CHRISTOPHER NULL

I know Raemi Ray from Tule Mystery’s author mailing list — and from the moment I became aware of her work, the atmospheric covers for her Martha’s Vineyard-set books instantly grabbed me. How many murders can Martha’s Vineyard handle before people decide to stop going there? Let’s see if Raemi has the answers for us.

Who are you, and what do you write about?

Hi, thanks for having me, Chris. I’m Raemi (pronounced ‘Amy’ with an ‘R’), an author from New England, Boston more specifically. I write traditional ‘whodunnit’ style mysteries set on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.

What is your favorite word?

That’s a tough question and it changes frequently as I find new ones, but right now I’m loving ‘ramshackle.’ The word sounds like the act of a derelict structure collapsing in real time. The final support giving away (ram), the split second quiet when the pieces come apart (sh), and the clatter as it falls down.

What is your least favorite word?

‘Smile.’ It’s so inadequate for range of the action. A person can emote a million things with a smile, and we interpret it by the minutest differences. As a writer all I can say is, “He smiled.” As he accepts the keys to his new house? As he greets his boss amidst another round of layoffs? As he steps back from his boss’s body and drops a bloody ballpoint pen? Wildly different types of smiles, same word.

What is the trait you most like about yourself?

I’m responsible. I was the kid who did homework through the day and right after school, so I could play later. It’s boring to be good at time management, but it’s a useful skill.

What is the trait you least like about yourself?

The same, actually. As one gets older, the to do list grows until its never-ending. I have to make a conscious effort to step away from work and relax even when I have that list staring at me. I’m terrible at it.

What is your greatest fear?

Ikea. This doesn’t warrant an explanation. If you know, you know.

How do other people describe you?

I think people would say I’m smart, but really, I’m no smarter than anyone else. I just work hard.

What talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could play an instrument. Be one of those people who can sit down anywhere and fill a room with music. I took piano for nearly twenty years. I can’t play ‘Chopsticks.’

If you weren’t working as a writer, what would you be doing?

I have a fulltime job. I’m a lawyer. Do not recommend.

How would you like to die?

Quickly and without forewarning.

If you were to die and then come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

House cat, 100%. My cat’s life is pure bliss. He’s surrounded by humans catering to his every need and desire. His biggest complaint is when the clock strikes 1 and his dinner isn’t being prepared. He eats at 4. I live to serve.

When and where were you happiest?

I’m always happy when I emerge from the airport in a new place. I’ve arrived, the stress of travel is over, and the anticipation of what I’m about to encounter is the best feeling.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t believe in regrets. Mistakes and missteps make us who we are and are learning opportunities to do better next time. That said, I talked myself out of buying a pair of Tara Mellon moto boots years ago and I regret that. They were so pretty.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

It’d be nice to be one of those people who sleep, but my insomnia is how I think up my stories, so it’s a blessing and a curse.

Who is your fictional hero?

I’ve never been one for heroes. I love the villains. Kind of tracks since I write books about murderers, doesn’t it? I love a morally complex character. Off the top of my head, Batman from DC, and Loki and Magneto from the Marvel universe are fun.

Who are your favorite writers?

Dickens, Hardy, Collins, Chandler, Hammett, Doyle, Christie, Austen, the Brontes, Poe – obviously… The list is a long one.

For people who are still alive, I enjoy crime fiction by Tara French, Peter May, and Anne Cleeves.

What have you been working on lately?

I’m finishing the last edits on Final Exit, Book 4 in my Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. It was inspired by the unsolved murder of Clara Smith on the island in 1940. It’s the darkest of the books yet.

In Final Exit a true crime podcast comes to Martha’s Vineyard to investigate a decades old cold case, but their motivations aren’t fully altruistic, and someone doesn’t want anyone to know what really happened all those years ago.

The first three books aren’t necessary to read the later installments, but if you’re interested in character stories, I would recommend it. I liken the books to Law & Order or Bones episodes. Each one is a standalone mystery, but the characters are developing over the series.

You can find Raemi on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Check out Final Exit at Amazon!

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