Author Betty Hechtman Writes Crochet Mysteries: "Hooked on Murder" and "Dead Men Don't Crochet"

Betty Hechtman has been writing since she was 11-years-old. "My first story wasn't a mystery, but was about two fairies living in a rural loaf shaped mailbox," Hechtman says with a laugh. "'Hooked on Murder' is my first published murder mystery. I did have a young adult mystery 'Blue Schwartz and Nefertiti's Necklace' published first. It was about a 13-year-old babysitter that had to find out who really stole a priceless necklace."

"Hooked on Murder" and the upcoming second release in the series, "Dead Men Don''t Crochet," both include delicious recipes and crochet patterns.

For as long as she can remember, Hechtman has had a fascination with crocheting.

"Crocheting is easier than knitting. If you make a mistake and who doesn't, ripping it out is a breeze. It is very portable -- just one hook and some yarn. I particularly love how versatile crocheting is. Not only can you make things like afghans and scarves, you can also make jewelry either out of wire or yarn. There are even artists who crochet sculptures."

The feedback from crochet groups has been amazing because "crocheters are thrilled to finally have a mystery of their own," Hechtman notes. "I have also been including favorite recipes. The pound cake in 'Hooked on Murder' is the recipe my mother always used when she made birthday cakes for people. The cakes were usually a surprise and often for people who didn't usually get birthday cakes. The cheesecake cupcakes in 'Dead Men Don't Crochet,' which will be released December 2, are from the recipe I've made for years."

"Hooked on Murder" is also one of the first books to include the character of a Funeral Celebrant.

"It's the funeral of the victim," Hechtman explains. "In life, the victim had a public relations firm with celebrity clients and so it's a Hollywood type funeral. The A-list Celebrant who conducts the funeral service does such a touching job, that Molly Pink, who had a lot of differences with the victim in life, tears up."

Caring about each one of her characters keeps readers faithful to each one of Hechtman's crochet mysteries.

"For a mystery series to work, readers have to care about the continuing characters. But the mystery has to work, too. My books are on the light side -- dead bodies, but everybody has a good time," Hechtman reinforces. "It's going to be a six book series. And, my readers always want to know –- I really do crochet!"

In writing every day, Hechtman believes in taking care of herself and that means exercise.

"I find regular exercise to be a crucial part of writing. If I'm stuck, it jiggles my mind free, and if I've been sitting all day, it gets rid of all the kinks. I go to the gym five or six days a week and do kick boxing, aerobics, spinning –- though I usually call it indoor cycling because when you write crochet mysteries and you say you spin, they come up with a different take on the word. I also enjoy yoga."

For people who dream of being published, Hechtman willingly encourages writers at every turn.

"Don't give up. I'd had some magazine and newspaper pieces published and some short stories, but nothing in the book department. And then in 2006, I went from no books to contracts for seven. I have loved reading mysteries since I read Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie. I thought that was the coolest thing to write. My characters come alive and stay alive." Hechtman adds, "My family often doesn't know if I'm talking about a real person or one of my characters!"

For more information about the books of Betty Hechtman visit www.BettyHechtman.com.

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