Get Lost with Liz Lipperman & Chicken Caccia Killer

GLIAS Readers today we’re in for a treat.  Liz Lipperman is not only my friend, she’s a fantastic author who has one of the best heroines ever, Jordan McAllister.  She's also the author of The Clueless Cook series with a new book to add to her stables.  Shall we find out about Chicken Caccia Killer?

Chicken Caccia Killer Back Cover blurb:

Forced to fight to keep her job as the culinary reporter at the Ranchero Globe, Jordan covers the International Italian Festival coming to town. But along with the festivities and great Italian food, she must deal with meeting her boyfriend Alex’s mother and sister for the first time.

When an arrogant Italian playboy falls to his death from a suite at a swanky hotel during a pre-festivities party and Alex’s sister Kate is charged with his murder, Jordan springs into action to find clues that could prove her innocence. But someone doesn’t appreciate her getting so close, and Jordan finds herself in the hands of the murderer. Facing life or death in a Texas pasture, she must find a way to catch the killer.

DONNELL:  Liz, welcome back to Get Lost in a Story.  I read the excerpt, and once again Jordan’s got her hands full.  An Italian playboy.  Not that I’m complaining—sounds like a hunk.  But what inspired this mystery?

LIZ: First of all, I want to thank you for inviting me to your blog to talk about my new release. As for the question, I wanted a theme since I post ten recipes in the back of each book in this series. I chose Italian because I love the food from that country. Then I had to come up with a plot. Since my brother-in-law is 100% Italian and goes to the Italian Festival every year in West Virginia, I decided that would be the perfect way to introduce new characters before I kill them off!! I actually dragged hubby to a small town in Mississippi for an actual Italian festival last year for research. We had a blast.

DONNELL:  How much fun is it to write a character like Jordan McAllister and how much is she like Liz Lipperman?  And in what way is she different?

LIZ:  She’s more like me than I want to admit. I am also picky with food, hate gourmet, and won’t touch a steak. I was one of 9 children and grew up on casseroles, so originally, I sold this series with the title –The Casserole Lovers Series. In a marketing meeting at Berkley, this was quickly changed to The Clueless Cook Series, and I fussed. I thought it made Jordan sound dumb, but when I really took time to ponder on it, I realized they were right. The story centers on the fact that Jordan can’t cook yet ends up as the culinary reporter for her local newspaper rather than her posting casserole recipes with made-up fancy names from her neighbor. I can’t tell you how many emails I get from people who relate to her.  Like Jordan, I am a rabid sports fan—even run my own fantasy football league every year. Unlike Jordan, I am a really good cook and most of the recipes in the books are my own. Oh, I forgot, she is also young and pretty and has great hair. Only in my dreams!!

DONNELL:  I’ve read Jordan’s first mystery.  Are the same zany secondary characters still around and does Jordan have a love interest?

LIZ:  Yes, how could I not include them since they are as important to the books as she is? My favorite to write is Victor because he has no filter. In Chicken Caccia-Killer he made me laugh so hard in one scene where he tries to compliment a woman who has information they need. The problem is the woman has no idea he’s gay and comes on to him, which scares the heck out of him. And I must say his idea of a compliment needs a lot of work.  (I’m smiling now just thinking about it.)

DONNELL: Where did the idea for Chicken Caccia Killer come from?  Then let’s let readers in on a secret:  What do you enjoy most about writing?  What do you like least?

LIZ: As I mentioned above, I was looking for a theme for the recipes. And as I do with all my stories, I came up with the catchy title and went from there. There’s a great (my own made-up) cacciatore recipe in the back as a bonus.

DONNELL:  You not only write a mystery series, you write some sizzling romantic suspense.  Have you noticed a special theme running through them?

LIZ:  I always have a strong but vulnerable heroine in them and a hero who isn’t afraid to cry or, like Alex in the series, to cook. I grew up with 4 sisters, all strong women who taught me how to laugh at myself. As Tessa, my ghost in another series would say,” Never take life seriously. No one gets out alive.”

