A Q&A WITH LIZ FIELDING

Where did inspiration for a murder mystery set in a vineyard in the Cotswolds first come from?

That’s a great question. When writing a series involving the same characters and theme, I’m always on the look out for something that will spark an idea. Each year I go away on a writing retreat with a group of authors I’ve known for many years and a couple of years ago we rented a converted barn that was next door to a vineyard. Naturally, we went for a tour and tasting. We had a very enjoyable time tasting, and buying, some lovely wine but going on the tour we were warned to beware of rabbit holes – putting your foot in one could lead to a broken ankle. At that point, my writer’s brain immediately supplied the image of someone lying there. And maybe it wasn’t just their ankle that was broken... 

What do you think makes Abby Finch such a loveable amateur sleuth?

I loved Abby from the moment she walked into my head in Murder Among the Roses. She was in a world of trouble and yet her empathy towards those in trouble never falters. Faced with an appalling discovery, her thoughts are for those involved. She asks herself questions, and then, when things take a darker turn, searches for the truth. But she has her faults. In the past she’s let things slide, not been her own best friend. She’s grown with books, become more confident, but she’s still insatiably curious, impulsive and inclined to take risks.

Which type of suspect do you find the most fun to write, and why?

Filling the suspect side of the crime board, finding motives for a number of people, is a challenge! Some of them will be sweet – too sweet? – some of them will show their hand early on, some of them will be sleepers. I have to admit that the characters I really enjoy writing are those whose charm hides their internal warped entitlement.

What can readers expect from this mystery that they won't find anywhere else?

Scout! The sweetest rescue dog imaginable.

Abby and Jake are back from their Italian “familymoon”. They are both busy catching up after a three-week break, but when a terrified dog bolts out into the road in front of her van, Abby is confronted with a body lying in the vineyard. It appears to be natural causes and worried about problems affecting some of their close circle of friends, worried about neglecting other business responsibilities and now stuck with the dog, Abby does her best to avoid get sucked into another mystery. But across the lane her neighbour June, a close friend of the dead woman, is convinced that it’s murder and despite her best efforts, there’s no escape.

How are you going to be celebrating publication day?

I will, as I always do, call in at the East Grinstead bookshop to take some cakes and sign some books. I usually have a chat with a presenter on my local radio station and I will certainly crack open a bottle of fizz from our local vineyard to raise to Abby, her family and friends, and the great team at Joffe who make this possible. And at the weekend (because work/school) there will be a gathering of family of friends with good food and good wine, to celebrate Murder in the Vineyard.