I’m so excited to be a stop on the blog tour for author Judith Gonda and her new book Murder in the Secret Maze.This is the first book in her A Tory Benning Mystery Series.
Murder in the Secret Maze (A Tory Benning Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Beyond the Publishing (February 26, 2020)
Paperback: 273 pages
ISBN-10: 1950461386
ISBN-13: 978-1950461387
Digital ASIN: B084HNMVGV
Purchase Links – Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Kobo – Smashwords – Google Play –
First in a new series featuring California landscape architect Tory Benning!
Landscape architect Tory Benning knows the lay of the land, but she’ll have to dig through the clues to unearth a killer . . .
After a whirlwind romance and a glorious wedding at the luxurious Hotel Santa Sofia, Tory Benning is ready to let down her hair, slip into her dancing shoes, and celebrate—until she discovers that her newly minted husband has vanished. The police suspect cold feet and second thoughts are behind Milo’s disappearance, but Tory’s certain he’s met with foul play. And since she designed the plush resort, she knows every nook and cranny of the grounds and adjoining secret maze, and wastes no time delving into her search.
As clues begin to emerge that Milo may have taken his last breath in the maze, Tory steps up her sleuthing, even as she learns she’s the prime suspect of a cop with a chip on his shoulder and is squarely in the sights of a menacing stalker. And when a second body is found on the grounds, Tory fears she’s up against a killer determined to silence any and all who get in the way. .
Not to be deterred, Tory forges ahead, navigating a case with more twists and turns than the maze itself, until the labyrinth of clues leads her to shocking revelations about her husband, her family, and the identity of a killer who’s dead set on making her the next victim . . . .
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Tory loses her husband shortly after they are married. She decides that she has to help figure out the killer, so with the help of her friend, Ashley, that is what she tries to do. You could tell that Tory felt bad, but I did not think that her reaction was very realistic. If that had been me, I would have been incapacitated. But Tori was able to put that beside and get on with her life. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree with me. Adrian, one of the police involved in the case, seems like a good guy. And Ernie Gomez, another officer that is involved, is a jerk and I dislike him greatly.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and the descriptions pulled me into the story from the beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I thought that the mystery was well plotted and there were enough twists and turns and red herrings thrown in, and it was not easily solved.
I really like the premise of the book and the fact that the Secret Maze exists. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and finding out what is in store for Tory.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Beyond The Page Publishing, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Judith Gonda is a mystery writer and Ph.D. psychologist with a penchant for Pomeranians and puns, so it’s not surprising that psychology, Poms, and puns pop up in her amateur sleuth mysteries featuring California landscape architect Tory Benning.
Author Links:
Website – https://www.judithgonda.com
Blog – https://www.judithgonda.blogspot.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JudithGondaAuthor/
Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/JudithGonda
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/judithgonda/
GoodReads – https://goodreads.com/goodreadscomjudith_gonda
Pinterest – https://pinterest.com/judithgonda/
When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
The short answer–it really wasn’t until later in life when I became obsessed with reading Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich that I seriously decided to write.
What things, if any, influenced that decision?
Timing mainly. I’d loved reading all my life, mystery novels in particular, but I didn’t seriously think about creating my own until my two daughters were in college and I was “between jobs.”. During my training and career in psychology I’d spent years writing: a thesis, a dissertation, federal research grants, journal articles, all great practice, as it turned out, for the persistence and discipline needed to write a book. As a kid I read Nancy Drew and devoured comic books. As a poor grad student who’d minored in English and had no TV, my main source of entertainment was library books. I devoured books by Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Conan Doyle, and P.D. James, among others. After I left academia for consulting, I ghostwrote articles about the application of psychology to litigation and jury consulting for legal and insurance publications. After all those varied nonfiction writing experiences, I wanted to try my hand at creative writing. It took me a while to build up the courage to take my first mystery writing class at UCLA Extension. I was so scared to put myself out there. But I had the kindest instructor, author Kris Neri, and classmates and so my mystery writing journey began.
With so many cozies being written today, what makes your books stand out from the crowd?
I try to make my characters seem real, authentic, relatable, and multi-dimensional. One way I make my characters and their world seem real is by having my characters reflect California’s diverse population. Also, like real people, none of my characters are perfect. They do their best in any given situation. I write murder mysteries, basically the very essence of death and uncertainty. Each character handles their reaction to death and uncertainty differently, just like people in the real world.
For example, in MURDER IN THE SECRET MAZE, my main character, Tory Benning, has to cope with her husband’s disappearance and her father’s death, which occur in quick succession. She’s convinced her husband has met with foul play. But still, she really doesn’t know for sure. And that’s the mystery. Where’s Milo? Uncertainty and the unknown are a lot more difficult to deal with psychologically than rejection or death in the sense she doesn’t know how to feel because she doesn’t know what happened. She doesn’t know for sure whether he jilted her or whether he was murdered? Or was it something else? What is the appropriate response for that uncertain situation? Is there one?
Her bestie, Ashley Payne, a lawyer, encourages her to socialize because she’s concerned about Tory’s mental state. Tory develops a sudden addiction to exercise and starts to see a therapist. But Tory’s coping mechanism of choice is denial. She surprises herself when she finds herself being attracted to a handsome male character and uses that distraction as a brief escape, to flatten the curve of her grief a bit, to slow its roll so she can catch a break from her huge loss so it doesn’t crash down on her all at once in one big wave. She’s aware that she’s doing this and struggles with how to deal, feels guilty, but is also trying to keep her head above water, which I think is how real people act and react. We sometimes do whatever it takes to keep from going off the deep end. Is it ideal? No. Certainly not, but it is real.