DONNELL:  When you’re not writing, where will we find you?  What’s your favorite thing to do outside of writing?

LIZ: I love spending time with my kids and grandkids. Matter of fact, next summer we are all going on a Caribbean cruise together. I also have a wonderful group of friends that I have played bunko with for thirty years. We leave hubbies and family behind to vacation together in Florida every year where we spend up to 8 hours a day playing water volleyball. Can you imagine—10 grannies in a pool?? There’s a book right there.

DONNELL:  You’ve got a whole lot going on writing-wise.  Care to share with us?

LIZ: I keep saying I am going to slow down, but I always find another project to work on. At the end of December, I have a compilation coming out with 8 other best-selling, wonderful authors. My story is a prequel to a new romantic suspense/special ops series I hope to sell early next year. In May, the second book of A Dead Sister Talking Mystery Series will release from Midnight Ink. This is a series about 5 sisters—one of which is a trash-talking ghost who comes back first to help them solve her own murder, then to help whenever they are in trouble. I patterned the sister relationships around my own sisters, and except for the Tessa the ghost, who basically is a potty mouth, these relationships ring true. My own sister, who died way too young, married her HS sweetheart and had 4 kids. My ghost would have been dull and boring if I had made her like Theresa!! And my younger sister is mad because she said I made her character too dull!! Anyway, back to the question. I get sidetracked so easily. I sold a short story to Amazon’s new line called StoryFront, and that one will come out sometime next year. I am currently working on book 3 of the ghost series, and I have a new cozy series in the works.  Are you sorry you asked?

DONNELL:  Never.  Always want to know what you're up to.  Thanks for joining us.  Liz, now it’s your turn.  Time to ask readers a question.  (here you can indicate whether you’d like to do a give away (generally we state for International digital only) but it’s your choice whether or not to even offer a giveaway to our readers.  Send me any links you want included also.  And thanks so much for getting me this on such short notice! 

LIZ WANTS TO KNOW:   Okay, I’ve bared my soul today. Now it’s your turn. Since I write in several genres, I want to know how many of you are wiling to cross genres to read an author you enjoy-- like the romance readers out there who read J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts’ futuristic suspense novels? One lucky commenter will receive either an autographed copy or a digital download (Print for US and Canada residents only.)

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Caccia-Killer-Clueless-Mystery-Volume/dp/1494286068/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386073157&sr=1-1

 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chicken-caccia-killer-liz-lipperman/1117544810?ean=2940148951629

Liz Lipperman

TODAY'S MENU ... A Great Portion of

LIVER LET DIEA CLUELESS COOK MYSTERYBerkley Prime Crime
ISBN: 0425244040
APPETIZERSJordan McAllister dreams of becoming a popular sports columnist but gets stuck in a po-dunk town writing personal ads for a small time newspaper. When she's offered a chance to fill in for a local food critic off on sick leave, she jumps at the chance rationalizing that it's one step closer to her dream. When a dead body is found underneath her apartment stairwell with her name and number along with it, she becomes the prime suspect, as well as the main course on the murder menu.

SALADS
Jordan dropped her review on Dwayne Egan’s desk and stepped back to await her fate. She’d spent the entire morning researching foie gras on the Internet and had come away outraged and ready to make a stand on the issue.

That was before Egan grabbed the report and lowered his eyes to read, and all her bravado dissipated. Shifting nervously and second-guessing herself, she tapped out the melody of a rock song along the side of her slacks with her fingers.

Too late to change her mind as Egan motioned for her to sit.

She eased into the chair behind her, eyes fixed on the editor while he finished the first page and flipped to the second. Her nerves were like aliens ready to burst through her skin.

“You actually ate this?” he asked, finally glancing at her over the top of his silver-rimmed reading glasses.

“Yes and no,” she replied. “Mostly, no.”

Egan had already turned back to the report, re-reading the first page. “And this is how they get the duck liver?”

