full plate, so at the moment, I’m celebrating the release of A Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder. I’m editing book two in this series, which arrives in March 2016. I’m writing book one of a new mystery series (that I hope will find a home), and putting the finishing touches on an issue-driven YA which will release next summer. I’m also working on a proposal for a new contract and adjusting my family’s life to the back-to-school schedule. Basically, the usual.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie also writes The Patience Price Mysteries series.
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