Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction

Shameless self-promotion!

I'm happy to announce the re-release of my first novel, Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction, a cozy mystery. The book has been re-edited and re-formatted, and this second edition is now available on Amazon.com. Tell your friends, alert the news, buy, read, and review it puleeeeease! The second book in the series, Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction, will be released in a few months, and you can get a sneak peak at the first chapter at the back of the new Murder & Mayhem.

A Moment with Amy Metz, by Dan O'Brien

Dan O'Brien, editor of Empirical and author of The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, Cerulean Dreams, and The Journey asked me some really fun questions in an interview for his website, The Dan O'Brien Project, and he's kindly agreed to let me post it here.

Tell us about your most recent release.
Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction was inspired by events in my family’s history. I remember hearing accounts when I was a little girl of the murders and thinking they were heartbreaking and intriguing. One of the murders is unsolved to this day, except for in my novel, where main character Tess Tremaine comes up against the killer’s relative who is intent on keeping the murder a cold case. But Tess is a little too stubborn to let a little mayhem get in the way of her solving the mystery and bringing a murderer to justice. 

What’s the most blatant lie you’ve ever told?
Four years ago I had to tell my mother that she was going to an assisted living facility for just a few weeks for rehab, when in fact her dementia had earned her a one-way ticket.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
Someone said my book was offensive and sadly idiotic. But I have a lot of 5 and 4-star reviews that counteract that comment.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?
I try to keep it in perspective, remembering that everyone is entitled to a different opinion. What really bothers me are the people who don’t say anything. When someone tells me they can’t wait to read my book but they never comment on it. Or they say, “I read your book,” followed by silence. I can deal with constructive criticism — I may not agree with it, but at least I know what they didn’t like — it’s silence that I find hard to deal with. It’s difficult, because we’re talking about people I know, and I thought they’d be more supportive, but also their silence doesn’t help me become a better writer or write a better book.

When are you going to write your autobiography?
Actually, I’ve already written it. It’s not an actual autobiography, because I wouldn’t make anyone read that drivel, but it’s a memoir about my mother, her dementia, and our contentious relationship. I’m currently collecting rejection letters from agents and publishers for it. If you know an agent or publisher, tell them about it — it’s fabulous!

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?
Yes, names are important. My book is set in the South, where oftentimes names are varied, interesting, and weird. I’m particularly fond of nicknames, like Pickle and Butterbean, and double names, like Henry Clay and Martha Maye.

What about the titles of your novels?
What about them? Oh, are they important? Well, yes. Many times a title can make or break a reader’s decision to buy the book. I named my town Goose Pimple Junction and put it in the title because, to me, the name reflects the quirkiness of the town and the book. It’s a fun town, and I hope the title reflects that. But I think people either love the title or hate it. 

Are there any occupational hazards to being a novelist?
Besides being a little mentally unbalanced? Yes, I’ve found extra poundage to be an occupational hazard. Sitting all day at a computer doesn’t burn many calories, and weight gain is inevitable. I’m trying to be more disciplined and get my big behind up for exercise periodically each day, but sometimes it’s hard to stop when I’m on a writing roll. 

What’s your favorite fruit?
Lemons. Does that count? A runner up would be peaches. Although it really depends on the season. In the summertime I love strawberries, honeydew, and peaches, in the fall I love crisp apples, early winter is those little Clementine oranges. And then there are pineapple and bananas, which are both good pretty much year-round. And lemons. I love lemon anything. Is that TMI?

How many people have you done away with over the course of your career?
Well let’s see … I think the total is only five. Maybe I should bump that up a bit for GPJ2 and 3.

Ever dispatched someone and then regretted it?
Yes. I can’t say who, because I don’t want to ruin it for someone who may not have read the book yet, but there’s one character in Murder & Mayhem who is maybe my all time favorite. It killed me to kill him off (sorry, that was lame — but true). I’m still in mourning. Maybe I can make him have an evil twin. Double trouble!

Have you ever been in trouble with the police?
Hahahahahahahaha. That’s funny. At least, people who know me will get a kick out of it. I did have to go to the county jail four years ago, but that was to deliver some evidence. That’s a whole nother story. The answer to your question is a big no.

So when were you last involved in a real-life punch-up?
Way back when I was a little girl, fighting with my sister. That’s as bad ass as I get.

If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
I think it would involve poison. And that’s all I’m saying on that one.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Betty White.

