AN INTRODUCTION FROM AMITA MURRAY

Briefly introduce yourself to new readers.

I live in London, and I love writing mysteries with a touch of humour and romance. I work as an author and academic, and have kids and cats, but I find it hard to turn down projects where I can meet more cool people. I have a lot in common with my mc Arya Winters - restless energy, cats, cake, oh, and a firm belief in the powers of emotional honesty that always gets me into trouble!

Can you describe The Tiramisu of Death in three words?

Tons of fun!

Arya Winters is certainly no ordinary sleuth! What do you love most about her character?

Arya is restless, she has way too much energy, and she's always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time - but hey, that's only because she's honest! The thing you must know about Arya is that she does not want to play the game. She will say it like it is - though you might not like what you hear! She's been hurt before, and she's scared of getting close to people. Oh, and she loves cake. 

Without giving away any spoilers, which scene was your favourite to write, and why?

I love that the books make you laugh and cry. Every scene with Branwell Beam is my favourite. He is Arya's sexy next door neighbour slash children's book writer. He is way too attractive, and he has the oddest tendency to really get Arya when most people don't - can she trust him though? Or is he just another nosy neighbour who can't be trusted?

With The Tiramisu of Death kicking off the series, what can readers look forward to from Arya Winters next?

Now that Arya is baker-turned-sleuth, we can expect more - well, cake, and more murdery mysteries. What we also get is Arya's emotional journey. Will she ever let people in - even if it is on her own terms? What will happen with her and Branwell, for the love of all that's good? Arya is like chocolate cake - once you take a bite, you can never get enough.