Another way I try to make my characters seem authentic is they are all works in progress and will evolve over time. My characters are imperfect creatures, like real people, but especially with my main and recurring characters, I strive to make them evolve from their experiences, in other words they live and learn. As we follow their journeys, we can relate to their life struggles, celebrate their joys, and survive their hardships the best way they know how. Some will have slight evolutions, others more drastic, as the series progresses.
Do you work from an outline or plot or do you just see where the characters take you?
I start with a set-up and a loose outline of the plot upon which I base my synopsis. I flesh out the outline as I write which, in turn, helps me figure out subsequent chapters. For the characters, I have a good idea where each of their arcs will take them in each book when I start writing.
Do you read your reviews?
I do read my reviews. I’m grateful to readers who take the time to read my books and write reviews. I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that go into many reviews. The best feeling is to read a five-star review and feel that the reviewer gets me and understands what I was trying to say through the characters. That being said, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Subjectivity plays a huge part in reviews, obviously, just like with TV shows and films. We don’t all like the same things and sometimes our own life experiences color our taste in reading and in writing and in reviewing. So, I even appreciate reviews that offer constructive criticism. To handle the subjectivity of it all, I’ve followed the advice from other authors to look up a favorite book on Amazon or Goodreads and then read the bad reviews. It’s an eye-opener to see people pan a book that you adore. I try to look at all reviews as positive in the sense that people have engaged in my story and taken the time to read and review it. For that I am very grateful.
Do you respond to them, good or bad?
It depends. If it’s on a blog I might thank them. I generally don’t respond to other reviews, good or bad, except maybe to say thank you. When someone reaches out to me on Twitter or Instagram to say they really enjoyed reading my book, however, of course I thank them for their kind words. Gratitude is everything in life.
Do you do anything special to get those reviews?
All I can do is write the very best story I can from my heart and hope I can entertain some people.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Be brave. Push yourself outside your comfort zone. Don’t worry about other people’s opinions too much and try to limit social comparison, more difficult today with social media playing a large part in our lives.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in someone buying your book (s)? Who designs your book covers?
I do and I was thrilled to be involved in the process. My Beyond the Page Publishing editor, Bill Harris, and the book cover designer, Dar Albert of Wicked Smart Designs, had an amazing vision I shared.
Please give us an insight into your main characters. What do you think makes them special?
My main characters are works in progress, all traveling on their own evolving character arc. My protagonist, Tory Benning, is a thirty-three-year-old who goes from living her best life to experiencing enormous loss twice in quick succession and it throws her for a loop. How does anyone prepare to cope for such a tragic circumstance? Her mode of coping is denial, distraction, and therapy. And action. She becomes an amateur sleuth. And because it’s written in the first person, we’re privy to Tory’s innermost thoughts, so we see her warts and all and how she struggles to regain equilibrium in a world that has just been tipped off its axis. Yet her search for the truth and for justice keeps her going.
All my main characters muddle through tough life situations the best they can, alone and together. Most are good people. As the series progresses, we will learn more about the recurring characters and what makes them tick.
Part of what makes my main characters special is that I gain many insights and inspirations from the thirty-somethings in my own life, my two daughters, my son-in-law, and their friends.
What have you learned about yourself since becoming an author?
Persistence pays off. In writing and in life.
Do you write full-time or part-time? Full-time.
What do your plans for future projects include?
I’m currently working on book two in the Tory Benning mystery series. Working title is MURDER IN THE CHRISTMAS TREE LOT.
What do you think the hardest part of writing is?
Staying intensely focused. For me writing is like entering Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole. But taking that first step into the portal is the hardest part. But once I’m in the zone, it’s the best.
What is the easiest?
Proofreading after a million revisions.
What types of books do you like to read?
Mainly mysteries, particularly Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. Diane Mott Davidson and Jerilynn Farmer. I also like autobiographies of inspirational authors and public figures. I also love a good chick lit like BRIDGET JONES’ DIARY and I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT. Books like THE ROSIE PROJECT and WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE. I adore J.K. Rowling and Charles Dickens, for their wonderfully vivid characters, intricate plots, and social commentary.
What is the one thing you would like your readers to know about you?
That my current obsession is Schitt’s Creek. Having watched Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy on SCTV long ago, I’m delighted to see them together again and to see Eugene’s son and daughter and all the other brilliant cast members do such an amazing job combining heart and comedy. Absolutely brilliant writing and acting! The tears of joy and laughter they can elicit are my writer’s goals.
Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?
I have an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude toward them for taking the time to read my books. Big hugs to all!
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Website: www.judithgonda.com
Blog: www.JudithGonda.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JudithGondaAuthor/
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/JudithGonda
Instagram: www.instagram.com/judithgonda/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/torybenning/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/judithgonda/
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/Judith-Gonda/e/B084KPD5D5?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomjudith_gonda
To enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway, please click on the link below:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921038/?widget_template=56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
April 8 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
April 8 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
April 9 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
April 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 11 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
April 11 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
April 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
April 13 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Bea’s Book Nook – REVIEW
April 14 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
April 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
April 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
April 16 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
April 18 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 19 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
April 19 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
April 20 – Sapphyria’s Books – REVIEW
April 21 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 21 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT
mjbreviewers 