What is your favorite bedtime drink?
Sweet tea or juice.

Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a factory?
Absolutely not. Are you nuts?

Do you believe in a deity?
Yes. I am a Christian, and I believe in God.

Who would play you in a film of your life?
Maybe Oprah. Yes, I know I’m Caucasian, but who wouldn’t want Oprah to play them? 

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
I think a sane writer is an oxymoron.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?
Maybe Eeyore. Or the Catwoman, played by Halle Berry. Oh wait, that was in my dreams. 

What is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing a novel?
For me, it’s coming up with a good plot. It seems like all the good ones have already been taken. I had a plot all planned out for GPJ3, and I hadn’t told a soul about it. One day, my son started telling me about a book he read — and it was my plot! Or mine was theirs. I swear I’d never heard of it. I changed my plotline pdq.

What do you consider your biggest failure?
Dropping out of college my sophomore year. I transferred to another college the following fall, but leaving school remains a big part of my checkered past.

Do you research your novels?
In Murder & Mayhem I researched the real murders that were the impetus for the plot. I read everything I could find so that I could get the facts right for that portion of the book. 

How much impact does your childhood have on your writing?
Well, considering I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t had a childhood, I’d say a lot. Is that too cheeky?

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
When God sends us on hard paths, He provides strong shoes. That, and you should dress for every occasion. There’s no sense in looking like a wash-woman.

Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Sure, somebody has to. (LOL.)

Do you admire your own work?
Yes and no. I love the characters and the town I created, but I have a hard time reading the book. It’s kind of like actors who say they can’t watch themselves on screen. I find myself wanting to rewrite or edit it every time I pick the book up.

What are books for?
Different things for different people. For me, they’re for escape. Pure pleasure.

Are you fun to go on vacation with?
That would be a better question for my family. I think that my youngest son would say I spend too much time behind my camera. 

How do you feel about being interviewed?
It’s somewhere in between getting a root canal and a day at the beach.

What’s the loveliest thing you have ever seen? 
A full moon reflecting on the ocean.

Book trailer 

About the author (that's me!):

Amy Metz is the author of Goose Pimple Junction mystery series. She is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two grown sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky and would love to hear from you.

Connect with Amy (me):
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

Buy the book:

#SampleSunday

People have mixed opinions on whether Twitter is a successful way to market your book. Some authors swear by it, some despise it, and others are indifferent. The other day, I saw a post on Facebook suggesting authors post excerpts of their books and use the Twitter hashtag #samplesunday to promote the post. Readers can search #samplesunday on Twitter to find new books to read. And of course, they can tweet and retweet about your #samplesunday too. So I thought I'd try it. I'm starting #samplesunday on A Blue Million Books with some shameless self-promotion--an excerpt from my book, Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction. If you're an author and would like to post an excerpt here for #samplesunday, just email me at amy@amymetz.com. I think #samplesundays could be a lot of fun.

About the book:

When Tess Tremaine starts a new life in the colorful town of Goose Pimple Junction, curiosity leads her to look into a seventy-five-year-old murder. Suddenly she’s learning the foreign language of southern speak, resisting her attraction to local celebrity Jackson Wright, and dealing with more mayhem than she can handle.

A bank robbery, murder, and family tragedy from the 1930s are pieces of the mystery that Tess attempts to solve. As she gets close to the truth, she encounters danger, mystery, a lot of southern charm, and a new temptation for which she’s not sure she’s ready.

A Sample of Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction

Present day

Tess froze when she saw two huge dogs bolting toward them.  Then she screamed.  "JAAAACK!"

"Car, Mary T, CAR!"

Tess turned too fast and her right foot bobbled on her sandal. Only I could fall off a one-inch heel. She wobbled and then righted herself, and the heavy purse fell off her shoulder. Jack came up behind her, grabbing her purse and her arm. "Come on, Grace." He pushed her into the car. She scrambled over the console and into the passenger seat, and he followed, practically sitting on top of her so he could close the door tightly. With both of them safely in the car, the dogs stood barking ferociously just a foot away, as Tess and Jack cowered inside.

The front door opened, and a huge man stepped out onto the porch, pushing mirrored sunglasses over his eyes. He had a confederate flag do-rag on his head, and a cigarette poking out of his lips underneath a pencil-thin mustache.  A gray wife beater shirt revealed tattoos on each bulging bicep, and his torn denim jeans were tucked into black biker boots. He stood with his hands on his hips and a menacing look on his face.

