Book Review: Murder is a Family Business by Heather Haven

A funny, crisp, unique murder mystery with tons of twists and turns is what you'll uncover in Murder is a Family Business by Heather Haven.

Lee Alvarez is sent out to keep tabs on a cheating husband. When the husband turns up dead on her watch, Lee needs to know what happened. With the help of her computer genius brother, Lee follows the clues, hoping to find the track to a killer.

In Murder is a Family Business, the first book in Haven's Alvarez Family Murder Mystery series, the author creates a superb story filled with engaging characters and one cute little kittie. This one seems to set the stage for the books that will come. The Alvarez family runs Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that deals with the theft of computer software. Perfectly groomed mother, Lila, computer wizard, Richard, and Lee work together; while Uncle Tio has come for a visit after the death of his wife.

This is a quick, fun read with new clues turning up and leading to additional discoveries. It has the right touch of humor, all the while not losing the focus of a murder investigation. Murder is a Family Business adds the love and sometimes annoyance of family to what has started off as a great mystery series. I look forward to reading the next book, A Wedding to Die For.


Title:  Murder is a Family Business
Author:  Heather Haven
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9865875-9-7
SRP: $5.95

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation to provide my review.

Interview: Heather Haven, Author of Murder is a Family Business

Joining us today is Heather Haven, author of the humorous PI series, The Alvarez FamilyMurder Mysteries. The first book, Murder is a Family Business, was released in January by MuseItUp Publishing. The second book, A Wedding to Die For, just came out this month. We'll talk to Heather about her childhood, her writing, and what she's working on next.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Heather. It is wonderful to have you with us. Can you tell us where you grew up?

I was born in Sarasota, Florida, during the winter hiatus of the Ringling Brothers Circus. My mother was a featured performer and my father was an elephant trainer. I like to say I was born ON a trunk at Ringling Brothers Circus. I grew up in Florida, which is a great place to raise kids. You’re outside all the time. I can tell what year it was by what bathing suit I was wearing, so much of my life was spent in the water. I was a pint size Esther Williams. Honk if you remember her.

When did you begin writing?

I can remember doodling around with songs I’d hear on the radio as a kid, writing lyrics to music that didn’t have any, and singing them along with the song when I heard it again. Or I would see a person on the street and mentally create a whole backstory for them, come home and write it down. My mother still has one or two of those stories hanging around. She read me one just the other day. Pretty terrible but I think I was around eleven at the time. What do you want from a kid? Anyway, I’ve been a writer all my life.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Yes, yes and yes, although I really like to write first thing in the morning, when I’m at my freshest. That doesn’t always work out.

What is this book about?

Murder is a Family Business is a contemporary novel, the first in a series of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries. This story begs the question:

Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve.

Set in the present, Murder is a Family Business is the first in a series of humorous mysteries revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitch’ Stephanie Plum, and the rest of Alvarez Family, detectives all. Completing the family is Lee’s Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. When this group is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of computer software. Seemingly light and frothy on the surface, the novel nevertheless explores familial love, the good, the bad and the annoying.
What inspired you to write it?

I felt my mystery series had to include two important elements: the recently immigrated, which is one of America’s natural resources, and the family unit. Most importantly, I wanted to write about a funny, upbeat protagonist, such as Lee Alvarez, who had a few things going for her. Not perfect, but striving. I didn't want to have yet another protagonist who learned nothing, who was ostracized from those she loved, who owned one crummy black skirt and life was one long penance. Let’s have a joke now and then! Lee is a lover of life and tries to learn from her mistakes, of which she makes plenty. She leaps before she thinks. She also loves handbags and dancing. She has strong familial support, even though they are often one big pain in her jazzercised derriere.

Hence, the Alvarez Family Murder Mystery Series, a family of detectives, was born. The first book -- which took me so long to write, planets have been formed and deteriorated in that time -- I knew had to be called Murder is a Family Business to set the tone for the series. However, the Alvarez family is a little off-center. They aren't the ‘classic’ family i.e., father, mother, sister, brother, and large dog, all driving around in a shiny SUV eating Snickerdoos. Of course, these days a family like that is harder to find than a dinosaur with feathers. Oh, wait a minute. Archaeologists are digging those up all the time from unsuspecting peoples’ backyards. That means the Ozzie and Harriet family does still exist somewhere. Helloooooo out there!

