How a Plot Hole Smashed My Deadline
My friends' book pets have opinions - but can they solve murders?
Writing a mystery feels a lot like playing a video game.
You breeze through levels (chapters), collect treasure (clues, suspects, and red herrings), and get ready to face the big boss (the killer).
And then—you realize you’re missing the one thing you need to win.
In writing terms? That’s a plot hole. The kind that makes a sleuth look clueless, and the twists fall flat. That’s my worst nightmare. I’d never do that to you.
When my editor sent over a list of critical fixes for The Tainted Tea Leaves, I had two choices: rush through writing the final few chapters, or get it right.
I chose to get it right.
That’s why I’m pushing the release to October 2nd. It’s not the easy call, but it’s the right one. You deserve a mystery that lands every punch (and every punchline).
While you wait, here’s a sneak peek featuring Cousin Ross—tea snob, charming menace, and easily offended by iced peach slices.
No apologies to the actual Ross who inspired this character. He knows it’s true.
On the way to the coffee shop, I called Maribelle and Nellie, who were waiting for us when we arrived. Once inside, Ross watched from his chair as we set up a tea reading corner.
Nellie said, "I can't wait to get a reading, and I don't even like tea."
"You don't like tea? Don't tell me you're a coffee heretic like my cousin." Ross tilted his head toward me and gave a playful wink.
"I like tea if it's served over ice and a couple of fresh peach slices," she admitted.
My cousin looked as grief-stricken as if someone had told him his favorite comic book superhero was fictional. "Why would you put ice in it? Next, you'll be telling me that you use those discounted tea bags from the supermarket."
Dash to Get This Cozy Mystery Rec
Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean, aka, Dash, started life on a huge estate in Georgia. Unwanted, he was dumped on a dark and lonely road. Fortunately, Nikki Knight rescued the stranded dachshund.
Safe at last, he revealed his ability to talk to one human. He chose Nikki. Always at her side, he was her live-in-the-moment, talking, sausage-eating, crime-solving partner. The rest is history. Ready to find out how it all turns out? Click the link below!
Ready to stir up some ghostly trouble? It’s release day for Skeletons & Scandals, a supernatural Southern cozy mystery about a reluctant ghost whisperer. Includes Southern recipes and a ghostly good time! Click the link below to get your copy!
That's all for now. I hope your day is filled with books and coffee (or whatever you’ve got in your favorite mug). Happy reading!
Until next time,
Becky
Cozy mysteries with caffeine, chaos, and charm.
Romantic stories with heart, hope, and absolutely zero heat.
The only thing steamy in here is the coffee.
www.beckymuth.com
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Those pesky plot holes live to make our lives challenging!