#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Kaye George

I’d like to welcome mystery author Kaye George back to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: In the times we’re having now, nap and
binge watch Netflix are tied for first.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Cleaning the house.

Favorite snacks: Lately I’ve developed a string cheese habit. In fact, I just went and got a piece. And chocolate. Dark chocolate in any form.

Things that make you want to gag:  Okra.

Favorite smell: My late husband’s pillow. He was in a home at the end and they washed every single thing before they gave it back to me. There was nothing with his smell on it. But the pillow on our bed still, after a couple years, retains something of him.
Something that makes you hold your nose: Okra

Something you’re really good at: I’ve realized recently that worrying is my super power. It’s good to know your strengths, I think.
Something you’re really bad at: Remembering things I don’t write down.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: A really young, kid? I used to follow the garbage truck up the alley, fascinated by their job. I thought there was something romantic about what they did, daring and brave. I thought, then, that I would love to have that job. You could see what everyone threw out. I grew out of that. But I still like to learn a lot about people and, honestly, that would be one way to do it.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: I knew I never wanted to get married and have kids. I knew my life would be all dishes and laundry. I met a guy who was very convincing, and actually did get married and have kids. And it was all dishes and laundry. But with a soulmate and kids, and now grandkids. I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone’s.

Something you wish you could do: Right now? Go to any store I want to at any time, unfettered, with no worries.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: Take precautions, wear my mask, disinfect everything, stay home. But I think we all wish that.

Favorite things to do: That’s easier to answer during a pandemic when you can’t do very much at all. I probably wouldn’t have given the same answers a few months ago. I now realize that seeing my kids and grandkids, being able to go into any store I want on a whim and browse the aisles, and regular grocery shopping are some of the things I miss the most.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: That’s probably the same. Sky diving. I’m afraid of heights and I think I’d be dead of a heart attack long before I hit the ground after passing out and failing to pull the ripcord.

About Kaye: Kaye George is a national-bestselling, multiple-award-winning author of pre-history, traditional, and cozy mysteries (her latest is the Vintage Sweets series from Lyrical Press). She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Smoking Guns chapter (Knoxville), Guppies chapter, Authors Guild of TN, Knoxville Writers Group, and Austin Mystery Writers. She lives and works in Knoxville, TN.

Book Links:
Revenge Is Sweet, March 10 https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Sweet-Vintage-Sweets-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07TS1KJ4T

Deadly Sweet Tooth, June 2 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-sweet-tooth-kaye-george/1132868200

Let’s Be Social:
Emails: kayegeorge@gmail.com and janetcantrell01@gmail.com

Web page: http://kayegeorge.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kaye.george

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-George/114058705318095

Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4037415.Kaye_George

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kaye-george

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGeorgeMystery/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kayegeorge/

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004CFRJ76

Blog: http://travelswithkaye.blogspot.com/

Group Blog: http://www.killercharacters.com/

Group Blog: https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com/

What I Learned from "What Hollywood Gets Wrong" - Forensics and the Mystery Writer

My Sisters in Crime - Central Virginia chapter held a program recently on forensics for the mystery writer called “What Hollywood Gets Wrong.” Many thanks to Officer Richard Mallory and the Henrico Police Department for a great discussion and equipment demo in the parking lot. Here’s what I learned…

1. As a police officer, you never know what you’re walking into. It could be a minor call that turns into something much larger.

2. “Forensic Files” featured episodes on Henrico County, and “Crime 360” had episodes set in Richmond.

3. You only get one chance to document a crime scene. Photos and diagrams are key. You must be detailed and accurate.

4. Faro cameras (that look like surveyor’s equipment) can take hundreds of photos from different angles. They also take measurements.

5. Witnesses often have different recollections, so it’s important to document everything.

6. Stress changes your perception and your recollection of events.

7. This department uses two kinds of fingerprinting equipment. One is a black chalky powder. The other is metallic, and the stylus is magnetic.

8. Forensic science helps law enforcement to eliminate suspects, as well as confirm others.

9. Technology and forensic science are powerful tools, but the job still requires old fashioned police investigation.

10. Most radar guns now contain a laser (lidar), and they can be aimed at a specific vehicle.

11. I didn’t realize how heavy some of the bullet-proof vests were. And I’m thankful that advancements have been made in safety equipment.

12. Cameras are everywhere these days, especially in new cars like Tesla.

13. Forensic analysis takes way longer than it does on TV and in movies. On average in Virginia, Toxicology takes 44 days, Trace Evidence takes 51 days, Firearms Analysis takes 73 days, Forensic Biology takes 103 days, Drug Analysis takes 137 days, and Computer forensics could take up to a year.