Craftie Ladies of Suspense

Today we're welcoming Caitlin, the heroine of Scent of Murder, by Virginia Smith,

which was just released earlier this month. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I’m a flutist, and a member of a classical music trio with my friends Jazzy and Liz. They’re both getting married soon, so our trio is breaking up, but we booked one final engagement to play at a wedding in Little Nashville, an artist colony in the Blue Hills of Indiana. We were supposed to all go up a few days early to spend some time together shopping in all those adorable, quaint little shops, but both my friends bowed out at the last minute. I admit, I was feeling a little hurt by their desertion, because my long-time boyfriend just dumped me for someone else and I was looking forward to some girl time to help me gain some perspective. So I went ahead by myself. They were supposed to join me in time for the wedding, but before then… well, it’s a long story. I got pulled into a horrible situation involving the murder of a local man.


2. So, during the book you met Chase Hollister. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Funny thing about the way I met Chase. On the drive up to Indiana, I was praying and I felt led to proclaim a “dateless year,” where I wouldn’t go out on a date for a full year. I mean, I knew I was vulnerable, and I didn’t want to fall for a rebound guy, you know? But as soon as I pulled into town, I saw a sign for a scented candle factory that gave free tours. I figured that was a good way to kill an hour or so before I could check in to the hotel. Chase was a member of the family who owned the factory, and he ended up giving me the tour. Ah, he is amazingly handsome. Doesn’t it just figure I’d meet him after I decided not to go out with anyone for a year?

At the end of our ordeal, we both realized that what we felt for each other was more than friendship. But I’d made this oath! I feel strongly in standing behind your promises. So… well, you’ll have to see what we ended up doing.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
It’s funny, but Chase and I talked about this during the course of my trip to Little Nashville. I’m a nurturer. I guess that’s why I chose to teach music to kids as a profession. And, of course, I’m a Christian, so I hope my faith is one of my strengths. It certainly was tested during my ordeal in Indiana!

4. What scares you?

Being alone in life scares me. I definitely don’t want to end up alone. But you know, it’s funny. When my life was in danger, I realized that there’s something worse than being alone, and that’s not having heaven to look forward to. I don’t have to worry about that, because even in the darkest hour, Jesus was with me. Times of crisis emphasize the strength of our faith, and in the process, the exercising of faith strengthens it.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d give myself a real goal. When Chase was talking about all his plans for buying and improving the family business, I felt a little strange. He asked me if I wanted to play my flute professionally with the symphony, and I was embarrassed to tell him no. The thing I’ve always wanted most is to be a wife and mom. Sounds sort of silly, doesn’t it?
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

My faith is strong. I believe strongly in prayer, and in God’s hand in our day-to-day lives. I’ve proved that in the first two episodes of our classical trio, A Taste of Murder and Murder at Eagle Summit. When we have a crisis, my friends rely on me to pray with them.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

I’ve learned that God really does hear our prayers. Not only our prayers, but the desires of our hearts. He knew what I needed to be satisfied and happy in life all along, and He gave it to me.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
The scripture is “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.” When my life was in danger -- and I mean really in danger -- all I could think about was how God loved everyone enough to send His son to die for them. As my preacher once said, if the only person in the world had been the vilest of sinners, Jesus would have still died for them. That’s what kept coming to my mind. I was able to show mercy to the man who held my life in his hand, because I had an inner surety of Jesus’ love for him. It really was an amazing thing.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

This question is addressed in the book! Chase and I were sitting in an ice cream parlor and he told me how preference in ice cream is supposed to be an indicator of personality. I love Rocky Road ice cream. Chase says that’s because it’s a blend of flavors, which means I’m not satisfied with anything plain. I have a wide range of interests and enjoy variety in life.

Wonderful premise, can't wait to read this book!! Thank you Virginia for sharing Caitlin with us today.