A Whodunit Mystery Novel for True Crime Podcast Fans

One of the coolest things about our Reading Is a Lifestyle Christian Book Subscription is that we get the opportunity to work with both new and seasoned Christian authors like Tyora Moody. Her latest Mystery novel Mint Flavored Trouble is one of Shelves Bookstore’s three January ’25 Reading Is a Lifestyle Christian Subscription Book Picks and you’ll want to keep reading to find out why she writes mysteries for readers who enjoy faith-based books.

What makes Mint Flavored Trouble different from your previous books?

I think the main difference in this book is [that] the character has grown in her faith and relationships. She’s been through quite an ordeal producing the Cold Justice Podcast, which introduces true crime cold cases to its growing listener base. In this latest book, Joss is hesitant at first to take on a new cold case, but she’s starting to see her purpose in helping loved ones find out what happened to the victims. Joss is [also] the youngest main character I have leading a book series. I’m in my fifties and Joss is in her late twenties, so I dig a bit more to make sure she authentically represents being a millennial.

How would you describe your writing?

It’s a combination between being a plotter and a pantser (also known as seat-of-the-pants or discovery writer). All of my books are plotted or outlined because I write mysteries, [so] it’s important for me to track the red herrings and the number of suspects. I also lean heavily on the three acts making sure I’ve established the beginning, middle, and end of the story. My books are very character driven [but] I write several book series with very different characters. One being a retired amateur sleuth in her sixties, [another] a middle-aged female private detective and for my recent series, a millennial podcaster and barista. While I may plot through the chapters, I’m very open to how the character would make decisions [and] since my faith plays a role in my life, my characters will also make faith-based decisions as well.

Which character in the book do you relate to the most?

Since most of the characters in Mint Flavored Trouble are much younger than me, I would [have to] say Fay Everett. She’s the owner of Sugar Creek Cafe and Joss’ boss (oftentimes more big sister than boss). Fay cares about people and will give timely advice [like] encouraging Joss to lean on her faith.

What were you trying to accomplish with Mint Flavored Trouble?

Since it’s the third book in a series, I have listened to my readers and set out to write the next journey of Joss’ life. Her podcast is successful and her romantic relationship is developing. As she nears thirty, she’s seeking her purpose and what’s in store for her next. Most of my books always have a theme [even though] I don’t set out to craft a theme. Oftentimes I’m in the middle or almost to the end of a book before I realize the theme [and] this book definitely became about the importance of family in our lives.

What motivates you to keep writing?

These characters in my head (LOL)! I have three book series going right now, Joss Miller Mysteries, Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, and Serena Manchester Mysteries. I really love diving into a new adventure with each of [them] and the host of characters around them. I have a few other book series ideas and I look forward to having the opportunity to write those stories as well. Most of all, I really love the readers who reach out with feedback and even those who provide constructive criticism. My goal is to always write a story that is relatable, faith-driven and gives readers who love whodunit mysteries a challenge.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or true crime podcasts, then you should seriously consider adding Tyora Moody’s novel Mint Flavored Trouble to your TBR list. Shelves Bookstore can also deliver books right to your doorstep through our Reading Is a Lifestyle Book Subscription, which you can learn more about here.

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