Her eyes lit up. Maybe he wouldn’t scream at her after all. “Yes sir. They force-feed the animals to fatten them up.” She paused, remembering how the pictures had sickened her, how seeing the tubes shoved down their throats had nearly made her gag. “The ducks are kept in tight cages so they can’t exercise or even move around.”

“Geez! And they’re serving this right here in Ranchero?”

“Yes,” she answered quickly. “At a price that would water your eyes.” She stopped, not sure she wanted to remind him how much she’d charged on the company card.

Egan dropped the report on his desk and leaned back in the chair, hands behind his head, making his ears protrude even more. “This is going to ruffle a few feathers at Longhorn Prime Rib.” He grinned, obviously pleased with his play on words.

Jordan shifted in the chair. “I was totally complimentary about the restaurant in general.” She thought about the Chocolate Decadence Cake that had doubled as breakfast that morning. “The desserts were phenomenal and the service – fantastic.”

Egan studied her face, his head tilted as if in deep thought. “I had you pegged for a simple meat and potatoes girl. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why you’d order this when you’re obviously so outraged at how they get it.”

Here it is! This was where she’d have to admit she was clueless when it came to fancy food. This was where he’d realize what a big mistake he’d made giving her the job. “The waiter recommended it. Said it was imported from Canada. Since I knew it was too expensive to ever try on my own, I went with it.”

“I still find it hard to believe you’d even order the dish, knowing how you feel about it.”
“I thought it was chicken,” she blurted, looking away for a moment, imagining the pink slip falling from this week’s pay envelope.

Egan threw back his head and laughed. And continued to laugh until Jordan finally gave in and smiled.

“So, let’s see,” he began when he was finally able to speak. “I have a culinary expert who has no idea what she orders at restaurants.” He slapped the desk. “That’s rich. Loretta would never see the humor in that, of course, nor would she be caught dead ordering anything but a thick, juicy steak.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “And just between you and me, she wouldn’t know foie gras from chicken piccata, either, even if it bit her on her overpaid butt.”

“I’m sorry, sir. Maybe you should give this job to someone else.”

His eyes bored into her. “Are you joking? This is going to grab the attention of every animal lover in Ranchero who probably has never even looked at Loretta’s column before.” He slid the papers across the desk. “Take this down to the copy room ASAP. I want it in tonight’s edition.”

Stunned, Jordan grabbed the report and headed for the door.

“Oh, and McAllister?”

She whirled around, expecting her little bubble of excitement to burst like a piñata at a birthday party with eight year old boys on a sugar high.

“From now on, you’ll do a bi-weekly column with recipes and food information. Fancy food like this. A couple of exposés would be great.” He rubbed his hands together. “If my gut is right, with the exception of the restaurant owner, the good citizens of this fine town are going to love you.”

“What about the Personals?”

He smiled. “Look at this as a freelance opportunity,” he said. “And the Personals as your day job. Now go.”

Jordan wondered how he could say that with a straight face, but she was too excited to care. She hurried out the door, surprised to see Jackie Frazier smiling. She’d obviously been eavesdropping. She imagined her, as Roseanne Roseannadanna saying, “It’s always something,” and she smiled back.

Who knew fatty duck liver could wipe the sarcasm off the secretary’s face and maybe even jump-start her career?

THE CHEF
LIZ LIPPERMAN was raised in a small town in Ohio, number eight of nine children. She graduated from nursing school and worked as a registered nurse for many years. When she could no longer ignore the characters talking in her head (no, she’s not on medication), she went back to school and got a professional arts degree. Then she started her first novel. After chasing the romance genre for way too many years, she gave in to her love of mysteries, but she still sneaks a lot of romance into her stories.

She lives north of Dallas with her HS sweetheart hubby. When she’s not writing she spends her time doting on her four wonderful grandchildren. The first book of her Clueless Cook Mystery Series, LIVER LET DIE, marks her debut onto book shelves.

Liz is a fellow chapter mate and I can’t wait to read her books. It’s been a hoot and a pleasure to watch her grow as a writer and get to know her better as a person.

