Muriel Reeves Interview from Frank, Incense and Muriel





Today I’m interviewing Muriel Reeves from Frank, Incense and Muriel, written by author Anne K. Albert. The story takes place the week before Christmas when the stress of the holidays is enough to frazzle anyone’s nerves. Tensions increase when a friend begs Muriel to team up with a sexy private investigator to find a missing woman. Forced to deal with an embezzler, kidnapper, and femme fatale is bad enough, but add Muriel’s zany yet loveable family to the mix and their desire to win the coveted D-DAY (Death Defying Act of the Year) Award, and the situation can only get worse.

Marilyn - Tell us a bit about yourself, Muriel. Where were you born and raised?

Muriel – I grew up in and around Niagara Falls, New York, and still live there.

Marilyn – So does Frankie Salerno. I understand you weren’t exactly thrilled when he showed up at your front door one cold December morning.

Muriel - It’s not that I don’t like Frankie. It’s just that he complicates things.

Marilyn – How so?

Muriel - It started in high school when he wrote me a note. I have no idea of its contents. Nor do I care. All I know is the teacher intercepted it, read it, raised an eyebrow, and zeroed in on me.
“I believe Frankie had you in mind when he wrote this,” she said, then began to read it aloud. She got as far as the salutation he’d printed on the outside of the folded sheet of three-ring notepaper. “To the Brian.”
The class erupted into hysterics. The teacher returned the note to Frankie and resumed her lesson. From that day forward, I was the girl named Brian, and Frankie became my sworn enemy. 

Marilyn – He called you Brian?

Muriel - He’s dyslexic.

Marilyn – I see. I think. But hang on a minute. Frankie’s a private investigator. How does an intellectual type like you get involved in a missing person’s case?

Muriel - A very close friend asked for my help. I couldn’t say no.

Marilyn – That doesn’t explain why Frankie agreed to let you tag along.

Muriel – Like I said, it’s complicated.

Marilyn – Right. From what I understand, so is your family. Is it true they compete for a trophy and that it’s awarded to the winner on Christmas Eve?

Muriel – Yes.

Marilyn – Details, Muriel. I’m a writer. I need details!

Muriel - (Long sigh) It’s a tradition that began with my parents. My father was a real live action figure. Always on the go. Always in search of that next adrenalin rush. My mother shared his sense of adventure, and in some ways was even more of a daredevil. My brothers went on their first adventure trip when they were still in diapers. Me? Riding the merry-go-round makes me nauseous.

I’ve always held the conviction that if humans were meant to race down snow covered mountains, scuba dive on ocean floors, or jump out of airplanes, we’d have been born with skis for feet, gills for lungs and had wings attached to our backs.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, the only time of year the family gets together is December. On Christmas Eve we vote for the family member who took the greatest risk during the past year and lived to tell the tale. The winner receives the D-DAY trophy. The letters stand for Death-Defying Act of the Year Award.

Now, can we please talk about something else?

Marilyn – Of course, but you didn’t mention if you’re entering this year’s contest.

Muriel – Me? Why would I? Nothing earth-shattering ever happens to me.

Marilyn – Somehow, I doubt that’s true! 



Now, about the author, Anne K. Albert. Anne’s award winning mystery and romantic suspense stories chill the spine, warm the heart and soothe the soul…all with a delightful touch of humor. When not at the keyboard she loves to travel, walk on a beach, visit friends and family, and of course, read using ‘Threegio’ her beloved and much cherished Kindle 3G. She can be found online at FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInGoodreadsPinterestAmazon and her blog. 

Readers who leave a comment will be entered in her giveaway contest. Up for grabs is an e-copy of FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIELThe winner will be chosen at random and announced on Anne’s blog on December 12, 2012. Good luck!

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Comments

WS Gager said…
Anne: I just love Muriel. She has so much spunk! Great interview.
Wendy
W.S. Gager on Writing
Hi, Anne, I'm so glad you let Muriel come to visit me today. She is quite a character!
M.M. Gornell said…
Love Muriel's attitude about sports/action-adventure. I have a lot of the same in me! Great interview.

Madeline
Anonymous said…
Hi Wendy. Muriel has a great deal more spunk that she thinks. It just takes some convincing to get her to acknowledge it!
Anonymous said…
Thank you for hosting us, Marilyn. It's always a pleasure to visit!
Anonymous said…
Thank you for hosting us, Marilyn. It's always a pleasure to visit!
Anonymous said…
I hear you about sports, action and moving in general, Madeline. I force myself to walk daily, but I don't run with scissors.(Pause here for the punch line...) Actually, those last two words are redundant!

Thank goodness Muriel isn't quite as lethargic! It'd make for a rather lengthy investigation!
Anonymous said…
I hear you about sports, action and moving in general, Madeline. I force myself to walk daily, but I don't run with scissors.(Pause here for the punch line...) Actually, those last two words are redundant!

Thank goodness Muriel isn't quite as lethargic! It'd make for a rather lengthy investigation!
Jake said…
This was definitely a book worth reading. Like & enjoy your blog postings. Thanks
Anonymous said…
My apologies for the double replies. I have no idea why that happened. :(
Anonymous said…
Thank you, Jake. For everything!
Jean Henry Mead said…
Great interview. I enjoyed it almost as much as the book, Anne.
Anonymous said…
Thanks, Jean!
Marja said…
Excellent interview, and it took me back to when I read the book. Not nagging, but I still can't wait for the next one.
Marja McGraw
Collin Kelley said…
So many sassy characters in this book!

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