Five Cozy Questions with Author Sydney Leigh
Today we welcome Sydney Leigh, who writes modern mysteries perfect for fans of “Schitt’s Creek” and “Only Murders in the Building.”
Five Cozy Questions
1. Why do you write cozy mysteries? There are so many things to love about cozies. As with most authors, I’m a cozy reader as well as a writer. What usually grabs me first is the cover. I love the playful themes and punny titles. Then there’s the puzzle. I love feeling involved in the mystery, always trying to solve the case before the end of the book. Finally, there’s the setting. Whether a big city or a small town, cozies have a close-knit sense of community and are full of fun quirky characters. And knowing there will be a happy ending? Yes, please!
2. What cozy mystery book or project are you working on right now? Right now I’m working on the second book in the Hudson Valley B & B Mystery Series. The first book, Peril in Pink, comes out in March 2024 with Crooked Lane Books.
3. What role does the setting play in your stories? As I mentioned before, setting is key. It’s important to me that readers to get a strong sense of community in my books. I want them to feel like they know and love where they’re spending their (reading) time. Like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, I strive to create a cozy environment for my stories to take place. In each book, readers will see the same coffee shop, restaurant, winery, etc. It’s a place I’d love readers to miss when they finish the book so want to visit it again once the next book is out!
4. Which authors or books have influenced your writing style the most? I have so many authors I admire and that have influenced my writing, including Jenn McKinlay (who often makes me lol), Olivia Blacke (who writes fresh modern stories), Jennifer J. Chow (awesome characters and settings), and Vicki Delany (strong, consistent storylines). In addition to these fantastic mystery authors, I’m a huge Emily Henry fan. Her humor is amazing and her books are unputdownable.
5. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received? The hands-down best writing advice I’ve ever received is write the book you want to read!
About Sydney Leigh
Sydney Leigh ran a seasonal business for several years, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes modern cozy mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and served on the Board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018–2021.
Author Links
sydneyleighbooks.com
instagram.com/sydneyleighmystery
threads.net/@sydneyleighmystery
tiktok.com/@sydneyleighauthor
Featured Cozy Mystery: Peril in Pink
Everything is coming up rosé for innkeeper Jess Byrne until a murder on opening weekend gives her B&B’s killer vibe a whole new meaning. Schitt’s Creek meets Only Murders in the Building in this sparkling debut mystery. It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend — reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong — performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect. After a desperate plea from Lars, and knowing the reputation of her B&B is at stake, Jess agrees to help clear Lars’ name, but the more she digs, the less sure she is that he’s innocent. Especially when he’s found at the scene of another murder. With the guests under lockdown, the B&B in the press for all the wrong reasons, and a killer on the loose, Jess is in over her head. With the help of her best friend and business partner Kat, Jess is determined to uncover the truth before Lars is put behind bars and The Pearl is permanently cancelled. (Crooked Lane Books, March 2024.)
Click here to order: amazon.com/Peril-Pink-Sydney-Leigh/dp/1639106391/