DESSERTSBEEF STOLEN-OFF
A CLUELESS COOK MYSTERY(Coming July 2012 from Berkley Prime Crime)Jordan finds herself smack in the middle of a cattle theft ring where the “steaks” are high and the cowboys are not what they seem.

MORTAL DECEPTION
(Coming soon to Amazon Digital)
A mix of deceit and lies rocks the world of a dying child, an ex-cop on a mission to clear her dead husband's name and an anesthesiologist who desperately wants out of a loveless marriage. To save her nephew's life, the young widow seduces the doctor accused of murdering his wife. But even as she collects evidence that proves he's the killer, she can't stop her heart from falling for him. Until the game turns DEADLY...

MAIN COURSEANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?
LIZ: Not nearly often enough. After I signed a book contract, I plunged into the world of deadlines and had to give up a lot of my reading time. Now, I get so excited when I know I’ll be able to read one of the many books on my TBR pile.

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
LIZ: Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I’m sure there were earlier ones in school, but this is the one that made me want to be a reader and a writer.

ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?
LIZ: Te Amo—I know, that’s two, but hubby and I were in HS Spanish together, and we still say this.

ANGI: Can you tell us about a real-life hero you’ve met?
LIZ: That would have to be my hubby. We’ve been together a lot of years and he still makes me laugh.

ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
LIZ: Cinderella

ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?
LIZ: Elliott the Dragon in Pete’s Dragon

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?
LIZ: A person using racist jokes to get laughs.

ANGI: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?
LIZ: Not really. I have one for my first book because it’s heart-wrenching in places, but Liver Let Die is a fun read. There is a scene where my heroine hears the JAWS music in her head..da dum..da..dum!

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?
LIZ: Again, I had to give up a lot of my reading time when I got a book contract. I like to read on airplanes and by the pool when I do get the chance.

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?
LIZ: A child laughing, especially one of my grandchildren.

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?
LIZ: Action Adventure, definitely.

ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?
LIZ: I grew up dreaming about being a nurse and was a late bloomer when it came to writing, so it would have to be my first big book, Shattered Dreams.

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
LIZ: Back Street. I cry every time I watch it.

ANGI: Who’s your favorite villain?
LIZ: Dick Dastardly in the old-time movies

ANGI: Be honest, when reading...do you put yourself in the heroine’s role?
LIZ: If it’s a great book, I get sucked in and do imagine myself as the heroine.

ANGI: Is writing or storytelling easier for you?
LIZ: Storytelling.

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
LIZ: I am giving away a really cool Pandigital Kitchen Technology Center as a promotion for LIVER LET DIE’s debut. Check out my website www.liipperman.com for details.

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: You’ve been at the writing game for quite a while, Liz. I should be asking how it feels to finally receive that all important confirmation that you’re going to be paid for doing what you love, but… what’s been your favorite part of the exciting first book debut?
LIZ HAS GOTTA ANSWER: You know, I was just talking about this with my sister. My favorite part is the validation that comes with being published. Writers are beaten down so badly, and it feels good to get that pat on the back. That said, there are a lot of good writers who won’t be published because of the state of the industry. I wish I could share this feeling with them. However, now that self-publishing doesn’t carry the stigma it used it, a lot of my friends are going that route—and having some degree of success.

CHEF'S SECRETBERKLEY will send a book to one lucky commenter. We’ll assign everyone a number and use Random.org to pick. Every time you leave a comment, you get a 2nd number assigned.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address. Those leaving comments through Sunday at noon CST following this post will be eligible for the drawing.
LIZ IS CURIOUS: Are you more inclined to try a debut author when you read a blog like this and get to know his/her personality a little, or do you use other criteria, like reviews, covers, first lines, etc.?

I do want to say thanks for having me today. It’s been a pleasure. Readers can contact me at Liz@LizLipperman.com or find out more about me:
Website Facebook Twitter Blog

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter (#GetLostStories) or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join us tomorrow when Donnell will be here with Leslie Diehl and Friday with Rita Hubener. Remember to check back daily to GET LOST in your favorite stories! ~Angi