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A cozy sit-down with ReaderCrate author Leighann Dobbs
Hosted by Alyssa Granlund
This month at ReaderCrate, we’re thrilled to feature Ghostly Paws — a spellbinding start to a beloved cozy mystery series by Leighann Dobbs. Leighann is known for her clever sleuths, charming small-town settings, and—yes—talking cats. We had the pleasure of asking her all about her writing life, inspirations, and what it’s like to create worlds readers never want to leave.
Alyssa Granlund: You spent more than 20 years working as a software engineer before becoming a full-time author. What was that shift like, and did you always have storytelling in your heart?
Leighann Dobbs: The shift was actually gradual. I’d been laid off from my engineering job and was creating websites for people. When Amazon opened up self-publishing, the other website creators I was working with were all talking about it—so I decided to give it a go!
I always loved to make up stories in my head, but never thought I’d actually write a book people would read.
Alyssa: Do you remember the moment you came up with your very first sleuth or small-town setting?
Leighann: Yes! Lexy Baker was my first sleuth. I was sitting on my porch thinking about how much I loved culinary mysteries—especially the Goldy Schulz series by Diane Mott Davidson. I thought a baking sleuth would be fun. Funny thing is, the senior sleuths—who were supposed to be side characters—completely took over the series!
Alyssa: What does your typical writing day look like? Any cozy rituals?
Leighann: I take the dog out and feed her, grab a coffee, and then sit in front of my computer for 12 hours just to write one sentence… lol! If I’m lucky, I get a chapter in.
Alyssa: You've sold antiques and done web design — do those past lives sneak into your plots?
Leighann: Definitely! Antiques show up a lot. I don’t really include web design though.
Alyssa: How has living in New Hampshire influenced your settings or characters?
Leighann: My settings are almost always in New Hampshire. I love the scenery, the fall foliage, the small towns. You just can’t beat New England for a cozy mystery.
Alyssa: You’re known for your cat detectives — where did that idea come from?
Leighann: I’ve always loved books like The Cat Who, Mrs. Murphy, and Joe Grey. I’ve loved cat-driven mysteries for years but it took a while before I wrote one myself.
Alyssa: What’s your process for keeping readers guessing without giving too much away?
Leighann: I start with the victim, then come up with suspects and give each one a secret. It’s a balancing act — giving enough clues but keeping the big reveal hidden.
Alyssa: Any mystery tropes you’ll never get tired of?
Leighann: I love hiding clues in plain sight. Like… lipstick under the sofa in chapter two that doesn’t make sense until the very end. Those “AHA!” moments are my favorite.
Alyssa: If you could spend a day in one of your fictional towns, where would you go?
Leighann: Mystic Notch — and I’d definitely talk to Pandora!
Alyssa: If you could co-sleuth with any fictional detective?
Leighann: Columbo. I love when he turns around at the end and says, “Just one more thing…”
Alyssa: With so many pen names and series, how do you keep things fresh?
Leighann: I treat them like separate towns and characters in my head. Coming up with fresh storylines gets trickier the longer the series goes, though!
Alyssa: Do your pets sneak into your writing life?
Leighann: Absolutely. Kitty and Mojo (and all the cats before them) inspire the way my fictional cats think and act. I’m always imagining what Kitty is trying to tell me with her expressions.
Alyssa: For someone discovering you through ReaderCrate, where should they start?
Leighann: Ghostly Paws is a great place to begin.
Alyssa: Can you give us a spoiler-free teaser for the book featured in the crate?
Leighann: What would you do if your world suddenly became magical—and your cat started solving mysteries?
Alyssa: Your books always blend humor and heart. Do you write with a message in mind?
Leighann: I let the story lead. I never start with a message.
Alyssa: How do you want readers to feel when they finish one of your books?
Leighann: Cozy and smiling!
Alyssa: What’s one thing readers might be surprised to learn about you?
Leighann: I’ve spent vacations metal detecting for treasure off the coast of Florida with my husband and family. We found gold coins, silver pieces of eight, and even emeralds from the 1715 fleet. No joke!
Alyssa: What does being featured in ReaderCrate mean to you?
Leighann: It’s so flattering to be part of something like this. I love the idea of reaching new readers — and showing off my book covers!
Alyssa: What’s your favorite piece of writing advice?
Leighann: “Give the readers something they can’t get from anyone else.”
Alyssa: What would you tell an aspiring cozy mystery writer who’s nervous to start?
Leighann: Jump right in!
Alyssa: Was there a cozy mystery author who inspired you to pick up the pen?
Leighann: Not one specifically, but I’ve been inspired by cozy mysteries ever since I was a kid.
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Paperback or eBook? eBook
Cats or dogs? Both!
Early morning or late night writing? Early morning
Sweet or salty snack while writing? Sweet
Hallmark mystery or classic detective show? Classic detective
Favorite setting: seaside, mountain, or village? Village
Plot first or character first? Character
Cozy writing outfit? Fuzzy socks
Book you’ve reread more than once? None — I already know the ending!
Want more from Leighann?
Grab Ghostly Paws in this month’s ReaderCrate, join the ReaderCrate Book Club on Facebook to discuss the book, and keep an eye out for our exclusive author spotlight post!
