Author Spotlight: Victoria Gilbert

Author of Multiple Cozy Mystery Series

Victoria Gilbert is the author of four different cozy mystery book series. Image credit: Victoria Gilbert

Victoria Gilbert is the author of multiple mystery series and speculative fiction. Her cozy mysteries - the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, the Book Lover's B&B Mysteries, the Hunter and Clewe Mysteries, and the Campus Sleuth Mysteries - are published by Crooked Lane Books.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Victoria Gilbert

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

Actually, my agent suggested that I look into the genre when I was at a crossroads. (I had written and published a few books in another genre, but wanted to make a change). After reading in the cozy mystery genre, I realized that many of its attributes matched my writing preferences and style, and decided to experiment with writing a cozy. That book ended up becoming A MURDER FOR THE BOOKS, the first book in my Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, and the start of my mystery-writing career.

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

I think solid character development is essential. If I’m not interested in a book’s characters, I’m not going to be interested in the book. Of course, the mystery needs to be challenging enough to hold my attention, but I’ll enjoy a book with a weaker mystery plot if the characters and their interactions are engaging enough. I also like diversity and the inclusion of elements that might be a little “edgier” than some cozy readers prefer. Take me to a new setting, introduce me to unique characters, and show me something different from the same-old, same-old, and I’m more inclined to be “hooked.”

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Not really one character, but I loved Mary Stewart’s romantic mystery novels when I was young, partially because her main characters were always intelligent, brave, determined young women who would do whatever it took to protect others as well as themselves. I guess I’ve been a fan of independent, curious, strong, female sleuths for a long time!

Blue Ridge Library Mystery Books 1-9

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

A MURDER FOR THE BOOKS is set in a fictionalized version of the area where I grew up – at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia. I lived in a small town that was originally a farming community dating back to before the Revolutionary War, so there was a lot of history tied to the area. I chose to take that setting, and my experience with living in a small, historic, town near the mountains, and combine those elements with my background as a librarian when creating the book.

The inspiration for one of the major mysteries in the first book is, unfortunately, a spoiler! I can’t really talk about that unless speaking with readers who’ve already read the book.

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

As a retired librarian, research is my middle name. It’s easy for me to fall down the research “rabbit hole,” so I have to make sure I’m not overdoing it.

But honestly, in terms of settings and communities, I prefer to write about those that I know and understand (at least to some extent). So all my books are set in regions where I’ve either lived or visited extensively. I want to be able to provide descriptions that include elements you can only know by experience – for instance, the scent of specific flowers, the unique aspects of the buildings and landscape, or the weather’s impact at different times of the year. I don’t want to misrepresent places, people, or cultures, so it’s important to me that I have more than “book learning” to draw from.

However, history, whether distant or merely a decade or so ago, almost always plays an important role in my mysteries in terms of influencing the characters’ actions or the specific events of the plot. So my research tends to focus on historical events or topics that are integral to the plot. Although all my mysteries are contemporary novels, the past typically plays a part in influencing the events, and crimes, of the present.

Hunter and Clewe Mystery Books 1-3

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

I start with a general synopsis, then develop that into a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline. Even thought I allow myself the freedom to change aspects of the outline as I get further into drafting the book, I find it helpful to have a roadmap to follow from the start. That way I can introduce important characters and information at the appropriate times, as well as weave in red herrings and actual clues.

After that, it’s just a case of forcing myself to sit my butt in my chair and write!

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

Choose a setting, topic, theme, and/or characters that you are passionate about. Most cozy mystery books are turned into series, so it’s important to be invested in your specific story and characters from day one. I think it’s also helpful to write “what you know.” That doesn’t mean only write about things you have personally experienced, but if you have special knowledge, skills, education, life experience, etc., your connection to those topics can provide your book with more authenticity. I’ve chosen to focus on libraires, librarians, or other book-related themes because I believe my deep connection to those things brings a special “something” to my writing that resonates with readers. Since I also have a strong background in the visual and performing arts, I also often include those subjects.

Cozy mysteries can and do include a wide variety of settings, professions, and other experiences. So if you have a career, avocation, hobby, culture, or place that you know well and enjoy, I suggest drawing on that when creating your book!

How can readers connect with you online?

My website: victoriagilbertauthor.com
My author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/victoriagilbertmysteryauthor/
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthor/
I also have these and all my other pertinent links available at my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/victoriagiblertauthor

Victoria Gilbert’s Cozy Mystery Books

Use the arrows on either side of the images below to see Victoria Gilbert’s cozy mysteries. Click on the images to see the books on Amazon.

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