LUCY BURDETTE: We love reading the first book in a new series, so I'm delighted to welcome Sydney Leigh to talk about hers, plus Easter Crime. What's that, you say? Read on to find out about both...
SYDNEY LEIGH: One of the most unusual and fabulous Easter traditions I’ve recently come across is called Påskekrim, or “Easter crime”, the Norwegian custom of reading crime fiction during Easter. It’s widely adopted and celebrated throughout the country. Typically, over half the books sold the week before are in the crime genre—impressive stats. The custom is so widespread in Norway that even milk cartons have crime stories printed on them around that time. And with a cozy mystery coming out soon, I’m always happy to see enthusiastic crime fiction readers!So where does the Påskrkrim tradition come from? A marketing ploy! In 1923, a local newspaper ran a headline about a train robbery in Bergen. People mistakenly believed it was a real news story and the whole country was gripped. But there was no crime, it was the title of a fictional novel. It created so much attention that once the truth came out, everyone was still invested in the story. People rushed to their local bookstore and bought themselves a copy. And that was it, the tradition was born.
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Norway has an extended Easter break, with many people heading to their cabin in the mountains where they enjoy the last days of winter and spend time with family. Cards, board games, and reading are popular pastimes, with folks looking to disconnect from the digital world.
I love to visit the Hudson Valley in New York any time of year. I can’t think of a better way to spend a few days than on a road trip to one of the many vibrant towns. Peril in Pink is set at a modern Bed & Breakfast in a fictional town in the Hudson Valley. It’s such a treat to find a local bookstore with a large cappuccino in hand, or sip on rosé from a local winery while taking in the beauty of the area.
What are some spring traditions that you enjoy? (Reds, Sydney is giving away an ARC of Peril in Pink over at the Reds and Readers Facebook group. Leave a comment in that group to be entered in the drawing.)
BIO: Sydney Leigh spent several years running a seasonal business, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and served on the board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018-2021. Peril in Pink, the first book in the Hudson Valley B&B Mystery Series comes out in March 2024 with Crooked Lane Books. You can find Sydney at www.sydneyleighbooks.com
ABOUT PERIL IN PINK: It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend—reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong—performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect.
After a desperate plea from Lars, and knowing the reputation of her B&B is at stake, Jess agrees to help clear Lars’ name, but the more she digs, the less sure she is that he’s innocent. Especially when he’s found at the scene of another murder. With the guests under lockdown, the B&B in the press for all the wrong reasons, and a killer on the loose, Jess is in over her head. With the help of her best friend and business partner Kat, Jess is determined to uncover the truth before Lars is put behind bars and The Pearl is permanently cancelled.
Amazon: Amazon-PerilinPink
Barnes & Noble: B&N.PerilinPink
"Peril in Pink" sounds so intriguing, Sydney . . . I'm looking forward to discovering the identity of the murderer.
ReplyDeleteSpring traditions? I could happily adopt the Norwegian Easter crime, but mostly spring is about making sure all the daffodils and the lilacs are blooming . . . .
Thank you so much, Joan. I love spring flowers, too. Daffodils are starting to emerge and I'm keeping my eye out for the tulips as well.
DeleteWelcome Sydney. Congratulations on your recent book release.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dru! I'm happy to be here and appreciate your kind words.
DeleteWhat a fun origin story, Sydney! We're having a cold and wet start to spring here in New England, so it's hard to think about traditions of the season. I do look forward to the lilacs blooming and the asparagus popping up, but those come in May.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Edith. Isn't the origin story fun? I'm up in Canada, near Toronto, and we're having similar weather. Up and down, warm then cold. The hardy daffodils are fighting through the weather--I'm pretty sure they're impossible to kill, unlike the unfortunate victims in our books!
DeleteSpring has not yet sprung here on the Canadian prairie in Manitoba, but I am dreaming of bulbs poking up and bringing some colour to the garden. Congratulations on your debut novel, Sydney! Can you tell us how you came to write it -- did the characters, locale or plot come to you first?
ReplyDeleteGood morning Amanda! I grew up in Alberta so I'm very familiar with the Canadian prairie winters--brrr... Thank you so much for your kind words. As far as the story goes, it started out with the setting and characters. I knew I wanted to write a modern mystery, featuring two best friends who'd decided to give up their careers to start a business. I love the ribbing between friends and banter between characters is something I love to write.
DeleteCongratulations on your new book! I love that Easter tradition in Norway. Here on the Gulf coast of Florida we tend to go to the beach for Easter and I always take a mystery with me. Most of the restaurants are open too so you make a day of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Paula. The gulf of Florida would be a nice change from the cold spring in Bronte, the small town I live in outside of Toronto. I have lots of friends who escape the winter weather to fly down and enjoy some of the gorgeous Florida sunshine. Sounds dreamy!
DeleteThank you so much for having me on today. I'm a huge fan and am thrilled to be here!
