My brand new murder mystery series is OUT in the US, and it really is the most extraordinary feeling! I’ve always said that the best thing about being a writer is that it’s a socially acceptable way to have imaginary friends as an adult. I spend years talking to the characters in my head, getting to know their hopes and fears and many, many quirks. And then, one magical day they’re out there for everyone to get to know. So publishing a book is a little bit like having imaginary friends that other people suddenly exists for other people, too. Suddenly I’m not alone knowing Berit Gardner and DCI Ian Ahmed and the rather strange inhabitants of run-down village Great Diddling.

It’s a glorious feeling. There’s nothing like it in the world as hearing other people talk about your imaginary friends as if they’re real for them too.

Now, having your book published in another country is an even better feeling. Your characters are out there exploring the world, and you are at home, cheering them on. There’s only one catch: it’s much more difficult to sneak around bookstores to see your book out there in the wild.

That’s the first thing I do when my books are published in Sweden. I visit all the bookshops I can, and try to sorts of just wander, very naturally, not at all suspiciously, trying to see if my book is there and if it is, how amazing it looks surrounded by other great books. There’s no more beautiful sight than your brand new book in a beautiful bookshop-setting.

So I was wondering if I could ask you a favor: if you live in the US, and visit a bookshop, and you should happen to see my book there – could you take a picture of it and send it to me? You can find me on Instagram, @katarinabivald, or email me: katarina@katarinabivald.se, or comment here on the website

Let’s see what Berit and the rest are up to!

Ps. If you are planning on buying the book, as always, consider buying it from your favorite independent bookshop. And if you’ve read it an liked it, consider leaving a review somewhere where booklovers meet (although if you read it and hated it, you should probably consider leaving a word of warning there as well)

What people are saying about The Murders in Great Diddling: 

“With its focus on books and book lovers, eccentric villagers and frauds, this first mystery from the author of The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a delightful traditional, filled with fascinating characters. Those who escape to Louise Penny’s Three Pines might want to check out Great Diddling.” ― Library Journal, Starred Review

“This quirky, twisty, quintessentially British cozy is frothy and funny with a hint of dark and menacing.” ― Booklist

“On the charming side of humorous and self-consciously charming.” ― Kirkus Reviews