Who is your favorite character from the book?

Get ready for it – the cat, Tugger. But here’s why. Rum Tum Tugger is based on my own cat that I lost three years ago at 16-years of age. I loved that cat and still miss him to this day. I know we all love our animals but there is often the exceptional one that like certain people, you connect with in a very special way. When I write about my boy, Tugger, he comes alive again, if only for a short time.

Who is your biggest supporter?

It takes a village to write a book. I never forget that. I owe my husband, family, and my writing buddies for any success I might have.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

Yes, I am. How can any writer live without feedback? I’m very fortunate to live in the Bay Area where there are venues for writers to explore and utilize and some fabulous, generous writers, to boot. I have access to a world of good feedback and support and I thank them for all they give me.

Who is your favorite author?

Shakespeare. If we could but meet, I would like to ask the Bard, 'how did you do all that amazing, high quality work in one short lifetime and why did you leave your wife your second best bed? Inquiring minds want to know.' All kidding aside, it's phenomenal what that man turned out. Will was a true genius. Oh, yes, and P.G. Wodehouse. Funny, funny writer. Another Englishman.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have gotten an MBA or Law degree. Oh, you mean about writing? Not a thing. All roads led to here. I’m happy.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

My books, Murder is a Family Business and A Wedding to Die For are at MuseItUp http://tinyurl.com/3893lu3. Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/3rgplcq, or many of the other sites that sell books.


Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/
Follow Heather's blog at: http://tinyurl.com/4nensnp

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

Murder is a Family Business Youtube book trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79vqXtCrRsE

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Write, write, write. It's very basic. You can't be a writer if you don't write. So don't talk about it, don't moan about it, don't apologize for it, just do it. Sit down and write. It doesn't matter if it's for fifteen minutes, 2 hours, or all day. The point is you're writing, even if you only get out one good sentence. It keeps the juices flowing, keeps you thinking, on your toes. Find the best time of day for you and make yourself write. Approach it as a job. Whether you feel like it or not, you have to go and do it. Soon it will become habit. That's what you want. Soon you'll see stealing fifteen minutes here, twenty minutes there, an hour or two on a good day, you'll get something done. So WRITE, my darlings.

What is up next for you?

I’m in the final throes of editing the 3rd book of the Alvarez Series, Death Runs in the Family. I also have another novel awaiting my return. It’s darker, more serious, and takes place when the U.S. enters WWII, although the war is not the main thrust of it. Then there are two 3-act plays and several short stories that are tapping their toes in anticipation of work done on them. I juggle a lot of projects at one time.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Consider writing even if it’s only your family history, a memoir, something of interest only to you and yours. You’ll be better for it. Then go out and plant a tree. The world will be better for it.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Heather. We wish you the best.

Interview: Heather Haven, Author of Murder is a Family Business

Joining us today is Heather Haven, author of Murder is a Family Business, the first book in her Alvarez Family Murder Mystery series published by MuseItUpPublishing.
Heather is a story teller by nature and loves the written word. In her career, she’s written short stories, novels, comedy acts, plays, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and even ghost-wrote a book.

One of her first jobs as a writer was given to her by her then agent. It was that of writing a love story for a book published by Bantam called Moments of Love. She had a deadline of one week and then promptly came down with the flu. Writing "The Sands of Time" with a temperature of 102 delivered some pretty hot stuff. A short stint with No Soap Radio in New York City as a staff comedy writer was a dream come true! She knew writing was for her, in particular, funny writing.

Two one-act plays, The Closet Corpse and Baltimore, farcical comedies both, were well received whenever and wherever they've been performed. She had the good fortune to have Baltimore done at Playwrights Horizon in New York City, shortly after The Closet Corpse premiered off-off B'Way, starring the very talented Sandy Faison, of Broadway's Annie fame. Both have also been recently done in San Jose to an appreciative audience.

Heather is in the process of writing the third novel of the Alvarez Mystery Series and finds it a joy. She gets to be all the characters, including the cat!

