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Today, we have author Susan Santangelo featured on the blog’s ‘Indie Saturday‘ for her cozy Baby Boomer Mystery series – Retirement Can Be Murder (Every Wife Has A Story) and Moving Can Be Murder.

Susan Santangelo writes :

I’m frequently asked at book talks, why do you write a Baby Boomer mystery series? My answer is, why not? There are 78.2 million Baby Boomers in the United States, according to the latest census figures. And many “senior” Boomers, myself included, are starting to hit the magic age of 65. There’s so much written about the financial piece of growing older – taking care of your IRAs, 401Ks, etc. – but nobody seemed to be taking a look at the emotional piece. By that I mean, how do couples who have been married for years, raised a family, and been leading fairly independent lives, now cope with the fact that the husband and the wife are no longer going out to a 9 – 5 job every day? Instead, they often get into each other’s way as they struggle to re-define their roles. Of course, nothing like that ever happens in my house! (smile.)

I’ve always loved the mystery genre. I was hooked on Nancy Drew books when I was a child, then I graduated to Agatha Christie, and I’ve just keep on going. I love what is traditionally called the cozy – no blood and gore for me. I like to be entertained. And, especially, I like to laugh!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago, and that was a real wakeup call for me. I’ve been a freelance writer, editor and drama critic for years. I’ve also had my own p. r. company and done special events for a variety of clients, including Carnegie Hall. Writing press releases, articles, brochures – I did it all. But I’d always wanted to write a mystery. After the cancer diagnosis (I’m fine now!) I thought, why wait? Who knows what other curve balls life might have in store for me?

The original idea of the series was that my husband and I would do it together. He’s been writing non-fiction professionally for years. But it didn’t work out that way.

The series deals with typical Boomers Carol and Jim Andrews as they navigate the rocky way toward their golden years. In the first book, Retirement Can Be Murder, released in April 2009, Carol dreads Jim’s upcoming retirement more than a root canal without Novocain. She can’t imagine anything worse than an at-home husband with time on his hands and nothing to fill it, except interfering in the day-to-day activities and driving her crazy. Until Jim is suspected of murdering his retirement coach. The second one in the series, Moving Can Be Murder, was released May 1 2011. This one deals with Carol and Jim selling the family home and downsizing, with one dead body thrown in to keep things interesting. Book 3 in the series, Marriage Can Be Murder, includes a destination wedding on Nantucket, and will be released in 2012. There a total of 7 books planned for the series.

My books are written in the first person, so many people think I’m Carol. I’ve even been introduced at book talks as Carol! We’re both sarcastic and like to be in charge. We value our family and our close women friends. Oh, one more thing – we both love English cocker spaniels. There are two English cockers in the books, Lucy and Ethel.

My characters have become my best friends. The more I write about them, the more I want to write about them. And I have a sneaky suspicion that when I’m not keeping an eye on them, they get into trouble. Or, maybe it’s the other way around?

The subhead for each book title is, “Every wife has a story.” The more women I connect with, either at book talks or via the Internet, the more I realize how true that is!

I’ve been a feature writer, drama critic and editor for daily and weekly newspapers and magazines in the NY metro area. I’m a member of Sisters in Crime and the Cape Cod Writers Center, both great resources for writers.

I’m also a 13-year breast cancer survivor, and a portion of the sales of all the books goes to support the Breast Cancer Survival Center, a non-profit I founded in 1999 to provide post-treatment education and support for survivors.

Thanks for the opportunity to make some new cyber friends. I always love to hear from readers. I can be reached at ssantangelo@aol.com

Retirement Can Be Murder is available at Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats. Moving Can Be Murder is available at Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats. Check out her Amazon author’s page for more info! Susan Santangelo’s books are also available at Barnes & Noble and a number of independent book stores

To learn more about Susan Santangelo, follow Susan on her website: www.babyboomermysteries.com. Drop by and say hi to her!

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Read an embedded sample of “Moving Can Be Murder” after the jump!

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