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In this What to Read Next Podcast episode, Laura chats with mystery author Olivia Blacke. Olivia shares her journey from reading every Agatha Christie book in her local library as a child to writing her own cozy mysteries. They discuss the inspirations behind Olivia’s transition into edgier, paranormal mysteries with her new series featuring A New Lease on Death (https://amzn.to/3CbGTPb)  where mysteries are solved through the perspectives of both the living and the dead. Olivia also opens up about her love for settings in big cities like Boston, New York, and Brooklyn, which offer a fresh take on the cozy genre and mirror her own diverse living experiences.

Key Highlights:

• Origins in Mystery Writing: Olivia recalls her childhood love for mysteries and early exposure to Agatha Christie books.
• Big City Settings in Cozy Mysteries: Why Olivia chose urban settings for her mysteries and how big cities feel like interconnected small towns.
• A New Venture in Paranormal Mystery: Olivia’s latest series, beginning with A New Lace on Death, explores mysteries from a ghost’s point of view, offering readers an unconventional narrative with wit and charm.
• Challenges in Rebranding as an Author: Olivia shares a surprising story about changing her pen name at the last minute and provides practical advice for aspiring authors on managing their brand identity.
• Book Recommendations:
• The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava (https://amzn.to/40zI8Sp), a heartwarming romance by an Indigenous author featuring an Indigenous protagonist.
• Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts (https://amzn.to/40AT6XU), a gritty, modern noir mystery set in New Jersey with a powerful female lead.

Where to Find Olivia Blacke:

• Website: OliviaBlacke.com
• Instagram: @OliviaBlackeAuthor

Facebook: @AuthorOliviaBlacke

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