Two Releases in One Month! by Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day
First, big thanks and a (virtual hug) to my buddy Debra for hosting me here. It’s been so fun watching our careers develop on parallel tracks. Please read down for a double giveaway.
But two new books in September, you ask? Yes, I am in the enviable (maybe) and crazy position of having two mysteries release in a single month. Taken Too Soon, the sixth Quaker Midwife Mystery (written as Edith Maxwell), came out September 8th. Candy Slain Murder, number eight in the Country Store Mysteries (penned by my alter ego Maddie Day), releases on the 28th. Yes, from two different publishers. Beyond the Page and Kensington arrange their schedules without consulting me, thus the convergence.
So what’s an author to do? How do I promote and celebrate two books simultaneously?
Three years ago I was in the same position, with new books in these same two series both coming out in April. Back then, of course, we were having lovely events like in-person launch parties. I threw one, as I have many times, at Jabberwocky Bookshop, my local indy. I made sugar cookies from the 1880s and Kahlua Brownies from Pans ‘N Pancakes, my fictional Country Store restaurant. I brought my Quaker bonnet and a Hoosiers ball cap.
Here’s what happened. In front of about fifty fans, friends, and family, Edith and Maddie interviewed each other. Maddie picked up her Indiana cap and asked Edith a question about Called to Justice. Then I (Edith) switched positions (and hats), answered the question, and asked Maddie something about When the Grits Hit the Fan. It was fun, and people loved it. I 
signed lots of copies of both books afterward, too.
Now what to do? Should I repeat the dual self interview? Nah. Been there, done that. There are a couple of common threads between Taken Too Soon and Candy Slain Murder – except I can’t tell you because it would spoil both stories. But I hope you’ll read the two books and tell me what you find.
So I’m sitting tight and writing posts like these and others. Please check my web site for a list of other guest posts, including at least one post featuring a recipe from the book. And – I do have a box of Candy Slain Murder. I’d love to give away a signed copy to one of you and an ebook of Taken Too Soon to another.
Readers: Which other authors do you read who write under different names? Do you prefer historical mystery or contemporary?
Taken Too Soon
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll’s maiden aunt calls Rose to Cape Cod with her new husband when Tillie’s teenage ward is found dead. Rose and David’s modest honeymoon turns into a murder investigation. A Native midwife and her family are among the suspects, as is David’s own brother. With the help of the local detective, Rose digs in the shifting sands of the case until the murderer is revealed.
Candy Slain Murder
As December sweeps through South Lick, Indiana, Robbie Jordan’s life seems merry and as bright as the string lights glistening around town – until things get bumpy. A man claims to be the long-lost half-brother of Robbie’s assistant. A fire destroys the home of a controversial anesthesiologist, exposing skeletal remains in his attic. Unavoidably intrigued, all Robbie wants for Christmas is to stop her winter wonderland from becoming a real nightmare. With a decades-old mystery taking shape, can she run as fast as she can in pursuit of a killer who’s harder to crack than a stale gingerbread man?
Maddie Day pens the Country Store Mysteries and the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. Agatha Award winning Edith Maxwell writes the historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries and short crime fiction. With twenty-two mysteries in print and more underway, Maxwell lives with her beau and their energizer kitten north of Boston, where she writes, gardens, cooks, and wastes time on Facebook. She hopes you’ll find her on social media under both names and at her web site.
I prefer contemporary, although as I read more historical fiction I’m coming to appreciate it more. And there’s often an educational component as well.
Not sure of which other authors write under multiple names. For a long time, I wasn’t aware that Maddie Day and Edith Maxwell were the same person.
Interesting, Sharon. I try to link the names everywhere!
I tend to read much more contemporary, too, but I look forward to each of Edith’s Quaker books…. and can’t wait for her new story ideas (AHMM) , etc. Of course, I also buy all of her Maddie Day books, too. Can you say fan? – even if the “personality” is split, it simply doubles the fun.
Congratulations, Edith/Maddie, on both releases. You never cease to astound me.
Nor does she stop astounding me… I jokingly refer to Edith as the energizer bunny personified.
Thank you, Grace!
I read Lorna Bartlett and her other persona. also your books.I am sure there are others but the names escape me.Oh Ellen Byron / Maria Delrico. Hope to win the Candy Slain one.