"Good gravy, he could be the Mr. July for a biker dude calendar," Tess said, slack-jawed and wide-eyed.

The dogs continued their protective stance and enthusiastic greeting.

The man took the cigarette from his lips and hollered, "Cain't you folks read?  Sign says no trespassin'." He paused for a beat, then added, "That means you."

Tess opened the car window two inches, and called out, "Are you Crate Marshall?"

"Folks call me Tank." He took a deep drag of his cigarette. "State your bidness."

"My name's Tess Tremaine, and this is Jackson Wright. We'd like to talk to you for a few minutes about your family history, if that's all right."

"What fer?" he called out guardedly, over the barking dogs.

Jack opened his door and stood with it as a shield.  The dogs moved forward slightly, but kept their distance, emitting a low growl. "I'm writing a book on some events in Goose Pimple Junction's history.  I'd like to talk to you about your grandfather; hear his side of the story on the bank robbery of '32."

Tank stood on the bottom step of the porch, staring at them for a full minute, smoking his cigarette.  He finished it, dropped it to the ground, and stomped it out with his booted foot. Jack turned to get back in the car.

"Foghorn! Leghorn! Freeze!" The dogs stopped growling and sat down, tongues hanging out as they panted.

Tess and Jack weren't sure what to do.  Finally, Tank said, "Well come on, if you're comin'. I ain't got all day."

They got out of the car and slowly walked past the dogs, with Tess saying, "Nice doggies."  The dogs didn't move an inch. Once Tess and Jack reached the porch, Tank held the door open for them. As they went into the house, he called to the dogs.

"Thaw!" The dogs ran back to the barn.

The inside of Tank's house was not what Tess expected. The furniture and décor suggested a 1950's housewife lived here. The sofa was pea green under a plastic couch cover. A worn out but clean brown recliner with a doily draped at the top sat between the couch and the fireplace. An antique oak rocking chair with a cane seat sat opposite the recliner. A framed rose painting hung over the fireplace, and old family pictures decorated the walls. It looked like Tank had literally moved in and not changed a thing. The only signs of Tank's presence in the house were the smell of cigarettes, the haze of smoke hanging in the air, and the gun magazines sitting on a long pine coffee table in front of the couch.
Tess had second thoughts about going in as she looked through the cloud of smoke, which hung thick in the room. Jack pushed gently on the small of her back, and she reluctantly moved forward. She resisted the urge to wave her hand in front of her face to dispel the cigarette smoke.

Tess and Jack sat on the couch, and Tank took the recliner. Now that they were up close, Tess could see the tattoos more clearly. His right arm featured a Goth chick, with long, flowing hair and voluptuous breasts spilling out of a skin-tight leather vest; she was wielding a large sword. The left side displayed a tattoo of, aptly enough, a tank.

"What's this 'bout a book?"  Tank pulled out another cigarette from the pack.

"I write mystery novels, and I'm interested in writing about the bank robbery, for which I believe your grandfather was pardoned." 

Tank put the cigarette between his lips, and Jack added, "I'm interested in learning more about the death of John Hobb, too."

Tank lit his cigarette with his Zippo lighter, then snapped the lid shut with the flip of his wrist.  "Zat right?" He removed his sunglasses, placed them on the coffee table, and rubbed one eye.  "Sounds like you already know a good deal about it."

"We were wondering if your grandfather ever talked about the robbery or Mr. Hobb's murder," Tess explained.

"Huh. Yeah, he talked about the robbery. Felt real bad about it, matter a fact. He'd get drunk and start moanin' and groanin' 'bout how he'd brought shame to the family, and so on and so forth. And Grandma would always say the same thing ever time. I can hear her now sayin', 'Jest cut your shamer off and feed it to the chickens.'"

"Your shamer off?"  Tess echoed.

"You ain't from round here, are ya?  Basically, she meant that guilt isn't helpful. What's done is done and ya have to move on."

"What about the money?"  Jack asked.

"What about it?"

"What happened to it?"

"He never came out and said as much, but I kinda think he had to use most of it to grease the governor's palms. Whatever else was left, he probably spent over at Humdinger's."

"Any idea how much his cut was?"

"Negative."

"Do you know what happened to the other men who were involved in the bank robbery?" Tess asked.

