SC : What are you currently working on ?
I ’ m working on the third book of the Hamptons Murder Mystery Series called “ Death on West End Road .” It takes place in the summer , and Antonia is asked to solve the murder of a cold case — the murder of a girl who was killed 23 years prior . It brings me back to my college years in East Hampton so I feel like I am going down memory lane .
SC : Of the books you ’ ve written , which one is your favorite and why ?
I like “ Death on Windmill Way ” the best . Antonia is my favorite heroine and I enjoyed introducing her and her friends to the world . I think most of the characters in DWW are likeable — well , except for the homicidal ones . In terms of the books I wrote with Jill Kargman , it ’ s a tie between “ The Right Address ” and “ Bittersweet Sixteen .” I ’ m fond of the characters in both of those books and I think there is a lot of humor in them .
SC : What books have most influenced you as a writer ?
It ’ s an interesting question because there are my favorite books and then there are those that influenced me . I ’ ve always enjoyed books with some mystery . When I was young my favorite book was “ The Mystery at Number 7 Rue Petit .” It ’ s an illustrated book , and I still have my copy . I loved Donna Tartt ’ s first book “ The Secret History ,” which I devoured in college . But for my current series , Sue Grafton ’ s alphabet series are the benchmark . She is a master at description and has a quiet wit that I love .
SC : What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing ? And the most rewarding ?
The most challenging part , I think , is that I didn ’ t realize how solitary it is to be a writer . My first five books were written with a writing partner , Jill Kargman , but once I stopped writing with Jill , it was just me in a room and that can be a little lonely . Also , when it is just you , it ’ s hard to prioritize writing . Children and dogs and clerical deskwork often come first , which can backfire and make you grumpy ! For me , I have a much happier and more successful day in every part of my life if I can start with a workout and then work ( with a good carbladen breakfast and lunch along the way ). For the past several years I have left the dogs at home and gone to write in the quiet room at the New York Society Library .