We’re celebrating the upcoming release of my third Food Lovers’ Village mystery, BUTTER OFF DEAD (July 7—save the suspense and pre-order it now!) with a glimpse of some of your favorite authors’ prized collections.

Today, a peek behind the scenes with Kathy Aarons, author of the Chocolate Covered Mysteries, which debuted with DEATH IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES and continues with TRUFFLED TO DEATH, out June 2 (and available for pre-order now!).

One reader commented last week that “our collections define us.” Turns out, they also influence our characters—and our stories.

“When Leslie asked about any collections I have, my first thought was that I didn’t really collect anything. But then I realized that my husband and I have a nice assortment of pottery, thanks to my generous in-laws who live in North Carolina. Many of the local potters are famous for their artistry, and we’re lucky enough to have several pieces.

In TRUFFLED TO DEATH, second in the Chocolate Covered Mystery series, chocolatier Michelle Serrano falls in love with a centuries-old clay bowl that held chocolate long ago. The bowl is being displayed at Chocolates and Chapters for a reception celebrating the donation of Maya art to the local museum.

Then the bowl and other artifacts are stolen, and Michelle’s business partner, Erica Russell, is accused of the theft. When someone winds up dead, they are drawn into the investigation that includes international art trafficking, family secrets, and betrayal.

You can follow me on Facebook or Twitter or at www.KathyAarons.com”

To win a copy of  signed copy of  DEATH IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES, leave a comment on my Facebook Author page or blog. Ruff the Cat will choose a winner at random—check back in the morning to find out!

(Hint: if you subscribe to the blog, you’ll receive the posts by email and you won’t have to hunt for them on FB.)

(This contest is not sponsored or endorsed by Facebook.)