ReplyDeleteSydney, congratulations on your new book. I love the cover and I am seeing it everywhere! The premise of your series is fantastic and on my TBR list, for sure. For many years, we had a friend whom we visited in Tarrytown. The complex she lived in had gorgeous views and walking trails. Good memories!
ReplyDeleteSpring cleaning in my house means emptying the refrigerator and all the food cabinets and giving everything a thorough scrubbing. As I get older, I do a little less than I used to do, but it's partly symbolic anyway.
Thanks Judy! I'm glad to hear it's getting out there and has snagged your interest :) I haven't been to Tarrytown but from photos I've seen it looks gorgeous. Spring cleaning is something I aspire to do although I don't always get as much done as I intend. Good for you--that must feel wonderful.
DeleteThank you so much Judy! I'm thrilled to hear that you've seen it around and you've added it to your TBR--hooray!!! I haven't been to Tarrytown but I've seen photos and it looks beautiful. Spring certainly is the perfect time to tidy up and do a little cleaning. It always feels good and leaves us with a sense of satisfaction, doesn't it? Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
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ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful info!! What an amazing column to read every day. Thank you! I absolutely love The Hudson Valley and, as a history buff, I can’t get enough of the Roosevelt/Vanderbilt histories. Thanks for your wonderful group and books!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanne. I'm glad to hear you're a fan of the Hudson Valley, too. I agree that it has some fascinating history and so much to explore.
DeleteSydney, congratulations on the new book, it does look and sound wonderful! Here's to many sales, Joyce W. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Joyce! I'm delighted you're interested and I will gladly cheers to many sales :)
DeleteAlways fun to meet new authors here on JRW--wishing you much success with your new series, Sydney! And, wow, the power of marketing!! I might just enjoy a mystery myself this Easter!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Flora. I'm excited to be here and meet new readers as well! Easter mysteries will certainly be a tradition for me.
DeleteCongratulations, Sydney. I love the story about the Norwegian tradition of reading crime fiction during Easter break. Spring traditions? Does pulling weeds count? I did a lot of it and will do more once the rain stops. This week, I will be going through Holy Week with my church community, which means services on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sunday morning. That's a pretty traditional tradition!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gillian! Isn't the Norwegian tradition neat? Another reason I'd love to visit. Pulling weeds definitely counts as a spring tradition. The flowers need space to bloom and grow,. Getting rid of weeds makes it look so much prettier, too. I hope you have a wonderful Easter week.
DeleteWelcome and congratulations, Sydney! I am intrigued by the Norwegian Easter tradition and also I’m traveling to Bergen in September so that historical story you mentioned really interested me.~Emily Dame
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book, Sydney! I have never heard of reading crime fiction at Easter. A very intriguing tradition. I may have to adopt it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz! I'd never heard of it either and was so excited to share it on JRW. I will certainly be adopting the tradition myself :)
DeleteThis is wonderful, and your book sounds terrific! Congratulations! Of course, my favorite spring tradition is the arrival of our wild ducks, Flo and Eddy! And… today they arrived! So you have written a perfect blog for the day. Welcome!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Hank. I appreciate your kind words. Wild ducks are beautiful creatures and I envy that you have regular duck visitors--how fun (and I LOVE their names!).
DeleteYippee! So glad they are safe and back for their annual visit! 🤗
DeleteYay ducks!
DeleteLet's get that Easter book-buying habit introduced here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Kim--and I love your idea. Spring is such a perfect reading time, enjoying the sunshine while waiting for daffodils to push through the cold ground.
DeleteWhat fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kait!!
DeleteLove the cover! Norway’s custom of reading crime fiction is new to me. How interesting! The story sounds good and I’d be honored to read the ARC copy. In any case it’s always fun to discover an author I haven’t read before. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Marcia! Norway's tradition was new to me as well. I appreciate your kind words :)
DeleteSYDNEY: Love the pink cover of your debut novel, PERIL IN PINK. This time I remembered the title! And I learned something new: tradition of reading Crime Fiction during Easter in Norway. I look forward to reading your novel.
ReplyDeleteLUCY: Thank you for introducing us to a new Author. Another friend's debut Cozy Mystery debuted today and I am in the midst of reading that book. Then I am reading Ellen Byron's Witless Protection cozy mystery. Then I am reading Peril in Pink. There are so many book launches today!
Diana
Thank you so much Diana and I appreciate your well wishes! Isn't the Norwegian tradition fun? I found it fascinating.
DeleteSydney, Agreed that the Norwegian tradition's fun! I am currently reading a Crime Novel. D
DeleteWhat a fun tradition! Thanks for telling us about it, Sydney. And for sharing your new book, which sounds great.
ReplyDeleteFor the last 16 years my spring tradition is to hike around our Kentucky farm, especially along the creek, where millions of spring flowers bloom. Virginia bluebells, white and yellow trout lilies by the millions, wild phlox, tiny little oxalis, spring beauties, wood violets (white and purple), blue-eyed Marys, Asiatic daylilies, Mayapple, trillium, and others. Along with yellow buckeyes and redbuds that are breathtaking. I may have already missed peak bloom this year, though, since it's almost two weeks early.
I wish you could post photos Karen - it sounds absolutely spectacular.
DeleteThank you so much Karen!! And Wow!!! That sounds absolutely gorgeous!! I'd love to see it. Sounds like a floral paradise.
DeleteCongrats Sydney!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and her family lived in Bergen, Norway for almost 2 years. I don't remember her mentioning the crime reading tradition. She isn't into fiction but she has a PhD in English so go figure! However, Bergen is a beautiful city and my husband & I visited a couple of times and I can see why they might be interested in books about crime as there is almost zero crime - at least in Bergen!
Thank you so much! What a wonderful experience that must've been for your daughter. I've always wanted to go to Norway. It looks and sounds incredible!
DeleteThe Hudson Valley is a great location for a mystery novel. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes to mind. This new author/mystery will be added to my TBR list! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Alicia. And I've had the privilege of visiting Sleep Hollow. It's a fantastic town and I highly recommend it. I love that story!
DeleteDays getting longer, as mentioned above, the new england spring is later than other parts of the country so seeing the crocuses, the leaves of the tulips, daffodils, the little bits of green emerging from bushes and the first robin are my signs. Cherry blossoms won’t be out here until May.
ReplyDeleteAlso, look forward to being able to go out without being weighed down by sweaters and heavy coats. All of these signs lift my spirits from the winter gloom.
A number of years ago, I took a trip to Charleston SC at the beginning of March. The temperature in Boston was 0, I arrived in Charleston and it was in the 70’s and all the spring flowers such as azaleas and rhododendrons were in full bloom. One of the best springs I can remember.
Flowers and sunshine. Two things I absolutely love. Springtime is wonderful because there is so much of both, especially after what felt like a long winter. I'd love to visit Charleston any time of year. It sounds beautiful.
DeleteThis is probably the best time of year. It can get hot and humid later.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a very walkable city with a rich history. The original story of Porgy and Bess was written there. They also have a lot of very good restaurants.
I love walkable cities. It sounds great!!
DeleteEager to read this exciting new entry.
ReplyDeletethank you so much!
DeleteCongratulations on your book launch. I look forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate the Jungle Red blog is limiting your book giveaway. Many here do not belong to Facebook, nor the Reds and Readers facebook group!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comments and I'm sorry for your frustration. I like to suggest requesting the book at your local library. Librarians love to hear what their patrons are interested in reading and most libraries have an easy way to request books on their website.
DeleteCongratulations! I look forward to reading your new book. I love starting a new series. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I'm excited for you to read it. I hope you enjoy the story!
DeleteI just finished Peril in Pink and loved in. I can’t wait for Book 2!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much --I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!
DeleteThis sounds like a great new series! While I lived in Texas I would take a road trip to my sister's so I could see all the beautiful wildflowers.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Pat! I love wildflowers. That sounds like a fun trip.
DeleteAs usual I disappear down the rabbit hole because of one of the elements in a story. First, Sydney, your book sounds like a great read. I admit that the setting really caught me and also sent me down the rabbit hole, so I went to dear old Google. The Hudson Valley has always seemed to be a magical place of beauty and charm. I have driven through some of it, and it lives up to that description. But, because of Julia's Clare and Russ series, my heart has belonged to the Adirondacks region. In reading just a bit about the two, it says the Hudson Valley is much more artsy. I'm guessing the Adirondacks are more isolated in their communities. Is that correct, Julia? I do know that when a friend and I attended my first Bouchercon, in Albany, afterwards we took a trip to Niagara Falls, and because I wanted to so badly drove a bit through the Adirondacks as a departure from our route to the falls. I did read that the Adirondacks are considered new mountains and are growing ahead of any erosion. And, of course, there's the Catskills where dear Rip Van Winkle took his nap, and more importantly, where Molly Murphy ends up with her friends Sid and Gus, in the Borscht Bungalow Colonies, popular at the time. I can't wait to read In Sunshine or in Shadow and learn more about those colonies at that time. I would really just love to take a trip and travel all around those areas. I have been through clips of all of them, but a nice long trip would be wonderful, maybe staying at The Pearl B&B along the way. Of course, we have the beautiful Appalachian Mountains as a scenic draw here in Kentucky, and as I've lived along the Ohio River, the Ohio River Valley, there's some beauty there to admire, too. My hometown of Maysville, KY is one heck of a charming place and also famous for the Clooney family (Rosemary and George). Thank you, Sydney, for the rabbit hole today. I look forward to reading Peril in Pink. Love the title.
ReplyDeleteWow, you're a wealth of information Kathy. Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate your kind words, too!
DeleteThank you fir sharing the Norwegian custom of reading "Easter Crime"! That's so interesting! Congratulations on your new release!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Emily. I'm glad you found it interesting. So do I!
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