The Double Exposure Murder

Jeanne Quigley is the author of the Veronica Walsh Mysteries and the Robyn Cavanagh mystery series. Unlike her fictional sleuths, she has never been a soap opera star or an accountant (though she was an accounting major for a few minutes in the spring of 1985). The Double Exposure Murder is Jeanne’s first Robyn Cavanagh Mystery.

Inspiration behind The Double Exposure Murder

“It had been on my mind for a long time to start a second series featuring a photographer. I’ve loved photography since I bought my first camera, a Kodak Ektralite, when I was twelve and have had many daydreams about what it’s like to be a professional photographer. How cool it would be to have my photographs of the rich and famous on magazine covers or to be the official White House photographer! There aren’t many photographers among the amateur sleuths in the cozy mystery genre, which made the idea even more appealing. I also recognized what a storyline generator the profession could be, with Robyn’s portrait work bringing her into contact with people from all economic and social spheres of her hometown of Garland, New York and taking her into their homes and businesses.”

Jeanne added that she debated whether her sleuth should be a professional. “My decision to make Robyn a self-employed accountant with a budding second career in portrait photography was in part a reflection of the economy’s ups and downs over the last decade, with many people turning their hobbies into cash-earning ventures, and in a larger measure was inspired by my cousin Jean who, after a long teaching career, retired and started a photography business in her community.”

And that community is important. “Robyn connects with her photo clients in ways she never did as an accountant and finds joy in her work. As she says, ‘Photography provided an invitation into people’s lives. I was trusted to record their milestones, mark a moment in their family’s history, or capture forever a new beginning.’ So many people lead dispirited work lives; I hope readers finish The Double Exposure Murder  with the attitude that, with one spark, they can find fulfillment at any age. For Robyn, it started by using her new camera to take photos of a male cardinal on a tree branch outside her kitchen window.”

Staying true to the genre

Jeanne said she’s mindful of what readers like in a cozy mystery story—and what they dislike. “I’m a rule follower, so they won’t find gore, foul language, or graphic scenes in The Double Exposure Murder. I’m also aware that readers love amateur sleuths’ pets. The protagonist of my first cozy series doesn’t have a four-legged companion; I’ve corrected that oversight and given Robyn a lovable mixed collie named Yogi, after the New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra.”

Encouraging others to take chances

“I’m an encouraging person and that spirit has influenced my writing. ‘We always may be what we might have been,’ words of wisdom from poet Adelaide Anne Procter, is a philosophy I’ve applied to my main characters. Common to both my mystery series are protagonists who’ve reinvigorated their lives in mid-life. Veronica Walsh, a soap opera actress, was forced at the age of fifty-three to find a new career after her show was cancelled and no one would hire an actress of her age. Robyn Cavanagh, the main character in The Double Exposure Murder, at the age of forty, left her job in the corporate world to open her own accounting business. Despite her success, fulfillment still eluded Robyn until a digital camera she received as a Christmas present sparked her creative spirit. She pursued photography as a hobby first, learning the techniques of the practice by independent study and adult-learning classes, and then as a second career in portrait photography.”

Jeanne has found that having a relative who shares her character’s profession makes research easy and fun. Her relative (another Jean) is always ready to answer questions or provide guidance. “In addition to the photography tips I’ve gleaned from her, I’ve also received inspiration from her work. A few months ago, she sent me a few note cards that feature her photographs. The images of birds, butterflies, and flowers make me smile every time I look at them. The note cards are a creative way for my cousin to display her work and, along with Jean’s online photo galleries, have given me ideas for various ways Robyn can present her photographs in upcoming books.”

Even though she’s writing about a professional photographer, Jeanne hasn’t splurged on a new camera. “I’d like to say that I bought an expensive camera and equipment and spent months taking portraits to really get into Robyn’s profession, but my budget is tight and I have to make do with my $80 pocket-size digital camera. I do daydream of the fancy camera with the four-figure price tag, though . . .”

Learn more about Jeanne Quigley at https://www.jeannequigley.wordpress.com. Did you like this interview? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.