Crafting Cozy Mysteries with Krista Davis: From Sleuthing to Pets and Colorful Characters

Cozy mystery fans, rejoice! We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Krista Davis, the bestselling author known for her charming cozy mystery series: Domestic Diva, Paws and Claws, and Pen & Ink. Krista’s journey into the cozy mystery world, her unique approach to storytelling, and her love for amateur sleuths have captivated readers for years. In this episode, we dive into her writing process, explore the secrets of her favorite murder methods, and get a sneak peek into her latest release, The Diva Goes Overboard. Let’s delve into all the cozy details from our chat with Krista!

Meet Krista Davis and Her Cozy Mystery World

Krista’s journey to becoming a cozy mystery author began with her love for mysteries of all types. It wasn’t until an agent suggested she try writing cozies that Krista took the plunge into the genre. Now, she’s the creator of three distinct series, each filled with lovable characters, small-town charm, and page-turning plots.

• Domestic Diva Mysteries: Follow Sophie, an event planner navigating small-town life in Alexandria, Virginia, where she solves mysteries alongside the “dueling divas.”
• Paws and Claws Mysteries: Animal lovers will adore this series set in Wagtail, a mountain town known for being pet-friendly, where sleuth Trixie the dog and Twinkle Toes the cat sniff out danger.
• Pen & Ink Mysteries: Set in a Georgetown bookstore, this series follows a coloring book artist who stumbles upon more than just artistic inspiration!

The Writing Process and Balancing Multiple Series

Krista’s writing style is refreshingly unique. Unlike many authors who meticulously outline their plots, Krista identifies as a “pantser”—writing by the seat of her pants, letting the story unfold naturally. This method, while more spontaneous, allows her to stay intrigued by the story as she writes. For aspiring writers, Krista emphasizes the importance of finding a process that aligns with how their mind works.

Despite managing three series simultaneously, Krista keeps each distinct by fully immersing herself in their unique settings and characters, making it easy to separate one from another. The locations, from Georgetown’s urban backdrop to Wagtail’s cozy mountains, help her maintain the individual flavor of each story.

Unique Cozy Elements and Favorite Murders

Every cozy mystery lover knows the importance of a good murder, and Krista has mastered the art of keeping things intriguing yet cozy. Her preferred methods? Poisons and everyday household items. Drawing inspiration from history, she explains that women have often used poison for its accessibility and subtlety. Krista also enjoys using items people would naturally have at home, like skillets or lamps, giving a realistic touch to her murders while keeping them light-hearted and fitting within the cozy genre.

Highlight on The Diva Goes Overboard

In her latest book, The Diva Goes Overboard, Krista takes readers on a whirlwind adventure with Sophie, her Domestic Diva sleuth. When an elderly couple’s engagement ends in a shocking death, Sophie finds herself pulled into a high-stakes mystery with questions around a surprise inheritance. Set against the familiar backdrop of small-town Alexandria, this mystery invites readers into the world of dueling divas, quirky characters, and clever twists that make Krista’s books so enjoyable.

A Pet Lover’s Mystery: The Paws and Claws Series

For readers who adore animals, the Paws and Claws series is a must-read. Set in the fictional town of Wagtail, the series centers on a pet-friendly resort where dogs and cats are welcomed everywhere, even in restaurants! Trixie, a Jack Russell, and her calico sidekick Twinkle Toes frequently sniff out trouble, leading their human sleuth to uncover mysteries. Krista’s vivid descriptions of the pets and their antics make this series a treat for animal lovers, and Wagtail provides the perfect backdrop for cozy, pet-filled mysteries.

The Pen & Ink Series: Coloring, Crime, and Community

In Pen & Ink, Krista takes a creative leap with a protagonist who’s a coloring book artist working in a Georgetown bookstore. The Georgetown setting brings an eclectic mix of characters, from government workers to students, adding vibrancy and depth to the mysteries. This series is ideal for readers who enjoy artsy, city-inspired cozies with a variety of characters adding spice to each mystery.

Krista’s Cozy Book Recommendations

Krista has a passion for cozy mysteries beyond her own work. During our chat, she shared a few of her top cozy recommendations:

• The Finley Donovan series by Elle Cosimano – A humorous take on cozy crime, where the protagonist’s accidental decisions make for laugh-out-loud moments.
• The Auntie series by Jesse Q. Sutanto– A delightful, slightly edgy cozy featuring four aunties and an accidental murder, perfect for fans looking for something a bit more unconventional.
• Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman– While not a traditional cozy, this touching mystery weaves in themes of Alzheimer’s with great care, showing that sometimes, even sad stories have a place in cozy fiction.

Where to Find Krista Davis Online

You can stay connected with Krista and her latest releases:

• Website: KristaDavis.com
• Social Media: Krista Davis is the author on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Krista’s stories, beloved for their warm characters and engaging mysteries, are a staple in the cozy genre. Whether you’re new to her series or a longtime fan, there’s something for everyone in her unique and charming worlds.

If you loved this post, don’t forget to check out the full interview for even more insights from Krista Davis, and subscribe to our blog for more author interviews, book recommendations, and cozy content!