Lynn Slaughter Novelist
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What fun to have Syrl Kazlo as a returning guest author on my blog! Syrl has just released her eighth book in her Samantha Davies Mystery series. Who can resist a dachshund named Porkchop as a major character?

First off, congratulations on the release of MUSKETS, MUTTS, AND MURDER, book 8 in your Samantha Davies Mystery series. Can you share with our readers a bit about the novel and what inspired your latest story?

I live in Upstate New York, and like so many areas of our great country, it is steeped in history. There is a fort from the 1700’s nearby where every year there are reenactments of the French and Indian War. My husband thought I should write a book with a reenactment as the center of a murder, so MUSKETS, MUTTS AND MURDER was born. Porkchop, Samantha’s dachshund, even dons a tri-corn hat for the occasion.

How have you managed to keep your series so fresh and continue engaging your readers?  

I like to draw on everyday life, hoping what is current will resonate with my readers.                 

Your protagonist, Samantha Davies, has continued to grow and change during the course of your series. What new developments are occurring in Book Eight?

Well. The biggest change in her life is that she has gotten married to Hank Johnson, a local detective. Porkchop has had to make some adjustments too as Hank’s miniature bulldog, Nina. has moved in. Porkchop is no longer “top dog” in the household.

Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?

My writing process—hmm I’m part pantster and part loose outliner. I jot down ideas on the manuscript and refer to them as I type. Also, when I first settle down at my desk, I have to have a handful of walnuts and a chunk of dark chocolate to munch on as I write.

You’ve said before that you loved reading cozy mysteries which inspired you to try to write one. Who are your favorite cozy mystery authors, and what do you love about their work? 

I love Catherine Bruns, Her characters are so quirky and fun. Amy Patricia Meade writes a number of series that I find very entertaining.

When you decided to write your own cozy mystery series, what steps did you take to develop your fiction writing skills?

I took a number of online classes and joined Sisters In Crime, an invaluable organization with the most helpful fellow writers. Another thing that helped to develop me as a writer is the local critique groups I belong to. They’re great.

Has your background in teaching provided you with ideas for your novels and your approach to creating memorable characters?

Yes it has, in my latest book, Sam and Candie are taking cooking classes at the local high school. I’m a retired Home Ec teacher and I could easily visualize the setting for that part of the story.

What’s next for you writing-wise?

Ahhh, book 9, that I am now working on is called BOOKS, BARKS, AND MURDER. As you might guess, the murder is rather bookish. It takes place in a bookstore.

Anything else you’d like to add, or wish that I’d asked that I didn’t?  

Lynn, I think you’ve covered it. Thank you for letting me talk about Samantha and Porkchop’s latest sleuthing adventure.

 

BIO:

Syrl, a retired teacher, lives in upstate New York with her husband, a lively dachshund and a wannabe dachshund (That’s a long story.). She writes the Samantha Davies Mystery series, featuring Samantha Davies and her loveable dachshund, Porkchop. When not writing she is busy hooking, rug hooking that is, and enjoying her family. Her newest book, number eight in the series, Muskets, Mutts, and Murder, was released in March 2026.

For more information about Syrl, her series, and purchase links, please visit her website: www.sakazlo.com