Author Spotlight: Wendy Kendall

Wendy Kendall’s passion for purses and mystery led to the intriguing In Purse-Suit Mysteries published by The Wild Rose Press and Harlequin. Kat Out of the Bag introduces Katherine Watson, a purse designer who must sleuth a murder at her fashion gala. The prequel, Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case. Finalist for Best Suspense at Killer Nashville, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For creates a tangle of mystery and love. Wendy enjoys investigating Pacific Northwest life, and leaving a trail of clues as blogger, podcaster, speaker, and syndicated columnist.

 

 

A little bit about Author Wendy Kendall…

My writing career and my thrill for telling stories began at 8 years old. I loved reading. As an adult I wanted to share my love of reading so I started, and still have, Book Recommendation columns (one for adults and one for kids) in the Seattle area online newspapers. It’s wonderful encouraging people to read. Yet, writing my own novels remained in the background of my busy life until about 10 years ago. I’d raised my sons and now had time for my desire to write and pursue being published. I especially enjoy reading cozy mysteries, and inspired by my author heroine Laura Childs, I began plotting. What inspires me to write are the characters and curiosity to see what they’ll do next, and also the incredibly nice comments readers of my books share with me, and the sheer joy and fun of being completely creative.

 

This is Author Wendy Kendall’s writing and publication journey in her own words…

Inspiration to start writing…

Combining my love of mystery and fashion, especially purses, got me started, and my wonderful characters took my hand and showed me their stories. Two of my favorite and most meaningful research efforts really inspired great meaning to my plot. I visited Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas where purses tell the history of women. So, my purse designer and amateur sleuth, Katherine Watson, also opened such a delightful historical museum. The Esse Purse Museum owner endorses my book on page one. I also did a ride along with a K-9 unit of the police force. Fantastic! And from that event the dog, Hobbs, became an important character in my book, along with his partner, Jason Holmes.

The people I’ve met along this journey, other writers, teachers and others who have all become friends, the experiences we’ve shared are truly treasured.

 

Wendy’s works…

Now, 5 years since my first book of my In Purse-Suit Mystery Series, Kat Out of the Bag, got released with publisher The Wild Rose Press, that first book has also been published by Harlequin. In subsequent years, my 4 other books were published too.

Mystery Prequel – Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash

Romantic Suspense – Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For (Finalist for Best Suspense at Killer Nashville Conference)

Romantic Mystery – Cherry Shakes in the Park

Romance – Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams

 

I also have a 6th book, a mystery, due to be released later this year titled, Don’t Shoot the Messenger Bag. (It’s the perfect accessory to murder).

All my books are available for purchase at online retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and other outlets.

 

Kat Out of the Bag Blurb

When celebrated international purse designer, Katherine Watson, hosts a gala for her Purse-onality Museum, she never expected the next day’s headline to read: ‘Murder at the Gala Premiere.’ After a dead body is found during the event, that’s exactly what happened.

Working to solve the murder, Katherine matches wits with local cop Jason Holmes and his K-9 partner, Hobbs. Although Holmes and Watson disagree often, they discover an undeniable attraction building between them. They’ll have to put their feelings on hold and focus on solving the murder, before Katherine becomes the killer’s next knock off.

 

One of Wendy’s favourite scenes from Kat Out of the Bag…

“There’s an officer nearby. We’ll alert him. Hold the line.” Katherine was worried by the operator’s monotone. Did she understand the urgency?

Katherine watched in disbelief as the shadow figure moved toward the shed attached to the waterwheel. Too late, she thought to get a picture after the person disappeared inside the shed. “Oh no,” Katherine muttered. She spoke into the phone, “Hurry. I think it’s the killer, maybe looking for something left behind? Hello?” Had the operator hung up?

“Yes, the officer is on the way. Please stay on the line.” The operator’s voice now sounded bored.

A sharp ray of light from inside the shed cut through the darkness. The light jumped around. Sweat collected on Katherine’s upper lip as she imagined the killer looking through her things for something, maybe critical evidence. Fear gave way to irritation at the invasion. Irritation gave way to anger. Someone had to stop that killer from removing whatever incriminating thing was so critical it had driven a return to the scene of the crime.

Katherine wanted to scream. Where were the police? Maybe MJ was right about them. She pressed against the French doors. The light in the shed went out. Her breath caught in her throat. The silhouette walked out of the shed toward the alley leading to the maze that burrowed throughout Bayside and beyond. Katherine spoke gruffly and fast, “Hello. Where’s your officer? The suspect is getting away.”

“Ma’am, please stay calm and hang on the line. They’re on the way.”

Katherine unlocked the door to the yard and whispered to the 911 operator, “I’m in pursuit.”

 

Connect with Author Wendy Kendall

Website

Facebook

Twitter – @wendywrites1

Instagram