Unraveling the Mystery of Bestselling Author Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver has a knack for writing bestselling books, and with her newest offering Betrayal at Ravenswick A Fiona Figg Mystery she does not disappoint. This book is fresh off the press but we have no doubt she will be topping the book charts soon. Betrayal at Ravenswick A Fiona Figg Mystery takes into the life of Fiona Figg Oliver’s newest heroine, and what a life it is because she is a spy during World War 1. But she is new to the craft. But Oliver is not new to writing so you can be sure that she takes Fiona deep into the thick of things as she goes undercover to solve a mystery providing page turning thrills along with a bit of humor as well. We had some questions for Oliver and she was gracious enough to have a chat with us.

Betrayal at Ravenswick A Fiona Figg Mystery is your newest book. While writing it did it take you down any unexpected paths in terms of the plot and character development?

Yes. It started out as homage to Agatha Christie. That’s why I set the book in London in 1917, because I’m a big fan of Christie’s Poirot series. But, as I started writing Ravenswick, it became more of a historical mystery. Of course, setting a mystery in 1917 in 2020 makes it historical. More than that though, I incorporated a lot of history into the novel, which was fun. And, the book took a bit of an espionage turn. Hopefully, it ended up more like the novels of Rhys Bowen — another one of my favorites — or Susan Elia MacNeal.

An epic story, like this one is all about the setting, the descriptiveness, and a raw energy that captivates readers, so that they are turning the pages effortlessly. Betrayal at Ravenswick A Fiona Figg Mystery has all these aspects and more. Can you let us in on one of the keys that is critical to you when getting into the writing zone.

Thanks! I’m glad you found it a page-turner. Unlike my Jessica James mysteries, which are more plot driven, I think the Fiona Figg mysteries are more character driven. That’s not to say that there isn’t a lot going on in the plot. There is a murder, espionage, and some love interests. But I found once I got into Fiona’s head, so-to-speak, the novel just flowed. I also wrote it in first person whereas my Jessica James novels are in third person. So, I could get even closer to Fiona, and hopefully the reader can too. I’m writing the second Fiona Figg mystery now and trying to get back into her head. I wish I could tell you it was as easy this time around!

You are a teacher when you are not writing. Is it hard to find time to write? Do your students know that you are a bestselling novelist?

I’m a philosophy professor at Vanderbilt University, which is a very demanding (and rewarding) job. For decades, I’ve taught and written philosophy books. I’ve had a great career. But now, all I want to do is write novels. I’ve completely fallen in love with writing mysteries. I’m lucky that I’m at a point in my career where I can take the time to write mysteries. And I developed excellent writing habits as a professor. I plan to retire early so I can write novels full time.

What is your favorite word and why?

Defenestrate. It’s vivid. It’s wicked. But it’s also funny somehow.

I get the sense that you have many more stories simmering. Is there another book in the works that you can tell us about?

As I mentioned, I’m writing the second Fiona Figg mystery now. It’s called High Treason at the Grand Hotel. And it takes Fiona to Paris. Paris in 1917 is a very interesting place to be. She’s going to meet a lot of fascinating characters. It will be a lot of fun.

I also have plans to write a third middle grade mystery in my Kassy O’Roarke, Pet Detective mystery series. The second, Kassy O’Roarke, Treasure Hunter, is coming out in June.

And, there will most likely be a sixth Jessica James mystery in the works sometime soon. Now you see why I have to retire! I have three mystery series going at once.

You can find Betrayal at Ravenswick A Fiona Figg Mystery where ever books are sold online.