Author Spotlight: Kim Harrington

Kim Harrington has written books for young readers and teens. She is also the author of A Killer for Christmas, a charming and clever mystery-romance set in Christmasville, Maine.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Kim Harrington

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

As a reader, I enjoy the way a cozy mystery makes me feel. I read widely from cozy mystery to thrillers, horror to romcoms, depending on my mood. Cracking open a cozy mystery is like settling into a favorite chair with a warm blanket.

As a writer, I was attracted to the genre because it’s the best fit for my voice. While I love reading in several genres, my writing style gravitates toward mystery with a dash of humor and romance. I’m delighted to make cozies my writing home!

What are a few of the essential elements that make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

I love a bit of quirkiness, whether that’s in the setting or in the cast of characters. I also enjoy a main character with an interesting profession or a humorous voice. And end of chapter cliffhangers will keep me reading all night long!

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

I don’t know if Stephanie Plum counts since she’s technically a bounty hunter, but WOW did I tear through those books back in the ‘90s!

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

One night, I told my husband I was heading upstairs to watch TV in bed and he asked, “What are you watching tonight, a Hallmark Christmas movie or a murder show? Because it’s always one or the other.” And suddenly I had the desire to write a book that combined both!

How do you research and create the "cozy" elements in your books, like the settings and community?

I’ve always been obsessed with Christmas. The lights, the music, the cookies…it all makes me so happy. I wanted to bundle up that cozy, warm feeling and put it in a book. To create the fictional town of Christmasville, Maine, I took influences from several real places (Kennebunkport, Newport, Mystic, even my own town) and combined them with the “perfect” town of my imagination. Then, I turned that snowglobe of perfection upside down and caused a ruckus!

What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?

I do a lot of character pre-work before I start writing. I get to know my characters, their wants, and their possible motives. I get to know my villain and how they think they’re the hero of their own story. Once I have a good handle on the cast, I can craft the mystery.

What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?

Read a lot and read widely. And as you’re doing that, think like a writer, for both the books you enjoyed and books you didn’t. Examine why a particular scene blew you away. Or why a book didn’t work for you. There’s something to be learned from every read!

Where can readers connect with you online?

Website: https://kimharringtonbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimharringtonauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkimharrington

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kimharringtonbooks.bsky.social