Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Brit chick, who grew up in a town called Dartford, in Kent, in the UK (generally with a book in my hand).
I met my husband in South Africa and we lived in Zambia for thirteen amazing years (where I generally had a book in my hand), before moving to the Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa (where I generally have a… ok, you get the idea!).
While I’m writing I can see the Outeniqua mountains from the window, and when I need a break, we can take a short drive to the beach for a long walk.
I’ve written two murder mysteries in The Sasha Blue Mystery Series (Village Lies and Graphic Lies), with the third one on the way.
I’ve also written one children’s book which is a labour of love inspired by and based on our three cats and three dogs from our years in Zambia
My short Christmas story – Skipping Christmas in Holly Crescent – was published just in time for Christmas – a cosy, fun, holiday read.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My short Christmas story – Skipping Christmas in Holly Crescent – was borne from an urge to write something light-hearted, fun, uplifting, and comforting, something which we are all in need of as we continue to cope with the pandemic and associated stresses and anxieties. I hope it helps cheer my readers up and take their minds off things for a few enjoyable hours.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write late in the evening and a gin and tonic or two can be found beside me on my desk.
I write in my head when I’m supposed to be going to sleep, when I’m in the shower, when I’m walking around the supermarket or on the treadmill, and basically whenever I’m not physically typing at my keyboard.
I’ve been known to pop out of bed in the night and go to my desk to write down my ideas for fear of forgetting them by the morning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I totally absorbed Agatha Christie’s books when I was young, and my love for her books and incredible writing ability has never waned.
I subscribed to the Agatha Christie book club when I earned my first salary at the age of seventeen in my first job in London, receiving a red and gold bound hardcover book containing two stories, each month. These well-travelled books still grace my bookshelves to this day, almost forty years later, together with paperback copies because I couldn’t resist the covers.
I read her books again every few years and am impressed and amazed by them every time.
My other favourite writer is Ruth Rendell, her psychological mysteries are incredible and a great inspiration to me. Her books also sit proudly on my bookshelves and have been read many times over the years, and will be again.
I also love the comforting style of Maeve Binchy, Rosamunde Pilcher, and Penny Vincenzi, as well as the brilliant thrillers by John Grisham and Michael Connelly.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the third book in The Sasha Blue Mystery series – Old Lies – which is about the murder of an elderly lady in a care home who was known for her interfering and trouble-making ways. It’s set in a fictional Engish village called Parva Crossing, the setting for book one in the series.
Sasha Blue, my female sleuth, has to find out who the killer is – it could be a fellow resident, or a member of staff, or even a visiting relative – all the while coping with her own personal life which involves an old love and a problematic fiance.
I’m having great fun with the characters and their hidden secrets and lies from their old lives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done much book promotion so far, but I share my progress and new releases on my Facebook page and Instagram page, as well as on my author blog.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love – if you enjoy writing it, the words will flow and readers will pick up on your enthusiasm for the story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the next book.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – it’s an intriguing mystery and the author has a great writing style.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue to write my Sasha Blue Mystery Series but also plan to write some standalone books with more of a psychological angle, inspired by Ruth Rendell’s style.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ruth Rendell – Thirteen Steps Down (but it could be any of her books)
Agatha Christie – After the Funeral (but it could be any of her books)
Irwin Shaw – Rich Man Poor Man
George Orwell – Animal Farm
Author Websites and Profiles
Linzi Carlisle Website
Linzi Carlisle Amazon Profile
Linzi Carlisle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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