A Conversation with Tonya Kappes, Author of the Magical Cures Mysteries

with Tonya Kappes

We are delighted to welcome mystery author Tonya Kappes to Omnimystery News today, courtesy of Cozy Mystery Book Reviews, which is coordinating her online book tour. We encourage you to visit all of the host sites; you can find her schedule here.

Tonya's third mystery in her "Magical Cures" mystery series is A Charming Wish (MagiCal Press, March 2013 ebook formats).

We recently had a chance to talk to the Tonya about her new book.

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Omnimystery News: In addition to the "Magical Cures" mysteries, you write several other series mysteries. What about series characters appeals to you as a writer?

Photo provided courtesy of
Tonya Kappes

Tonya Kappes: I believe that readers come back to read subsequent novels in a series because they liked the story and the characters. There is a great feeling of familiarity when you pick up a series and already know the character. It is very important to a well developed recurring character from the first novel they are introduced. I make sure the character grows in each book to keep the reader interested in seeing the character recur. They have to grow, just like we do.

OMN: Your mysteries cross two genres, cozies and paranormals.

TK: That's correct. The fun loving sleuth that stumbles upon a murder that they just can't turn a blind eye to and a little paranormal thrown into the mix.

OMN: Tell us something about the book that's not mentioned in the synopsis.

TK: It's full of fun, mystery, humor and a dash of romance! What else could you want in a book?

OMN: This series features a psychic named June Heal, owner of a homeopathic cure shop. Do you and she share any character traits?

TK: It isn't so much that we're alike, but she's who I wanted to be! June Heal is a sort of witch that has all good powers. I'm certainly not a witch; though I have dreamed of putting a spell or two on some people!

OMN: Describe your writing process.

TK: The story begins to develop in my head along with the small town. I let that fester as the characters begin to talk to me. In the meantime, I purchase an address book where I start to come up with names and descriptions. By that point, the beginning of the story is taking place and I generally know the beginning, middle and end. I just sit and write. It never fails … when I hit the 100 page mark, I have to plot out the rest of the novel. So I guess you can say that I both let the story develop while I outline the plot.

OMN: Tell us more about that "small town".

TK: The Magical Cures mysteries are set in Whispering Falls, Kentucky. Whispering Falls is a make-believe, magical small town where I would love to visit. I'm from Kentucky and love every inch of the state. Whispering Falls would fit perfectly in between a big valley of Kentucky bluegrass and limestone.

OMN: How do you go about doing research on your paranormal crimes?

TK: I have a good friend who is a psychic and she is great with detail. I have a brother-in-law who is in law enforcement which makes visiting him and the office the most exciting! I get first hand experience on crazy ways to kill people. Did I mention I love my job?

OMN: Lots of books these days are being adapted for film. Any thoughts on how that might work with your series?

TK: Books that are turned into movies are so different. I would just be honored to have that happen and just trust the experts! Why? Do you know someone I can talk to?

OMN: Sadly, no. But speaking of movies, what do you watch for enjoyment?

TK: I'm a comedy gal to the core! I watch them to escape the everyday grind. I don't watch a lot of crime movies because it's my job. I can't say that Bridget Jone's Diary inspired anything in my cozy series … hmmm … I bet I could put her in there somewhere.

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Tonya Kappes writes fun humorous fiction, some with romance and some with a little mystery.

More than anything she loves to connect with readers! Shes a huge fan of them and loves getting to know them. Making readers smile, and remember not to take life to seriously is how she likes to write. An addict to coffee, McDonald's Diet Coke, and Red Hots Candy keep her going!

When Tonya not writing about quirky characters and even quirkier situations, she's busy being the princess, queen and jester of her domain which includes her BFF husband, three teenage boys and two dogs.

To learn more about Tonya and her books, visit her website at TonyaKappes.com.

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A Charming Wish
Tonya Kappes
A Magical Cures Mystery (3rd in series)

Bubble … Bubble …

It seems shop owner and newly appointed Whispering Falls Village President June Heal has it all: Beauty, wits, bewitching powers … Sheriff Oscar Park. Life is good. Because life in Whispering Falls is magical.

Cures and Trouble …

But when a member of the community is found dead on the steps of A Charming Cure, June's homeopathic cure shop, and her fingerprints show up at the scenes of local robberies, she is kicked off the village council and her powers fall under scrutiny. Until it's uncovered who is wreaking havoc on the town … June's magic is suspended.

Magic Stirs …

With the help of a rather obnoxious genie and Mr. Prince Charming, June's Fairy-God cat, June is determined to figure out who is framing her. Time is of the essence when it becomes clear that the true villain is trying to get rid of her … permanently!

And Trouble Doubles …

Oscar Park will do anything to protect June even if that means giving up all of his magical powers … or worse, his life.