This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Beth Ford will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Cassie Woods yearns to be a real journalist. But in 1880s New York City, her only assignments are women’s interest stories. Until, that is, a cookbook author she’s meant to interview goes missing and Cassie finds herself in the midst of a police investigation involving one of the city’s major crime families. Surly but handsome Detective O’Neill threatens repercussions to her career if she continues to interfere. Will Cassie get in over her head or will she save the day and solve the mystery?
This collection contains seven connected stories, each centered on an exciting new case for Cassie to solve while navigating the highs and lows of her relationship with Detective O’Neill.
Author Interview: Beth Ford
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
I have always loved reading historical fiction and watching period dramas, so writing historical fiction felt like a natural fit. I think it’s the closest you can actually get to time travel. With this book, I really felt drawn to this time period (1880s) where a lot was changing just like it is today. I wanted to show Cassie Woods as a woman breaking down barriers before the real-life Nellie Bly.
2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a first born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world?
I am a first born, so I definitely am that go-for-it person who must always be doing something productive, much like Cassie Woods.
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is my screened-in back porch early in the morning. On a nice day with my cats out there with me as well, it’s pretty much perfect.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
In the past, I’ve sometimes saved deleted scenes in a separate file. I don’t do that as much anymore because I’ve never actually resurrected a darling. I think I’m more brutal and practical about it now. Once the decision has been made to kill it, it’s dead, and the story is usually better for it.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
If this can be any author living or dead, then I’ll say Charles Dickens. I need him to tell me how The Mystery of Edwin Drood was supposed to end!
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
My senior year of high school, I won a $500 college scholarship in a poetry contest!
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
Satellite phone to call for help, and a book and a snack while I’m waiting to be rescued.
8. If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
Teleportation. No more long flights to get to your destination!
9. Favorite snack?
Popcorn—fresh kernels, not in a microwave bag, with some butter and white cheddar popcorn topping. Yum.
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
I generally have a pretty good sense of direction to get where I’m going.
Read an Expert
“A lady reporter?” the policeman at the front desk asked her. “Are you serious?”
“Quite serious, I assure you.” She pointed at the card he held in his hand.
“Anyone could have these printed.”
“Are you going to let me talk to the detective who’s investigating her case or not?”
The man scowled, making his bushy blond eyebrows meet in the middle. Without a word, he walked through a door and out of sight. He returned a few minutes later followed by a fortyish man with strong cheekbones and striking green eyes. The first policeman returned to his duties at the front desk while his handsome superior continued into the lobby. Cassie turned her most charming smile on him.
“Are you the detective?”
“I can’t have reporters interfering in my case.” He spoke in a rough Irish brogue.
Her face fell. Clearly this man was not one to be charmed. “I’m merely asking for information.”
“What does the News Desk want with this story anyway? And why send you?”
“I’m the women’s editor—”
“Women are reading missing persons cases now, are they?”
“I’m simply trying to ascertain where the investigation currently stands. Mr. Walker’s lawyer—”
“What lawyer has he got?”
“Mr. Greene—”
The detective harrumphed. “No good swindler, that one.”
“I’m sure such a description applies to many lawyers you encounter, Mr.…”
The man glared at her. “O’Neill.”
About the Author:
Beth Ford writes historical and time travel stories that transport you in time. She is the author of the novels In the Times of Spirits, Love Between Times, Love Across Time, and After the Spirits Come: A Continuation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. She also writes the Cassie Woods, Reporter historical mystery romance novella series. Her work has also appeared in a variety of literary journals. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Website: http://bethfordauthor.com
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BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bethfordauthor.bsky.social
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crimes-Crevices-Heart-Complete-Reporter-ebook/dp/B0H3811ZPM/ref=sr_1_1
Thank you for hosting CRIMES AND CREVICES OF THE HEART. We appreciate you!
It’s a pleasure to have you here Beth! Congratulations on this exciting release!