Nancy Basile joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. Read on to find out more about Nancy’s books, how she got into writing cozy mysteries, and why she sets her book in West Virginia.
Who or What is The Cozy 52? Each week I will be sharing an interview with someone involved with Cozy Mysteries – an author, blogger, Facebook Group host, podcaster, cover designer – so that we can showcase this amazing community! I hope you’ll discover some new authors, plus learn more about what goes on behind the scenes with the people who write, publish and promote cozy mysteries!
Introducing Nancy Basile
NAME: Nancy Basile
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- the River Sutton Mysteries: current books are Roadside Homicide and A Fatal Fumble
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? Self-published
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I grew up in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, which is where my cozy mysteries are set. I’ve lived all over the country, but West Virginia is still the place I think of when I think “home.” I have a background in musical theatre, but I spent my adult life as a freelance writer. I dreamed of becoming a murder mystery writer after growing up reading Encyclopedia Brown, Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie books. In 2020, I completed the NaNoWriMo challenge, which gave me my first working manuscript. After getting a push from another self-published author I know, I decided to go for it. Now, I’m working on the third novel in the series, and I couldn’t be more fulfilled or happier with the reader response.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I am absolutely, unapologetically addicted to Starbucks. Sadly, there’s one across the street from me, and it has a drive-through.
- We “adopted” two feral cats that we trapped, neutered/spayed and released. They shelter in our garage and we feed them more than their daily recommended allowance.
- My favorite outfit to wear while I’m writing is a pair of soft black leggings and a t-shirt, both of which are covered in Avengers’ logos, and my Grogu (Baby Yoda) slippers.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
As I said, I’ve always wanted to write murder mysteries, but it wasn’t until another author I know encouraged me that I finally did the thing. Funny enough, I didn’t set out to write cozy mysteries. I thought I was writing a gritty, dark murder mystery. Then, one day, I came across a blog post that described what cozy mysteries where. I realized that my books checked off every item! At first, I was disappointed. But then I realized that a lot of my favorite mysteries are considered “cozy,” and that cozy readers are passionate, ravenous, and a delight. The more I write and talk with the cozy community, the happier I am that my books are considered cozy.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
Mine don’t fall into a subgenre. I consider them “country” because they’re rural. Although, Robin, the main character, drinks an awful lot of coffee, and she and her sister, Jenn, love sweets and pastries, which are mentioned frequently.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
Murder mysteries are the best of two different worlds: literature and puzzles. I love reading mysteries because of the writing and because the deduction skills involved really work my brain. I wanted to try my hand at creating that kind of puzzle for other readers. My home county was also an inspiration because it’s so much a part of me, the need for green spaces, the love of nature, the colloquialisms, the traditions. I wanted to break the stereotypes people have for West Virginia and show them the beauty of the place.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
Escape and comfort. They’re easy to read, so it’s easy to escape the stress of the everyday world. And because they’re mysteries, there’s a sense of justice, of wrong being put right, that gives you comfort by the end of the book.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
I don’t feel like I’m an expert enough to be a leader in the cozy community. However, I have taken part in the Cozy Mystery Club group reads, I’m active in the Bookstagram community, and I try to connect with readers through my newsletter.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
Other than Agatha Christie, Louise Penny, Elizabeth George, Jodi Taylor, Liane Moriarty, Robert Galbraith, Tana French, Deanna Raybourn, Tonya Kappes, Alan Bradley, Diana Gabaldon. I could go on and on!
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
Oh, dear. Rebecca, And Then There Were None, and Jane Eyre.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
I’m working on the third book in River Sutton Mysteries that I hope to publish later this year. It’s set during Christmastime at a bed and breakfast. No working title yet but stay tuned!
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Macaroni and cheese.
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Cold brew coffee with sugar-free peppermint mocha creamer.
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: My phone.
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter.
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Isle of Skye, specifically Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree.
To keep up to date with Nancy Basile online, you can connect with her on:
You can also sign up for Nancy’s newsletter and receive a free prequel to the River Sutton Mysteries, A Shoulder to Die On.
