Exploring Small-Town Mysteries And Family Secrets
Melissa Nordhoff discusses her inspiration, character development, and historical research, revealing how her grandmother’s life shaped her award-winning cozy mystery, Last Will and Puzzlement.
Melissa Nordhoff, the acclaimed author behind the delightful Last Will and Puzzlement and the gripping thrillers penned under her pseudonym Lizzie Qnert, invites readers into a world where mystery, humour, and heartfelt storytelling collide. Known for her love of small-town charm, Nordhoff crafts tales set in quirky, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it locales, drawing inspiration from her own life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. With her trusty Basset Hound, Annie, by her side, she weaves stories that resonate with warmth and intrigue.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Nordhoff opens up about the personal inspirations behind her work, from the spirited character of Evie to the rich historical tapestry of 1930s Lancaster County. She shares how her grandmother’s extraordinary life and the poignant memories of her “Last Grand Tour” shaped the emotional core of Last Will and Puzzlement. Nordhoff also delves into her creative process, revealing how she balances mystery with themes of self-discovery and family secrets while keeping readers thoroughly engaged.
Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stories, and discover why Melissa Nordhoff’s writing continues to captivate readers with its unique blend of wit, warmth, and wonder.
“Last Will and Puzzlement” is full of twists, humour, and heartfelt moments. What inspired you to create such an intricate blend of mystery, family drama, and historical discovery?
It all began with a cardboard box full of ashes. When my feisty, adventurous grandmother, Helen, passed away, my mother and I knew an ordinary funeral would never suffice. So, we organized Helen’s Last Grand Tour, featuring stops important in her personal history.
As the bus we rented to transport family and friends made stops, someone would share the location’s significance to my grandmother and we’d spread a bag of her ashes. As out tour proceeded, I laughed, I cried, and I discovered more delightful—and often bittersweet–stories about my grandmother. That bus trip was an encapsulation of a lifetime filled with “twists, humour, and heartfelt moments.” Last Will and Puzzlement is my attempt to recreate the beautiful poignancy of Helen’s Last Grand Tour.
The character of Evie is bold and unforgettable, with her leopard-print leggings and cryptic puzzles. How did you develop her personality, and was she influenced by someone in your life?
As you may have surmised from my previous answer, Evie was inspired by my grandmother, Helen. My grandmother was spicy, silly, and fun. She also was strong, stubborn, and resourceful, doing whatever was necessary to support her family. The character of Evie embodies those traits, but she also has bits and pieces from other influential people in my life: my mother’s love of puzzles, my father’s extensive vocabulary, and my step-father’s willingness to take risks to benefit the family.
The settings in Lancaster County and the 1930s speakeasy era play a significant role in the story. What kind of research did you undertake to bring these locations and periods to life?
My family roots are deep in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania soil. Though I’ve lived in other states, after my daughter was born, I moved home, wanting to offer her the same small-town childhood I enjoyed. Since the county is my home, creating the setting was simply writing what I know.
Evoking the 1930s era was more of a challenge. I remember overhearing my grandmother’s racy tales of nights spent cutting a rug at the local speakeasy. And her fascinating yarns about leading a team of horses in her family’s fields, or traveling on a new-fangled trolley to shops in town. I heard anecdotes about my family’s general store, set amongst Amish and Mennonite communities. And I soaked in grim accounts of life in the depression era and her work at a hat factory. I took these golden nuggets of information and used them as jumping off points for Evie’s life in the 30s. Visiting historical societies and museums, scouring microfilm of old newspapers, and hours of internet research helped me flesh out the details of the era.
Your book balances mystery with themes of self-discovery and uncovering family secrets. How do you approach weaving these elements together while maintaining the story’s pacing and engagement?
Last Will and Puzzlement, while a mystery, is also intended to honor and celebrate the complexities of relationships.To accomplish that, the story needed to allow space to explore the emotionality of the characters. To that end, I chose a light-hearted tone for the book. In my opinion, tone dictates pacing. For example, a taut thriller moves fast, leaving less room for deep engagement with the characters.
However, any story—romance, cozy mystery, or thriller—needs to propel readers forward. My story could meander, but it shouldn’t drag. After finishing the first draft, I read the story, engaging like a reader. Most readers have an intuitive sense of when the pacing is “right” and I tapped into this to determine where I needed to speed up the pace and where I could slow down.
What message do you hope readers take from Ruby and Roddy’s journey?
Truly open your eyes to the folks you love (especially your elders) and see them in their full personhood. They have not always been a grandparent or parent. They have lived a fascinating life, full of intriguing stories, rich with real-life mysteries. Pick their brains; they have firsthand accounts of different eras. Dive into their past. Ask questions. Mine their memories. Find out who and what made an impact in their personal history. What do they cherish? What do they regret? When it’s time for their Last Grand Tour, be sure you know what stops to make.
