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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

The Birth of a Born Sleuth

by Chautona Havig · 8 Comments

Have you ever wondered how famous detectives such as Jane Marple or Lord Peter Wimsey discovered their penchant for sleuthing?  What makes a good sleuth?  How does one go from “average Jane” to Patrick Jayne? (note: I linked to my favorite film versions of these sleuths… just because I love them so much!)

The Birth of a Born Sleuth

Another note: Links are affiliate links which provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

I wondered that too…

…and created a new character to explore that: Madeline Brown of Rockland, 1901

So who is Madeline, and what makes her such a terrific sleuth?  Psst… shhh… we don’t know yet!

You see, it happened this way. I got a book idea a few years ago–one I’m still not thrilled with–and went looking for a cover image. As I flipped through thousands of images under the “Victorian” category (80% of which were NOT Victorian in the slightest), I ran across a cool picture of a young woman wearing a bowler and holding a magnifying glass!  As a long-time lover of all things mysteries (after all, I cut my “reading teeth” on the most famous girl sleuth ever–Nancy Drew), I had to write her story.  But as I kept looking for that original picture, a whole SLEW of these popped up. Seriously!  they’re awesome.  I bought six.  When Ashley says I buy stock photos like most women buy shoes, she is not exaggerating.

Madeline: Sleuth

So what’s with this sleuth business?

I wanted to create a young woman who was a cross between  Miss Marple and Patrick Jane.  But… I also wanted her not to know it. I thought it might be fun to watch her blossom into the cunning sleuth right before our eyes.  So, I created a character with a love for Sherlock Holmes and a penchant for noticing things that she just needs to develop a little better.  The books build her skills, one by one, until she becomes quite the formidable detective!  All starting with a simple but intriguing story of a girl, a suitor, and a bit of inexplicable lip color where cordial should be!

Sweet on You coverBook One: Sweet on You

  • Madeline notices something that no one else does and it sends her on her first sleuthing adventures. She’s determined to uncover the riddle of a young man’s unusual behavior!
  • But will her friends and family appreciate her efforts, or is she doomed to a reputation as  “that meddlesome girl?

such a tease madeline coverBook Two: Such a Tease

  • Madeline’s reputation for meddling has diminished some in the wake of her recent success, much to her friends’ delight. But Rockland’s latest buzz has her curiosity piqued.

And so forth–each book builds her skills on the last until by the final book in the series, she’s being asked to do a little meddling–to solve a murder!

These aren’t traditional cozy mysteries, as you can see. And that’s why I’m so excited about them. I’ve never seen a series like this (although, I’m sure they exist) and can’t wait to see where Madeline’s adventures as a budding sleuth take her!  The books are already generally plotted–they just need solid outlines and the time to let my fingers fly!

So tell me.  Do you enjoy mysteries that don’t include murder or crime? This first one sure doesn’t! Although, I must say that I consider the villain to be a criminal regardless of what the law says!

Book one, Sweet on You was released in April of 2016 and Such a Tease in March of 2017

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Comments

  1. Eileen says

    April 11, 2016 at 6:53 am

    I love mysteries. One without murder and crime would be great! It’s the sleuthing part that is interesting.

    Reply
  2. Cathy Higginbotham says

    April 5, 2016 at 6:52 am

    Can’t wait for this new series! I’ve re-read all that I already own?????

    Reply
  3. Tina at Mommynificent says

    April 4, 2016 at 6:22 am

    I am so stinking excited about these! I absolutely cannot wait!!!

    Reply
  4. Deb J says

    April 2, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    I like mysteries of all sorts. I will look forward to your new series.

    Reply
  5. Sarah says

    April 1, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    Clean mystery? Oh my yes! I would love a mystery that doesn’t involve murder or death of any people or any broken laws!

    Reply
  6. Emma says

    April 1, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    I would love to read a mystery that doesn’t involve murder or a crime! I’m always uneasy reading one that does, because it doesn’t seem right for a Christian (Matthew 5, Romans 13).

    Reply
  7. Mari says

    April 1, 2016 at 6:02 pm

    Oh boy Oh boy Oh boy! This sounds right up my alley! I’m so thankful God gave you so many stories! I can’t wait to read Madeleine’s story!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      April 1, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      That is a huge blessing. Thank you!

      Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
byChautona Havig

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to help with whatever the family was doing, so Great Aunt Tissy gave you a stack of napkins and told you to put one at each plate? Remember how she commented on what a  “big girl” you were?  And then, as if that weren’t bad enough… remember how you were fourteen and a “big girl” was the last thing you wanted to be? 

RM Ruiz’ The Chosen Kids Saga does just the opposite. She has a cast of related characters who are given real work by God–important work. They’re pulling on the armor of God and doing real battle with real enemies of the Kingdom of God and all while He works out their sanctification. Listen in to where she got the idea and where the Chosen Kids are going next.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

What if God Decided to Use Ordinary Kids to Battle the Underworld?

Can I just say that I love the respect Rosemary shows her characters? These kids, as young as eleven, aren’t told to fold napkins and praised as if they saved the world. They’re given tools and assignments and do save the world… or at least a piece of it and with the real help of the Holy Spirit. How cool is that?

And she does it with a tortilla in one hand and some eye and mouth-watering chili stuffs in the other.

Oh… and don’t forget the research for Encounter at Paradise that sent her up a literal slippery slope into frozen tundra. In July. #BecauseResearch.

And the result is book two of the Chosen Kids Saga! (To listen to the first episode where we talked more about the first book, go HERE.)

The Chosen Kids: Encounter at Paradise by RM Ruiz

A thrilling adventure for middle-grade readers, showcasing the supernatural powers of God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.This is the second book of The Chosen Kids Saga.The Chosen Kids are ready for their second mission!

It’s been two weeks since Caiden and his family’s summer of fun turned into a secret quest for God. After their first mission, the Chosen Kids step into their new roles without fear or reluctance. With revived faith and God’s blessed tools, they embark on their second hunt—ready to track, capture, and expel the enemy.

But the day turns into a tedious game of hide-and-seek as the family races to get ahead of the fiend. When the unthinkable happens, and their mission becomes personal, they must keep the faith and trust God’s plan. They could set things right with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but only if they obey His commands completely. Caiden thinks he’s uncovered the answer, but no one ever listens to the youngest cousin…

With nightfall quickly approaching, the Chosen Kids set a trap.

But if their plan fails, they could lose one of their most valuable assets, and their quest will end in heartbreak and disaster.

In this next chapter of the Chosen Kids Saga, readers will see the cousins in action as they take on their new roles with renewed spirits. Just like the first book, this fast-paced adventure includes family love, kid banter, and humor with even more adventure, danger, and spiritual growth!

This series mixes fantasy and adventure elements with transparent Christian themes for young believers who want a story that includes gospel truths without reading through symbolism.

Middle-grade readers will follow along as these flawed, relatable characters—still finding their way in Christ—embark on a life-transforming quest to save humanity. With family love, spiritual growth, kid banter, and humor all mixed in for a fun and exciting journey.

The adventure starts with Encounter at the Dunes and continues in Encounter at Paradise. Grab a copy of both to begin the redemptive journey today! Book three, Encounter At Ambrose, coming summer 2024.

Learn more about the series, the characters, and Rosemary at TheChosenKids.com

And the series she mentioned was The Son of Angels.

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