Scones and Scofflaws by Jane Gorman

Formerly an anthropologist, then a diplomat, then a park ranger, Jane Gorman is now the author of the Adam Kaminski mystery series and the Cape May cozy mysteries. Scones and Scofflaws is the first Cape May cozy mystery.

Finding an escape

Jane said her niece, who is named Anna, helped inspire the Cape May cozy mysteries. “She’s a gorgeous redhead who is smart, friendly, and curious about life. I was toying with the idea of writing a cozy mystery series when it hit me, why shouldn’t Anna be the hero of her own series? Then it grew from there as I filled in the character using my own background in anthropology and my familiarity with Cape May. I really like having a young protagonist who is smart and capable, but also still has a lot to learn—and is willing to learn it.”

But while her real niece inspired her protagonist, the stories are intended to be very light. “This book, this whole series, is very much about getting away from real life,” Jane said. “The Adam Kaminski mysteries touches on a few significant issues, but the Cape May cozies are designed to be an escape, a chance to forget about real-life problems and live in a world where, working with friends, we can solve any mystery. I include a diverse cast of characters, so that anyone (I hope) can pick up the book and see themselves in it—and lose themselves in it for a few hours.”

Sticking to what she enjoys

“I write books that I want to read, filled with characters I’d like to hang out with. I love to travel and meet new people, and everywhere I go, I’m always keeping an eye open for new character ideas or new plot ideas. And I’m always open to suggestions and ideas from fellow readers and writers.”

Jane added that when she first started writing Scones and Scofflaws, she created Anna as a chemist. “That meant I spent a lot of time reading about chemistry. I was almost half-way through the first draft when I realized the mistake I was making. Why learn a new field instead of pulling from my own background as an anthropologist? It’s been so much fun revisiting some of my own early research, reading up on what’s going on in the field now, and talking to friends who still work in anthropology and can keep me up to date. Anthropology is such a fun discipline, touching on every aspect of human life, learning about human emotions, actions, thoughts, biology … frankly, it’s the perfect background for an amateur sleuth!”

One of Jane’s interests when she started writing cozy mysteries was including a recipe in each book. Unfortunately, Jane considers herself culinarily challenged. “I am not a good cook! So instead of food, each of my books includes a cocktail recipe! I’m a fan of cocktails, particularly classic cocktails with an interesting history. So for me, the most fun thing I’ve had to do in the name of research is taste test multiple cocktails! Anytime I’m at a bar and I see an interesting, fun, unique drink on the menu, I know I have no choice—I have to try it in the name of research.”

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