This summer, I told myself I would write something simple. A beach novella, maybe a picnic romance. But instead I found myself tangled up in murder, secrets, and family dynamics, especially when the Florida heat starts pressing in. This time, I’ve taken Margot Bellamy out of Cozy Cove and into the vibrant streets of Ybor City, where the scent of garlic, citrus, and fried plantains drifts through every conversation. What begins as a quiet invitation from an old friend quickly becomes a case of long-held grudges, missing money, and a suspicious cup of espresso.

This book gave me the chance to explore new settings that still feel deeply tied to Florida’s character. Ybor City, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg each offered something different, including history, elegance, and even a surreal twist or two. The atmosphere became its own kind of puzzle, full of color and contrast, helping to shape the tension in the story. I enjoyed watching Margot walk through unfamiliar streets, trying to read between the lines while pretending she was just enjoying the architecture.

One of my favorite parts of writing this novel was developing the Del Castillo family. Five adult siblings, each with a stake in the family restaurant and their own version of the truth. I didn’t want villains. I wanted people with pressure points, buried wounds, and reasons to lie that sometimes even made sense. That’s always the most satisfying kind of mystery, where guilt and grief often sit at the same table.

You can now find the latest in Margot Bellamy’s journey in "Fried Plantains and Fatal Secrets," a story full of family loyalties, complicated legacies, and the quiet strength of someone who knows how to listen more than she speaks. I hope readers enjoy uncovering each layer as much as I did.