Is your character Suzanne Rickson a combination of real people, or not?

Suzanne Rickson is inspired by my mother. While planning my first mystery novel and searching for ideas, I visited my parents at their retirement community on the West Coast of British Columbia. During those visits, my mother often shared stories about her long-standing feud with the HOA president, which sparked my imagination.

All good crime stories begin with a compelling ‘what if’ question. I wondered, what if there was a murder and both women accused each other of the crime?

Suzanne and my mother share several traits: they are observant, calculating, and both are avid readers who prioritize family above all else. Both moved from Montreal to the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, a background detail they share. Suzanne’s love of cross-stitching and playing Mahjong comes from my mom, while other aspects, like her passion for the golden age of jazz and her ever-present cup of tea, are inspired by me.

Suzanne has inherited my mother’s tenacity and sense of justice, as well as my own ability to think outside the box.

Why did you choose a female protagonist?

I’ve always enjoyed writing female protagonists. I have an unfinished manuscript about a female police officer struggling with PTSD. I may have never finished the book, but I took that character and made her Suzanne’s youngest daughter.

I also recognize that cozy mysteries typically appeal to a predominantly female audience. Usually, these stories feature a thirty-something, self-employed, love-struck protagonist. Instead, I wanted to create a novel where my mother and her generation could see themselves in the main character.

Did you always plan a series of cozy mysteries?

I always envisioned this series as a trilogy, with an overarching arc and character development culminating in the third installment. That doesn’t mean there won’t be a fourth book—my creative mind often leads me in unexpected directions. I enjoy having Suzanne in my imagination, so perhaps her story will continue even further.

Has Suzanne’s personality changed at all?

Yes. Her relationship with her two adult daughters continues to evolve. As a devout Catholic, Suzanne suspects her youngest daughter might be gay. She struggles with this realization but finds comfort in the fact that the Catholic Church is evolving as well.

A recurring theme is that a parent’s love for their children is unwavering. That aspect of Suzanne’s personality will never change. Her love for her daughters knows no bounds, even when they sometimes test those boundaries.

In the first book, Death in Halfmoon Bay, Suzanne is the prime suspect in the poisoning death of her friend. She’s not the type of person to sit idly by and not defend herself. She knows that the best way to prove her innocence is to discover the real culprit.

In the second novel, Death on the Rocks, Suzanne has become something of a local celebrity after solving the crime. When another mysterious death occurs several months later, Suzanne initially hesitates to interfere with the police investigation. However, as events unfold, she realizes she could be an asset rather than a hindrance. Her confidence has grown, and she sometimes feels she’s even wiser than the local police.

Do you have a plan for more Suzanne Rickson novels? How many?

I’m currently working on the third book, titled Death Comes Full Circle, in which Suzanne’s convictions and observational skills are put to the test. This time, her oldest daughter is being blackmailed for infidelity, and the rumored new lover is someone entirely unexpected.

What challenges do you find in writing in multi-genres, from cosy mysteries to short stories to memoir, or autobiographical?

Some writers can effortlessly move between genres, but I’m not one of them. Early in my career, I wrote short stories, though I’m not sure I could return to that form. I enjoyed writing a memoir and would love to revisit it one day, but for now, my mind is firmly rooted in mysteries. Working for Crime Writers of Canada and interviewing fellow crime writers keeps me immersed in the genre. Still, I can’t rule out exploring other genres in the future.

What inspires your writing?

I’m a storyteller—it’s in my DNA and shapes how I view the world. I daydream constantly, and writing allows me to channel those thoughts and feelings onto the page.

It may sound egotistical, but I believe every writer must feel they have a unique voice and that others will enjoy their stories. Why else would we devote a year or more to writing a book if we didn’t believe readers would find joy in it?

Who is an author hero to you?

I grew up reading Hemingway and Steinbeck. At first, I wanted to emulate Hemingway’s life, but after some research, I quickly switched to Steinbeck. I’ve also idolized Dostoevsky, and I still consider him the greatest writer ever.

In my humble opinion, Louise Penny is the best writer of our generation, but Sam Wiebe is my favorite author to read. I’m grateful to know them both and they inspire me to keep writing.

Can you explain your writing process?

Undisciplined. I love self-publishing, but sometimes I think I need an AI publisher to keep me on track with deadlines.

Ideally, I’d wake up, get my kids to school, my wife to work, walk my dog, and then plop myself in front of my computer and write until lunchtime.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen enough. Usually, there are twenty emails waiting for me, interviews to prep for, videos to edit, meetings, and a hundred other reasons why I can’t write today.

Where can readers find you and your books?

They should start with my website: erikdsouza.com. That can lead you to my social media, podcasts, and contact information.

Erik D’Souza is a mystery author, publisher, and professional speaker. He writes the Suzanne Rickson Mystery Series, which follows a shrewd senior sleuth through traditional whodunits set along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Erik also serves as Marketing Manager for Crime Writers of Canada and is president of the Tri-City Wordsmiths. In addition, he curates and hosts Writers in Our Midst, a well-loved reading series at the Port Moody Public Library.

He makes his home in Vancouver, Canada, where he lives with his wife, their two teenage sons, and a rowdy dog.

Author page: erikdsouza.com