Rachel Lundy

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

If you've stumbled upon this page you've probably figured out that I'm a writer. But, I'm also a mom, a grandma, a housewife, and a former grocery worker; all titles I proudly hold! I wrote my first book, Ring of Lies in 2011, got the idea for Broken Chords and wrote a few chapters and then promptly let life get in the way. I did volunteer work while I homeschooled my daughter and, when she decided to attend high school, I decided to find work outside the home. I was managing a department in a grocery store, (which I loved doing) and I'd find myself writing stories while I put away stock; there is something about muscle memory work that lets the subconscious play. I started carrying a sharpie in my pocket along with my box cutter and, when I'd get an idea, a snippet of conversation between characters, or a creative way to axe someone I'd scribble it on a piece of cardboard! As much as I loved my job, I realized I had some pretty good ideas on those scraps of empty boxes and that is when I quit and started writing full time. All of my books take place in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia because that is where I call home and I am in awe of this region's natural beauty and its history. Join my newsletter, The Cozy Crew Club, and you'll hear more than you probably ever wanted to know about the Lowcountry and its unique culture. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, Pinterest, and YouTube! You'll see my crazy menagerie of animals, the day trips my husband I take, recipes, chapter readings, and more!

When and why did you start writing books?

I wrote my first book in 2011 and was published with The Wild Rose Press. Life got in the way and I was unable to write until August of 2021 when I edited and re-released Ring of Lies and then went on to write three more books and three novellas so far.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I've been a voracious reader since aged two; no, seriously, I started reading when I was two and from then on it was hard to find me without a book in my hands. It wasn't much of a stretch for me to move from reader to writer.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My favorite character is Tina Crawford, star of Broken Chords. I love all of my heroines, and fans are loving Holly Daye from my newest series, but Tina, with her drinking problems and daddy issues was so much fun to write; she will definitely be making appearances in more novels!

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Broken Chords, hands down. Dealing with substance abuse and the trauma of falling victim to a sexual predator..., writing Tina Crawford's story was an emotional roller coaster.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I have too many favorite books to list, but some of my favorite mystery authors are Anne George, Virginia Lanier, Dorothy Cannel, and Carolyn G. Hart: the characters they created and the intriguing storylines they pursued have stayed with me for decades.

What book are you reading right now?

I just finished my first paranormal cozy mystery; Foxes, Figs, and Familiars, by Skylar McKinsie. Great start to a new series. I've also just started Tonya Kappes' Campers and Criminals series; such fun!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Oh golly, the least little thing can start my mind churning with ideas. For instance, I was getting my hair done the other day and the stylist was telling me about her experiences using invitro fertilization. I had no idea they fertilized numerous eggs and got to asking her questions about what happens with the ones a couple doesn't use. Well, from there, my brain started the 'what if' game and I thought up some scenarios surrounding the subject that might spark a murder. No doubt that plot will end up in a book!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I have a large garden of vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees designed like a French potager. I also enjoy hand embroidery and crazy quilting.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Book 2 in The Holly Daye Mystery Series, Carolers and Corpses, released in Dec (2022) and I'm plotting books 3, 4, and 5 now. Priests and Poison, Plantations and Allegations, and Scarecrows and Scandals will release in 2023 with another 4 releasing in 2024. Then I'll finish up the Holly Daye series and begin writing the Dirt Road Organics series!