Olivia Blacke
·

Urban Cozy Mysteries & Ghostly Detectives with Author Olivia Blacke

Author Interview, Cozy Mysteries
Olivia Blacke

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. If you purchase a book, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This post may contain links to buy books, and you can read our affiliate disclosure here.

In this episode of What to Read Next Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with mystery author Olivia Blacke to talk about her latest book, New Lease on Death, and her journey into the world of cozy mysteries. Known for her unique approach to the genre, Olivia sets her cozy mysteries in big cities, creating fresh, relatable stories for city-dwelling mystery lovers. Olivia’s new book brings a twist of paranormal intrigue, featuring a ghostly detective on a mission, making it the perfect read for fans who enjoy a blend of humor, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural.

From Agatha Christie Fan to Mystery Author

Olivia’s love for mystery began in childhood, with an early fascination for Agatha Christie novels. Growing up, she devoured every Christie book she could find, shaping her passion for storytelling. While she didn’t start writing until later, her childhood library memories and love for classic mysteries laid the groundwork for her career. Today, Olivia’s books provide a modern twist on the cozy mystery genre, infusing urban settings with classic whodunit charm.

Why Big Cities Make Great Cozy Mystery Settings

In our conversation, Olivia discussed her choice to set her mysteries in cities like Boston, New York, and Brooklyn. Unlike the small towns typical of cozy mysteries, Olivia’s city settings bring a fresh perspective, proving that even in big cities, life can feel like a series of small, interconnected communities. “Big cities are just a bunch of small towns,” she explains, sharing how living in New York, for example, meant running into familiar faces on the subway or finding “regulars” in her neighborhood haunts. For Olivia, city settings add vibrancy and familiarity, allowing readers to see their own experiences mirrored in her stories.

Check out our list of Millennial Cozy Mysteries that are set in big cities with fun, cozy mysteries.

Introducing New Lease on Death

New Lease on Death

Olivia’s latest release, New Lease on Death, combines cozy mystery elements with a paranormal twist. The story follows Cordelia Graves, a ghost with a penchant for solving mysteries, and her living roommate, Ruby Young. When Ruby unknowingly moves into Cordelia’s apartment, the two form an unlikely partnership, solving a series of strange and suspenseful mysteries around their Boston neighborhood. The dual perspectives of Cordelia, the snarky, dead roommate, and Ruby, a young, optimistic newcomer, give the book a fun and unique angle that adds humor and heart to every clue they uncover.

Challenges of Being an Author – The Rebranding Story

During our chat, Olivia shared the unexpected challenge of rebranding herself just as her first book deal was signed. When an adult performer began using her long-time pen name, Olivia quickly realized she needed a new name to avoid brand confusion. With only hours to decide, she chose “Olivia Blacke” and launched a new website, social media handles, and more, all while managing the early excitement of her debut. Her advice to aspiring authors: find a unique name and secure consistent social media handles before publishing – you never know when you might need them!

Olivia’s Top Book Recommendations

When it comes to recommendations, Olivia has a knack for finding the perfect read for everyone. Here are her latest picks:

The Truth According to Ember
Trouble in Queenstown
  • Romance Recommendation: The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava. This heartwarming romance, by an Indigenous author with Indigenous main characters, tells the story of a woman whose small lies snowball, challenging her to find her way back to herself and her loved ones. Olivia describes it as a “cute, heartwarming read” that’s both relatable and entertaining.
  • Mystery Recommendation: Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts. This modern noir mystery features a 40-something Black woman who returns to her New Jersey hometown to become a private investigator. With a gritty, twisty plot and a protagonist who’s both sex-positive and body-positive, this book brings a refreshing new take to the noir genre.

Final Thoughts

Our conversation with Olivia Blacke was both insightful and entertaining. Her dedication to bringing fresh perspectives to cozy mysteries and her willingness to explore new storytelling methods, like a ghost’s point of view, make her books must-reads for any mystery lover. If you’re curious to learn more, check out the full podcast episode!

Find Olivia Online:

Whether you’re a longtime cozy mystery fan or just diving into the genre, Olivia’s books, like New Lease on Death, offer a captivating blend of humor, mystery, and unforgettable characters. We hope you enjoy the episode and discover a few new book recommendations along the way!