Another one is Roberta Islieb/ Lucy Burdette. Most of those you mentioned stay in the same genre, but then there are some like Carolyn Haines who write one type of book under one name and a much darker book under a different name.
I read mostly contemporary cozy mysteries. Other authors I follow that have two persona are Eva Gates/Vicky Delany and Ellie Alexander/Kate Dyer-Seeley. I think there may be others but those are the two I know for sure.
I enjoy reading the Country Store mysteries. Robbie is so fun.
April
Thanks for stopping by. I agree about Robbie. I never know quite what’s next for her, but I look forward to finding out.
I read Lorna Barrett/Lorraine Bertlett, Jenn McKinlay/Josie Belle & Elizabeth Lynn Casey/Laura Bradford, Plus you of course!
Sharon,
You added another duo name to the consideration list. Thanks!
I read a lot of of cozy mysteries, which I love! Of course I read your books. I didn’t realize that you had books under different names. Now I do.😊
I read Laura Bradford (aka Lynn Casey) books. I’m still discovering the authors that have books under different names. Makes my want list longer and longer!
There are lots of great pairs… and even a triplet that I can think of – Julie Hennrikus is also Julia Henry and Juliane Holmes. Another member of the Wickeds also writes under three names.
Thanks, Grace!
Thank you, Candy. Yes, Ellen/Maria are a great pair!
Great pairs, April.
Thanks, Sharon.
I’m glad you discovered me, Sherry.
I prefer contemporary but I read both. Elizabeth Lynn Casey/Laura Bradford, Ellen Byron/Maria Delrico are 2 who come to mind but know I read others too!
It really is amazing how many writers we enjoy have had to write under different names for one reason or another, but I find I enjoy all of their books. The topics may differ, but the style is similar enough that I find it a good read in almost all instances.
Gayle Trent/Amanda Lee/Gayle Leeson. Love all her series!
Another three in one….and yes, we can enjoy all the series written under all the names!
I love both types. And now that I need to provide an answer I can’t think of any specific examples beyond those so far mentioned in the comments. I know there are reasons to use different names but once I realized so many authors write under other names I try to research their websites or wherever because if as is the case with your books, if I like one series it’s probable I’ll like the rest because of their writing style.
Sally, you are the best kind of fan!
Agree, Vickie.’
Room for all, Linda!
Sally,
I agree with you. That’s why I do the same thing – multiple names, but I read them. What’s often interesting is to see the progression in the writing. Sometimes, the person wasn’t selling well…but got stronger with later books … and once the name was changed, the new series took off . But, I enjoy following the writer’s personal craft growth.
Sally,
I agree with you. That’s why I do the same thing – multiple names, but I read them. What’s often interesting is to see the progression in the writing. Sometimes, the person wasn’t selling well…but got stronger with later books … and once the name was changed, the new series took off . But, I enjoy following the writer’s personal craft growth.
I enjoy reading any and all genre of books as long as there isn’t too much graphic gore and sexually explicit scenes in them. Of course, Debra and Edith, your books are on my list of favorites. Karen Rose Smith, Kathi Daley, Terry Ambrose, and many, many more are authors I have read and enjoy. Fingers are crossed.
Thank you, Robin!
thanks, Robin….appreciate the company you’ve put us in
Congratulations on the books! I like historical and contemporary. I’ve been trying to think of other authors with two names: Janet Cantrell/Kaye George, Lorna Barrett/Lorraine Bartlett, Sandy Rideout/Ellen Riggs, J.B. Stanley/Ellery Adams, Elizabeth Logan/Camille Minichino. Boy, lots!
I forgot about Kaye/Janet… and I think Camille actually has 3 names… lots of folks like this. Thanks for stopping by
Thanks, Carol. Also, three of my Wicked Authors blogmates have more than one name: Jessie Crockett/Jessica Ellicott, Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte, and Julie Hennrikus/Julia Henry!
Congratulations on your new releases! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
Thank you, Kara!
And the winners are: Carol Knudtsen for Taken Too Soon and Candy Kennedy for Candy Slain Murder!
Congratulations, ladies. Please send your snail mail address to me at edith@edithmaxwell.com.