Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.
Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.
Website ➜http://margaret-brownley.com/
Twitter ➜https://www.x.com/katejuryduty
Facebook ➜https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Kate-Damon-61565155275435/
Instagram ➜https://www.instagram.com/katedamonbooks
BookBub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-damon
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4072660.Kate_Damon and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/163681.Margaret_Brownley
Can you tell us what your book, Jury Duty is Murder, is about?
It is a cozy mystery that follows the aftermath of a high-profile trial where jurors, who convicted a famous athlete for murder, find themselves in danger when members of their group start dying under suspicious circumstances. As the story unfolds, four of the surviving jurors must overcome their differences and work together to solve the mystery surrounding their peers' deaths. The novel explores themes of friendship,
betrayal, and resilience in the face of danger while maintaining a light-hearted tone amidst serious themes.
Can you tell us a little about your main and supporting characters?
Mindy (CeeCee)
Mindy, known by her nickname CeeCee, is an exotic dancer whose life has been significantly impacted by the trial. As a result of her involvement, she lost both her job and her boyfriend, leaving her in a precarious position both financially and emotionally.
Helen (Schoolmarm)
Helen is a 72-year-old woman facing challenges related to aging. Her family is attempting to place her in an assisted living facility, which adds to her feelings of isolation and frustration.
Harold (Shoe)
Harold, nicknamed Shoe due to his habit of staring at his feet, experiences a series of unfortunate events upon returning home from the trial. His house is destroyed when a news reporter crashes into it on his first day back. Additionally, he faces financial difficulties as his hardware store teeters on the brink of bankruptcy and his marriage struggles under the strain.
Alex (Reporter)
Alex is an actor whose career has hit rock bottom. His personal life is equally troubled; he lives in a garage owned by an eccentric landlady. The combination of professional failure and romantic woes contributes to his sense of despair.
Your book is set in Palm Valley, California. Can you tell us why you chose this location in particular?
Palm Valley is a fictious town set in Ventura County, which just so happens to be where I live.
How long did it take you to write your book?
I had the idea years ago, but I’m actually a western romance writer (writing under my own name, Margaret Brownley), so no one was interested in letting me switch genres. The book might not have gotten written had it not been for a dark period in my life. My husband passed away at the same time Covid hit. I was very much alone because the lockdowns prevented me from seeing family or friends. The experience shifted my focus away from romance. Feeling at loose ends, I went through my files and found the notes I’d written years earlier. I was able to get it published by using a pen name.
What has been the most pivotal point of your writing life?
The most pivotal point in my writing life was when I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a writer despite failing eighth-grade English and being advised by my teacher not to even think of becoming a writer. It took a while to get to that point, but once the decision was made, I enrolled in creative writing classes, wrote magazine articles, and eventually published more than forty-six novels.
What kind of advice would you give up and coming authors?
My advice is to join a writing group, preferably in your genre. I belonged to two. I honestly don’t think I would have gotten published had it not been for my writing groups. One was a local group which offered monthly meetings, critiques and. most importantly, support.
The other was a national group which offered writing contests, conferences, and even chances to meet with agents and editors.
Jury Duty is Murder is available at Amazon.