Cozy mystery author Ana Diamond gives us a peak at her latest book, Body Conscious, and tells a little about her creative process. I’d love to hear more about her research!!
Why I write Cozies
by Ana Diamond
I write cozy mystery because I like intrigue and romance. I also like the idea of a character taking matters into their own hands.
Usually, the first line of a manuscript comes to my mind and then it goes from there. I knew I wanted to write about an amateur sleuth but how my mind decided to make my heroine a mortician is anyone’s guess. I do work in healthcare and tend to have a dark side. I have no experience working in a funeral home but I found the research into this world interesting. I think it’s important to give value to everyone’s profession, even if it’s slightly morbid.
In terms of favorite authors I would say Charlaine Harris and Jeanienne Frost both have sassy heroines who take no prisoners.
Body Conscious by Ana Diamond
Mortician, Lily Reynolds is used to seeing bodies, but not the type murdered in her own funeral home. As Detective James Rivers zeroes in on her as the town’s number one suspect she must rise above the accusations and rumors to solve the case herself while keeping her attraction to the troubled detective at bay.
James has a past. The last time he let someone into his life she wound up dead. Vowing never to let that happen again he has sworn off dating for good. Until he meets Lily. In his gut he knows she’s not the murderer but pressure to solve the case puts him on the wrong trail while he struggles to keep Lily off the case.
Can she solve the case on her own or will their scandalous romance get in the way of proving her innocence?
A Taste of Body Conscious by Ana Diamond
“That’s Detective James Rivers,” Abrams said. “He came all the way up from New York City to our little town in the scenic Hudson Valley. He’ll be the lead investigator on this case since I know you ladies will be frequent callers.”
“Let’s be clear, I’ve never called you,” Lily said. “It’s always been Shanna.”
Abrams gave her a coy smile. He seemed flattered by the idea.
“Nice to meet you, Detective Rivers,” Lily said, finally turning toward the man who approached them.
Her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t know what she had been expecting, but not this—the angelic face with large sky-blue eyes, pronounced cheekbones and silken black hair. The only part of him that matched her ideas of what detectives looked like were his tattooed arms. She should know; her dad had been a cop. May he rest in peace.
But James’s tattoos weren’t subtle. Snakes slid up his arms, past his rolled-up shirtsleeves, coiling around his thick forearms and biceps. One corner of his mouth lifted as he caught her staring.
Meet Ana Diamond
When Ana Diamond isn’t writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once.
Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats.
One thought on “Novel Magic: Body Conscious by Ana Diamond”
Sounds exciting!! Wishing you all the best with your new book 🙂