Welcome to The Book Connection, Heather. It is wonderful to have you here today. Let's start off by learning a bit more about you.

Where did you grow up?

Sarasota, Florida, winter home of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus. That’s because both parents were members of the circus. My mother was a featured performer and my father was an elephant trainer. But that’s a story for a later time.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

At the tender age of 9, I was brought to the public library to check out my first book. I chose Nancy Drew, The Secret of the Old Clock. It changed my life. I knew then and there my life would revolve around mysteries and books.

When did you begin writing?

At around sixteen years old, I started writing lyrics to popular songs that had none. It was a fun start the writing process and one I sometimes do to this day, solely for my own amusement. I never did anything with them. I think they’re tucked away in a drawer.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Yes, yes, and yes. Although, I prefer the morning, when I’m fresh.

What is this book about?

Set in the present, Murder is a Family Business is the first in a series of humorous mysteries revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitch’ Stephanie Plum, and the rest of Alvarez Family, detectives all. Basically, just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? Quirky Lee doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Her thinking is, of all the nerve.

Completing the family is Lee’s Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. When this group is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of computer software. Seemingly light and frothy on the surface, the novel nevertheless explores familial love, the good, the bad and the annoying.

What inspired you to write it?

I don’t know that inspiration has anything to do with it. I write because I have to. Driven, don’tchaknow. But I belive in the family unit, whatever form it takes.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Lucky me, I have a family that is very supportive, down to the cats. Most friends and writing buddies are behind me 100%. That makes it a lot easier.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

Every writer should be a member of a writing group, in my opinion. The help and support is unbelievable. So, yes, I am a member of several writing groups, plus I have been fortunate to study in the Stanford Continuing Studies Creative Writing program and with Ellen Sussman, a wonderful teacher and superb writer, in her own right.

Who is your favorite author?

Get ready for it: P.G. Wodehouse. I have read every book of his I can get my hands on and he wrote over 90! His writing can make me laugh like no one else’s. He’s most famous for the Jeeves and Bertie Wooster collection of short stories and books but he was a prolific writer of screenplays, plays, novels, short stories, pretty much anything. I’m a big fan.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

It was loooooong. My then agent – a lovely lady - had some near misses with major publishing houses for nearly three years. Then the economic disaster happened. Publishing went into the outhouse and hasn’t quite come out yet. I thought my little series was doomed, but hauled it out of the drawer last year and sent it off to MuseItUp Publishing, a new house in Canada and voila! It was accepted and now we’re off and running. Ain’t life grand?

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

Not one danged thing. I did what was called for at the time. It’s worked out just fine. Maybe I would have exercised more, wouldn’t have eaten so much chocolate…wait a minute. Who am I kidding?

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

MuseItUp Publishing! It awaits there! Specifically at: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=32&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1
It’s lengthy but direct!

Bookstrand.com, Smashwords.com, and Amazon.com are some that carry the book.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

You betcha!
http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

The trailer, which I did myself, is on my website. http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/. I worked on it for about 50 hours – learning curve – and then revamped it in about 15 minutes three weeks ago. So happy I did! The result is on my website and I’m proud of it. You can also follow Lee’s adventures at Twitter@PILeeAlvarez and join me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/.

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

Listening to my betters and those in the know. These people seldom steer me wrong. Also, everyone at MIU is supportive and helpful. We’re there for each other.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Write, write, write. You can’t be a writer if you don’t write. And don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it, or you don’t have the talent, or it’s crazy. Ignore them. Write. The world would be a better place is everyone in it planted a tree and wrote one story, even flash fiction. Get out there and write!!!

What is up next for you?

Finishing up the 3rd book of the Alvarez series, Death Runs in the Family, then I have a very exciting idea for a new novel, plus I need to finish a 3-act play I’m writing, and do the final edits on another mystery novel, not part of the Alvarez Family Series. I also like to write short stories whenever I get fifteen minutes or so.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes. Live, live, live! As Auntie Mame says, ‘Life’s a banquet and most sons-a-b------ are starving to death.’

BOOKS IN THE ALVAREZ FAMILY MYSTERY SERIES!

Murder Is A Family Business – January, 2011

A Wedding To Die For – April, 2011

Death Runs In The Family – coming soon!