Although there are many ingredients in a first-rate mystery, I have to admit that I am fond of vivid settings-- especially if they are places I've never visited. I suppose it soothes the inner world traveler in me. Author Cara Black takes her setting of Paris and brings it to life a neighborhood at a time. Her private investigator, Aimée Leduc, is taking me on a walking tour of one of the loveliest cities in the world as she investigates each case. If you stop by tomorrow, you'll be able to read my review of her second Aimée Leduc investigation, Murder in Belleville, and learn which section of Paris I was exploring.
 |
| Cara Black |
Cara also contributes to Murder Is Everywhere along with seven other crime writers from all corners of the world. It's one of my favorite blogs, and I hope you'll stop by and check it out.
Now... let's get to the fun part!
What was the very first book you remember reading and loving? What makes that book so special?
Eloise by Kay Thompson. I loved it because Eloise is a little girl who lives at The Plaza Hotel in New York. Henry James would want to study her.
Queen Victoria would recognize her as an Equal. Lewis Carroll would love her, once he got over the initial shock.
Eloise is interested in people when they are not boring.
Outside of your writing and all associated commitments, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read, walk my dog and take photos.
If I were to visit your hometown, where would you recommend that I go? (I like seeing and doing things that aren't in all the guide books.)
I was born in Chicago but we moved when I was five. Still I'd recommend the river architecture and historical tour - it's amazing.
In San Francisco, where I live, I'd suggest the Mission Mural walk off 24th street - also amazing.
You have total control over casting a movie based on your life. Which actor would you cast as you?
Tilda Swinton.
Who is your favorite recurring character in crime fiction?
Bernie Gunther in Philipp Kerr's series.
Name one book that you've read that you wish you had written. What is it about that book that made it come to mind?
The Lover by Marguerite Duras.
Duras writes beautifully, evoking a time, a feeling that drew me. I felt like I was there in Indochine under French Colonial rule in a forbidden and doomed love affair.
How did you celebrate when you first heard you were to be published?
Jumped up and down and hugged my husband.
What did you do the first time you saw one of your books on a shelf in a bookstore?
Stopped the car in the middle of the street - literally - near my house after picking up my son from school when I saw my books filling our local bookstore window. I rolled down the window and started yelling, "That's my book! It's my book!" My son got embarrassed, and a couple on the street smiled and pointed-- "Yes, we know the Marais!"-- and they were French!
I don't know if you've seen it, but I love Parnell Hall's video about book signings. What is the most unusual experience you've had at a book signing or author event?
A woman got on her knees begging me to give Aimée Leduc a better love life and to let her settle down!
What's the best thing about eBooks?
I guess that more people have immediate access to books.
What's the worst?
It's hard to imagine a world where we will have no printed books to treasure and fill the archives.
Thank you so much for spending this time with us, Cara. We certainly appreciate the chance to get to know you a little better. May your book sales do nothing but increase!
I also see that you recently won the Medaille de la ville de Paris-- Congratulations!
Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for my review of Murder in Belleville!
Now... let's get to the fun part!
What was the very first book you remember reading and loving? What makes that book so special?
Queen Victoria would recognize her as an Equal. Lewis Carroll would love her, once he got over the initial shock.
Eloise is interested in people when they are not boring.
Outside of your writing and all associated commitments, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read, walk my dog and take photos.
If I were to visit your hometown, where would you recommend that I go? (I like seeing and doing things that aren't in all the guide books.)
 |
| Mission Mural Walk in San Francisco |
In San Francisco, where I live, I'd suggest the Mission Mural walk off 24th street - also amazing.
You have total control over casting a movie based on your life. Which actor would you cast as you?
 |
| Tilda Swinton |
Tilda Swinton.
Who is your favorite recurring character in crime fiction?
Bernie Gunther in Philipp Kerr's series.
Name one book that you've read that you wish you had written. What is it about that book that made it come to mind?
Duras writes beautifully, evoking a time, a feeling that drew me. I felt like I was there in Indochine under French Colonial rule in a forbidden and doomed love affair.
How did you celebrate when you first heard you were to be published?
Jumped up and down and hugged my husband.
What did you do the first time you saw one of your books on a shelf in a bookstore?
Stopped the car in the middle of the street - literally - near my house after picking up my son from school when I saw my books filling our local bookstore window. I rolled down the window and started yelling, "That's my book! It's my book!" My son got embarrassed, and a couple on the street smiled and pointed-- "Yes, we know the Marais!"-- and they were French!
I don't know if you've seen it, but I love Parnell Hall's video about book signings. What is the most unusual experience you've had at a book signing or author event?
A woman got on her knees begging me to give Aimée Leduc a better love life and to let her settle down!
What's the best thing about eBooks?
I guess that more people have immediate access to books.
What's the worst?
It's hard to imagine a world where we will have no printed books to treasure and fill the archives.
 |
| On Sale NOW! |
I also see that you recently won the Medaille de la ville de Paris-- Congratulations!
============
Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for my review of Murder in Belleville!
I have read all the books in the series and enjoyed them all. Murder in the Marias is a classic, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Murder in the Marais was such a strong start to the series, and I was glad to see that Murder in Belleville continues in the same style. I look forward to continuing my visits to Paris!
Delete