Reprise in Murder
by Edale Lane
Released: May 16, 2023
Genre: Mystery
Why this book and why now?
I was delighted and surprised at the wonderful response you readers have given my Lessons in Murder series, which inspires me to keep writing them. In book 4 of the series, Jenna and Randi got past the “Ex-factor” and now are working towards the next milestone in their relationship – a shared vacation. But first, Jenna and her team must solve a troubling murder. A victim has been killed with the same MO as a serial killer who was convicted in 2016 and has since died in prison. How could this current killer have known details never released to the public? The series has touched on emotional trauma and mental illness in previous episodes, but this is the first one to include a psychopathic sadist. It is challenging to create fresh, interesting crimes for Jenna to solve, and while the “serial killer” is a staple, this one throws in a few interesting twists.
Would you and your main character(s) get along? Why, or why not?
I would definitely get along with my main characters, although I might become a little competitive with Randi from time to time. The reason is they are loosely based on my long-time partner and I.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
I could see Jenna and Randi pulling out a DVD set of Rizzoli and Isles to watch snuggled on the couch with popcorn and beverages of choice. Jenna would like solving the crimes before the characters and pointing out any mistakes the show made in its depiction of police procedures. Randi would say how improbable it was that Maura could work in the morgue all day in those heels while reminding Jenna she is just as hot as Jane, only shorter. They would both complain about why the writers never let two strong women with obvious chemistry get together romantically but instead kept throwing random boyfriends into the mix.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it. What do they do?
Jenna is an adrenaline junkies and Randi loves engaging in new experiences. So Randi plans a date to take Jenna skydiving, something exciting she’s not done yet. While a little nervous as to how it might affect her motion sickness, Randi is eager to try it too – with professional supervision. She researches all sky-diving opportunities in the area and selects the one with the highest ratings. Then she finds a restaurant nearby with a wide variety of food and strong reviews to go to after the jump. She decides to round out the evening with tickets to an action-packed movie with a romantic subplot before heading home to make Jenna’s heart race one more time.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Randi picks “I’m Comin’ Out” by Diana Ross, because she has only recently come out of the closet and is ready for the world to know she loves Jenna.
