I am chatting with Linda Weaver Clarke about her currently-released audio book series.

Welcome, Linda! I’m so happy to have you visit with us.

I read on your website that after thirty years out of college, you decided to go back for your Bachelor of Arts Degree. You stated it was frightening. Were there any significant incidents you’d care to share with us?
I majored in music and theatre, something I was interested in. I loved singing and had given many a recital but had no experience in acting. It was new to me. So that was a bit scary. I was told that it was pertinent to try out for a part in Guys and Dolls, so I did and got a part. I was General Cartwright, the leader of the Save-a-Soul organization. It took me quite a bit of practice to get the confidence I needed. Another thing that worried me was studying for tests. It was years since I had done that kind of studying. With the support of my daughters and husband, I graduated.

How did you get into teaching people to write family histories and autobiographies?
After writing my own family’s histories, I decided to teach people how to go about writing their own histories. So I began teaching in local libraries. I now travel throughout the U.S. teaching people how to write their family history and autobiography. I have been to 17 states and taught over 450 workshops. I believe it’s very important to teach our children their heritage. Our children need to be proud of their ancestors. It’s up to us to write these experiences down.

Why do you like mixing adventure and romance in your books?
It’s my favorite genre. When there’s a bit of adventure and mystery to the plot, it keeps my attention and it’s hard to put down. Romance is an added bonus for me.

Is Utah, the state where you now live, much different from Idaho, where you grew up? If so, how?
Yes, it is very different because I grew up next to the Idaho/Utah border where I enjoyed the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The land is lush and green in the spring, and the winters are harsh with plenty of snow. The fall is my favorite time of year with magnificent colorful leaves.

I now live in southern Utah among the salmon-red mountains right in the middle of the desert. The desert plants are so different from where I grew up, but very lovely. We have oleanders and palm trees and all kinds of cactus. We don’t usually get snow and the temperature is mild in the winter. If we ever get snow, it’s melted by noon.

Linda, please tell us about your audio book mysteries.
It’s called Amelia Moore Detective Series. Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations, but she always solves the case. With the help of her partner, Rick Bonito, the business is flourishing.

My narrator is fantastic. She’s going to do each of my books in this series. I love the characters’ voices and she puts so much expression into it. As I’m listening to her, I find myself laughing out loud at times.

The first book is called The Bali Mystery.When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.

Where did the idea for this series develop?
I have always been intrigued with mysteries, but I didn’t want this new cozy mystery series to be a “who-done-it” series. I wanted something different. So I came up with the idea of a female detective who specializes in finding missing persons. The first book was so well received that it made me excited to continue this series.

What is a cozy mystery? Cozy mysteries are a G-rated story. Usually the sleuth is an intelligent woman who must solve the case.  It focuses on the characters in the story and you get to know them as they delve into the case. Cozy mysteries don’t have any swearing, gore, or bedroom scenes.

How does your story reflect your faith?
My faith in God is reflected in everything I do. Hopefully, that is. I have great respect for all faiths, so when I wrote about my detectives visiting the Hindu Temples in The Bali Mystery, it helped me to learn what other people believe. I had greater respect for those people and their beliefs.

Where can readers find you and your books online?
My website is www.lindaweaverclarke.com
You can find my audiobooks at Audible
(http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Bali-Mystery-Audiobook/B00YHY9E2K

or Amazon
(http://www.amazon.com/The-Bali-Mystery-Amelia-Moore/dp/B00YOCOPVU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8)
My books can be bought as a hard copy or an ebook at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Linda, is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you or your books?
All my books are family friendly and can be read by teens and adults alike. Also, try it out as an audio. An audiobook brings everything to life as you listen to the dynamics of the narrator.

Thank you, Linda, for taking the time to visit my website. It’s been a pleasure having you.

If you’d like to win a copy of Linda’s audio book, Bali Mystery, please use my Contact page and answer the question, “Why do you enjoy reading mysteries?” The deadline to enter the giveaway is August 24th.