"Yeah, I think Rod Pierce died about five years later. And Junior ended up gettin' caught for another job he pulled. I think he spent most a his life rottin' in a cell."

"What about a fourth man?"

"What about him?" 

"Did your grandfather ever talk about a fourth man being involved? John Hobb or someone else?"

"Negative. I wouldn't know anything about that."

Jack cleared his throat and asked the sixty-four thousand dollar question. "What about John Hobb's murder?"

"Sounds like you know more 'n me."

"Who do you think killed him? Did your grandfather ever talk about that?"

Tank ran his hand over his stubbly cheeks and wide nose. His eyes grew dark. "Can't hep ya."

Cautiously, Jack said, "Is that...because you don't want to...or because you don't know?"

"What difference does it make? I ain't answerin'."

Jack got his wallet from his back pocket, pulled a hundred dollar bill out, and placed it on the coffee table.

Tank stared at it for a few silent moments. Tess couldn't tell what he was thinking. His eyes went coldly from the bill to Jack. Jack reached out to take it back, but Tank gave in.

"Shoot. Hold on a damn minute." He took several drags from his cigarette, then put it out in a bean bag ashtray on a small table to his left. "I heard my granddaddy talk about it once.  He was there, but another man did it. I ain't sayin' who the other man was. I ain't no rat. Any other questions?"

"Do you know why he was killed?"

"Negative."

Tess looked at Jack, and he raised his eyebrows, as if to say, 'It's up to you.'

"Would you mind telling us where you were last night around eleven o'clock?" she asked.

"Why?" 

"Just humor me. Please." She flashed a sweet smile at him.

"Didja hear the one 'bout the duck who went into a bar?"

"I'm not talking about that kind of humor...Mr...Tank."

"Tell me what you're accusin' me of first."

"I'm not accusing you of anything, I'm just asking."

"I was home," he answered reluctantly.

"Anyone with you?" Jack asked.

"Negative."

"Okay, Tank. We'll be on our way. Thank you for your time. If anything should come to mind, will you give me a call?" Jack handed him his card.

"Will do. But it won't."

They walked to the door, and Tess turned around to look at Tank. "Do you by any chance know Willy Clayton?"

"Dudn't everbody?" he snorted.

"Have you seen him lately?"

"Seen him. Ain't talked to him. He was over to Humdinger's the other night."

"Was he with anybody?"

Tank snorted. "Yeah, he was with Peaches McGee." He chuckled and scratched his head. "She's what you might call a loose woman. She--"

"Okay, thank you again, Tank," Tess said quickly, opening the door. It's definitely time to go.

They headed for the car, with chickens squawking and scurrying out of their way. Just as they reached the car, Tank called out from the porch steps. "Watch out or you'll plow up snakes."

They got in the car, and Tess started the ignition. "Any idea what he meant by that?"

"Yeah, I've heard that expression a time or two. He means to be careful what you do or you'll stir up trouble for yourself."

"Do you think it was a veiled threat?"

"I don't know. He didn't really strike me as an evil person. Tough as nails, rough as a corn cob, and he's got about as much class as a guest on the Jerry Springer Show, but I don't peg him as violent."

"Why do you suppose he didn't want to say where he was last night?"

"Pride.  You put him on the defensive, and he didn't want to be there."

"Well, thanks for going with me. It wasn't a complete waste of time, was it?"

"Not at all. We learned Brick Lynch was definitely one of the bank robbers, as well as, at the very least, a participant in the murder, and we learned this state has had some very crooked politicians once or twice. Not that it's any surprise."

"Do you think he was telling the truth about the money? That his grandfather spent it on hush money and booze?"

"Assuming he had to bribe a governor to beat the robbery sentence and a judge to beat the murder charge, yeah, I think it's possible."

"But you don't think he's to blame for the break-ins or for hanging around my house last night?"

"Nope. I think his hesitancy to talk is out of loyalty to his grandfather, plus his natural surly nature."

"Well, if he's not the perp, then who is? Who else would care about some stupid old key that goes to a stupid old trunk that has nothing in it but stupid old keepsakes?"

"Tess, I wish I knew. But whoever it is, he's getting bolder."

She glanced over at him and saw him smiling at her. "What? Why are you smiling?"

"Did you just say 'perp'?"

About the author

Amy Metz is the author of Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction. She is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or working on her blog, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky and is currently working on the second and third books in her mystery series.

Connect with Amy:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble