Interview (and Giveaway) with Kate Lansing, Author of Killer Chardonnay

I’m so pleased to present Kate Lansing this week as our guest at The Debutante Ball. Kate is the author of the new Colorado Wine Mystery series, and she debuted with Killer Chardonnay in May. The second book in the series, A Pairing to Die For, is already available for preorder and launches in January 2021. Kate is a charming, generous person whom I met in an online group for debut authors. She’s exactly the kind of gal I love to root for. Read on to find out why (and for a chance to win her book!)

About Kate Lansing

Kate Lansing is an award-winning short story author. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, daughter, and a chair-napping tabby cat named Maple. Killer Chardonnay is her first novel.

Kate on Twitter

Kate on Insta

Tell us about your next big project.

My next project is the second book in my Colorado Wine Mystery series, titled A PAIRING TO DIE FOR, to be released early 2021. It’s been a blast working with my beloved characters again, seeing what sort of mischief and murder—it is a mystery, after all—Parker & co find themselves entangled in.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What kinds of things did you read?

Oh, yes, I’ve always been a bookworm. In fact, I remember my mom once having to gently remind me that there was a world outside of books, too. Some of my favorites were Redwall, Island of the Blue Dolphins, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Ella Enchanted, Baby-Sitters Club, and, of course, Harry Potter.

Tell us about some of the authors who inspire you.

Dame Agatha Christie who is as fascinating as the many mysteries she crafted, Sarah J. Maas for her epic world building and high stakes, Sophie Kinsella for her voice and humor, Barbara Kingsolver for how she seamlessly weaves themes of nature into her novels, Stephen King who is truly a master storyteller, and I could just keep going…

If you could tell your younger writer self anything, what would it be?

There’s no rush. I used to think publication was the finish line—the ultimate goal. When I had an idea, I’d hurry to write and pitch it before it was too late and my idea was published elsewhere. I now know that writing is about the journey, about finding pleasure in the process, and that no one is going to be able to tell the same story as you. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

What was the first piece of writing you ever published or saw in print?

Horoscopes for my high school newspaper! I used to write them in a style à la The Onion, completely over-the-top satire, and it was anonymous. Only my closest friends knew I was behind them (and now all of you!). It was great fun brainstorming outlandish fortunes for each astrological sign.

 

And now, it’s time for the **GIVEAWAY**

Who wouldn’t want to read a book that’s about both wine and murder?! I pre-ordered Kate’s book, and I can’t wait to get to it myself. If you’d like your own copy, SHARE THIS INTERVIEW ON FACEBOOK OR RETWEET ON TWITTER. Here’s the description:

A young winery owner won’t let one sour grape ruin the bunch in the first installment of this exciting cozy mystery series.

Parker Valentine has always dreamed of opening her own winery in her hometown of Boulder, Colorado. But she gets more than she bargained for when a food and wine critic unexpectedly shows up at Vino Valentine on opening day. A negative review could be fatal for her business, and not only does he seem to hate her chardonnay, he also collapses and dies shortly after drinking it.

Although Parker hoped that the attendees would put a cork in it, soon her winery is at the center of a social media firestorm. With #killerchardonnay trending online, Parker’s business is in danger of closing, and she has no choice but to investigate the murder herself.

To restore her reputation, catch a killer, and keep her struggling business open, Parker needs only one thing: some good proof.

And here’s what the reviewers are saying:

“Killer Chardonnay offers a wonderful blend of suspense and humor. You’ll raise your glass to Parker Valentine, the charming sleuth at the center of this twisty and satisfying mystery. A most delightful debut!”—Cynthia Kuhn, Agatha Award winning author of the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries

“Parker Valentine…will steal your heart and pair it with a smooth mystery in this sparkling debut. A wine rack full of suspects won’t stop the determined sleuth and vintner from bottling up a killer and saving her dream. Killer Chardonnay has legs!”—Leslie Budewitz, Agatha Award winning author of the Spice Shop Mysteries 

“Killer Chardonnay is an engaging mystery filled with wine knowledge, romance, and a gutsy protagonist. Kate Lansing is a delightful new voice in the mystery genre and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.”—Nadine Nettmann, author of the Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, and Mary Higgins Clark Award nominated Sommelier Mystery Series.

“If you love a fun, intriguing, plot-twisty mystery, Killer Chardonnay has it all.” –Fresh Fiction

“Lansing’s brisk style and her heroine’s efficient approach make her debut a treat.”— Kirkus