Ginger Bolton is an author who revels in the simple pleasures of life, with a particular fondness for donuts and coffee, alongside a passion for reading and writing. Her curiosity and interests are vast, touching upon many aspects of everyday life. Ginger’s inspiration for her captivating stories often springs from the most ordinary of places, transforming them into settings rife with intrigue and mystery.
She envisions donut shops not just as places to indulge in coffee and treats but as communal spaces where neighbors and friends gather, sharing their lives. It’s in these settings that Ginger imagines the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery to unfold. The idea that a small town’s favorite coffee shop could become the epicenter of gossip and speculation following a tragic event fascinates her. In her mind, the owners of such a shop, with their unique position in the community and possible ties to law enforcement, would be perfectly placed to uncover the truth behind the mystery. For Ginger, the potential for storytelling in such scenarios is boundless, with every eavesdropped conversation or overheard rumor serving as a clue that could lead to the unmasking of a murderer.
Q: What sparked the idea for your latest book series featuring a bakery donut shop with a connection to law enforcement?
Ginger: A cozy writer said that there was a bakery that was about to close. The nine police in this small town decided to buy it so they run this bakery. I used that to jump start the series with a bakery donut shop somehow connected to law enforcement and first responders. I thought donut shops is a great place to pick up a lot of clues. For this book there was an incident that I based the murder weapon on.
Q: Are donuts a personal favorite of yours, and do you enjoy making them?
Ginger: I like the plain old-fashioned donuts with nutmeg. I actually cook donuts but do not do it often.
Q: Can you give us some insights into Brent’s character?
Ginger: Brent is gentle, kind, loving, and thoughtful. He keeps a neutral face when he needs to.
Q: What dynamics define Emily and Brent’s relationship throughout the series?
Ginger: In the beginning of the relationship, he and Emily were standoffish because he was her first husband’s detective partner who got killed in the line of action. They share this major grief. When they finally got around to speaking with each other they bonded over communicating about their shared grief.
Q: With the potential of Emily and Brent getting married, how do you navigate the storyline to avoid clichés or predictability?
Ginger: I hope I do not jump the shark by having them get married. This is a worry for me. I thought this was going to be the last book in the series. But then the publisher wants two more books.
Q: How would you describe the antagonist in your latest novel?
Ginger: Kurt the bagpiper is devious and mean. He interrupts other performances. Nobody really likes him.
Q: What can readers expect from your upcoming book, and when is it set to release?
Ginger: The next book is titled, Blame The Beignets and is based on the famous New Orleans donuts. It will come out the end of November with Emily discovering a body while kayaking with her assistant a suspect.
Double Grudge Donuts by Ginger Bolton is a scrumptious read. She combines tasty treats with likeable characters within a riveting mystery.
The story has a murder but also a happy ending for Detective Brent Fyne and Deputy Donut Café owner Emily Westhill. It begins with the Fallingbrook Arts Festival with Emily expecting lots of talent and friendly competition at the week-long summer series that will go together with coffee and donuts. She is half owner along with her ex-father-in-law Tom. She’s thriving and happy. Someone who is strong, intelligent, empathetic, and smart.
Their relationship was a no go for a while because Brent was the detective partner of Emily’s late husband. In fact, unlike some of the other cozy mysteries Brent does not chastise Emily or get upset with her for investigating as an amateur sleuth. He relies on and trusts the information Emily finds and he’s happy for her to call for backup anytime she feels the need. Brent admires these things and doesn’t berate her when she finds clues for him.
During the contest bagpiper Kirk MacLean interrupts other performances with a noisy rendition of “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” but despite that rudeness wins the contest. Kirk’s antics continue when he drowns out a teen barbershop quartet. He’s annoying, playing the pipes up and down the street even in the middle of the night while others are sleeping. After speaking with people, Emily finds out that he’s not well-liked. The next morning tragedy strikes when Emily finds the piper dead and calls the police. The list of suspects is long and include a local guy who lost first place to him, Emily’s own parents, the owner of the local café, and other friends of Emily. She with help from some of her friends decides to investigate and find the real killer.
Bolton worries about jumping the shark after the marriage but has nothing to worry about because the focus of her stories are the characters personalities and a plot that has many twists and turns. Readers are kept guessing in these fun and exciting mysteries. Not to mention mouthwatering donuts.
