Murder on the Island by Daisy White

Death is on the horizon…

When recently divorced Chloe Canton is gifted her grandmother’s house in Bermuda in her will, it seems a perfect time for a fresh start.

Her chance at paradise comes with a rundown business, a neighbour who is putting pressure on her to sell up for development, and another who quickly makes herself comfortable in Chloe’s house.

If that wasn’t enough, Chloe discovers a dead body on the local riding trail soon after she arrives and finds herself dragged into a murder investigation.

With tensions rising and island gossip to contend with, as well as a murder in their midst, has Chloe bitten off more than she can chew?

Will Chloe stick it out and help solve the case, or will paradise turn out to be too hot to handle?

Daisy White recently spent some time with The Big Thrill discussing her latest mystery, MURDER ON THE ISLAND:

Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

The setting! I was lucky enough to fly as cabin crew for British Airways for many years, and Bermuda was one of my favourite destinations.

Daisy White

What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

I wanted to say a lot about Bermuda, but I also wanted a fast-moving mystery story, centering on a protagonist who needs to achieve a lot of personal growth. Meticulous research was necessary to ensure all the geographical details were correct, right down to the plants in Chloe’s garden.

How does this book make a contribution to the genre?

This series is pure cozy mystery, but it has travel leanings. At a time when the travel industry has been decimated, I feel if some escapism and sunshine can be achieved by reading, then bring it on!

Without spoilers, are there any genre conventions you wanted to upend or challenge with this book?

I suppose that for a woman life doesn’t end at fifty, and also the crime/travel combination, which does fascinate me. I use my settings as almost another character and feel they add depth to any novel.

No spoilers, but what can you tell us about your book that we won’t find in the jacket copy or the PR material?

When I was researching the book, I walked Chloe’s route towards Tobacco Bay and was so busy looking at the view, I fell over right in the road. My kids thought it was hilarious.

What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

I love the golden age of crime so Agatha Christie of course, but also Mary Stewart and her romantic suspense novels. I read widely, across all genres and recently finished Where the Crawdads Sing, which was utterly beautiful. I love the twists of a James Patterson, the tense plotting of Lee Childs, and the wonderful endings of a BA Paris book.

What’s the one question you wish someone would ask you about this book, or your work in general? And, please answer the question too!

Once you are published, is it easy to make a living?
I’m working on my tenth book, have a wonderful agent, three exceptional publishers, but it has taken fourteen years to get to this stage. I think perseverance and luck play a part. Also after the lovely ‘Omg I’ve signed to a publisher/agent’ moment there are still so many peaks and troughs to being a writer.

*****

Daisy White/D. E. White writes crime fiction. After numerous jobs, including being a flight attendant, a 999 call handler for the ambulance service, and a healthcare assistant in A&E, Daisy started writing full time in 2017. She lives on the Sussex coast, UK but dreams of living somewhere a bit warmer, preferably with palm trees!

To learn more about the author and her work, please visit her Facebook Page.