Behind the story of Truffles and Tragedy

Gayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. Truffles and Tragedy is the sixth book in the Down South Cafe Mystery series. Gayle said that she likes addressing the issue that things aren’t always what they seem. “I’ve examined variations on this theme throughout my books over the years; and with Truffles and Tragedy, I wanted to explore how easily someone could be framed for murder.”

How people play into Gayle’s work

Gayle was working in a virtual office one day when the idea for Truffles and Tragedy came to her. “I thought about how odd it was that all of these writers were together and yet in different places. People in different parts of the world were essentially witnesses to each other’s lives in real time. So, naturally, being a mystery writer, I began considering how horrific it would be if someone in our group were to be murdered with the rest of us being witnesses.”

She also said she loves to use research as an excuse to hear people’s stories. “It’s amazing what volumes of information you can glean for the cost of a lunch. I’ve talked with undercover police officers, FBI agents, forensic specialists, the great-niece of a female serial killer, psychologists, and even a mafioso!”

All about the readers

“I want my readers to know how very valuable they are. Not just to me, but to all authors. If they don’t read, review, tell others about our books, then we’ll eventually have to stop writing those books. In some cases, the publisher decides no one is interested in the series anymore. In other instances, the author might think the book or series is unpopular. And, I guess, in some cases, it is!”

Some of Gayle’s readers believe she’s like her protagonist, Amy Flowers, but that’s not really true. “Most of the time, I’d much rather be in front of a computer screen than in the kitchen. Some people write and tell me they wish the Down South Café was a real place they could visit. So do I! I’d love to pop in for a slice of pimiento cheese quiche and have a conversation with Homer, Dilly, and Walter.”

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