This is going to be FUN. Alyssa writes Chick Mysteries. She’s going to give us some insights into the Southern world. Welcome, Alyssa!
Hi, I’m Alyssa Lyons. I write chick mysteries, think “Murder She Wrote” in high heels, specifically the Jordan Davis Mysteries. So what is a chick mystery? It’s an amateur sleuth who is young, hip and always finding a mystery to solve. While occasionally there is some blood, it isn’t overdone and usually happens off scene. However, when necessary Jordan will do what is needed to save her family and friends.
In Last Wishes, Jordan rides in on her motorcycle to solve the murder of a beloved client. Amateur or not, she soon discovers she is good at solving crimes, Southern style. What is Southern style? It’s being nosy, knowing everyone’s business, and recognizing that dark secrets are the lifeblood of Southern Society.
Like me, Jordan and Grayson “Gray” Trent live in Lynchburg, Virginia, better known as the City of Seven Hills. It was 
founded in 1796 by John Lynch when he built a ferry to cross the James River. You know what they say, location, location, location. Anyway, we are at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia. The two largest cities near us are Roanoke and Charlottesville, home of Monticello and the University of Virginia (UVA).
Modern Lynchburg epitomizes the dichotomy found in the South, and probably most of the world. It is a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, including your entire family tree. It is also a small city where everyone is invisible. I kind of like the invisible part when out digging for material for Jordan’s stories. Although, I do think Lynchburg takes this a step further than most.
First, I need to explain what happened to a friend of mine for you to fully understand why I’ve said this. Both sides of his family have lived here since the 1850s. One day he was asked by one of the grandé dames where he came from?
Wise to the ways of Lynchburg, he answered that his family helped found the city. She nodded and asked where he was born. Ah, now you see where this is going. Bracing himself, he told her his parents were visiting in Washington D.C. when his mother went into labor. “So, you hail from Washington,” she said, sagely. Then with a patronizing smile and a pat his arm, she said, “That’s okay. We need new blood occasionally. It prevents inbreeding.”
I hope you will enjoy reading about Lynchburg and about Jordan and Gray as she solves crime Southern style and he attempts to keep her alive and out of jail.
Bye for now!
Alyssa.
Mona Karel Author 