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One of my favorite parts of ReaderCrate is introducing our readers to talented authors and learning the stories behind the stories. This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Theresa L. Carter, author of Peril on the Peninsula, one of our featured books in the June Art & Alibis ReaderCrate.
If you've already read Peril on the Peninsula, you know that Theresa has a gift for transporting readers to beautiful destinations while weaving together compelling mysteries. What makes the series even more fascinating is that Theresa's protagonist, Alex Paige, shares much in common with the author herself. You can watch the replay here.
Like many writers, Theresa dreamed of becoming an author from a young age. But life took her on an interesting detour first.
With a journalism degree in hand, she eventually built a successful career as a travel writer and founded The Local Tourist, a website that helps readers discover destinations, attractions, and hidden gems across the country.
Although she loved travel writing, the dream of writing novels never left her.
Then life handed her an unexpected challenge.
After her launch plans for a nonfiction book were disrupted by the pandemic, Theresa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Following treatment, she made a decision many of us can relate to:
If not now, when?
In November 2021, she sat down to write her first novel. During National Novel Writing Month, Alex Paige appeared almost fully formed in her imagination—and the foundation for Peril on the Peninsula was born.
Theresa shared that during the pandemic and her cancer treatments, she found herself devouring cozy mysteries.
"I wanted people to feel the way I do when I read a cozy mystery," she explained. "You close the book and feel like you've gotten a hug."
That warmth, charm, and sense of community shine throughout her books.
Readers are welcomed into beautiful destinations, surrounded by memorable characters, and can always trust that justice will ultimately prevail.
Peril on the Peninsula is set in Wisconsin's beautiful Door County, a destination many Midwesterners know and love.
Theresa revealed that Door County held special significance because it was one of her first travel assignments after completing cancer treatment. The experience was emotional, meaningful, and fresh in her mind when she began writing.
That connection helped her vividly capture the area's charm, scenic beauty, and unique atmosphere.
Readers often comment on how real the setting feels, and that's no accident.
As a travel writer, Theresa believes that location is a character in the story.
"I want readers to feel like they're actually there," she said.
Alex Paige is a travel writer and breast cancer survivor who finds herself solving mysteries while exploring fascinating destinations.
While Alex shares some experiences with Theresa, she quickly became her own person.
One fan favorite is Alex's friend William, who Theresa says practically writes himself.
"Any scene with William is fun to write," she laughed.
Many readers agree.
One of my favorite revelations during our conversation was learning that Theresa doesn't always know who the killer is when she starts writing.
She considers herself a "plantser"—part planner, part pantser.
She begins with an idea of who committed the crime, but somewhere around the midpoint of the story, things often change.
"Every time," she admitted. "I think I know who did it until I don't."
As a mystery reader, I love hearing that even the author can be surprised.
Theresa's travels have taken her across much of the United States, from Glacier National Park to Colorado Springs, Scottsdale, San Diego, and countless destinations throughout the Midwest.
When asked which destination surprised her most, she immediately answered:
Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Known as the freshwater surfing capital of the world, Sheboygan captured her heart with its vibrant food scene, arts community, outdoor recreation, and welcoming atmosphere.
Other memorable destinations included Goblin Valley State Park in Utah and an unexpected treasure in Charles City, Iowa—a library housing an astonishing collection of artwork from artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and Dali.
Fans of the Travel Is Murder series have plenty to look forward to.
Theresa recently released omnibus editions of books one through three and books four through six. She is currently working on a memoir about her cancer journey but already has future Alex Paige adventures taking shape.
Possible upcoming destinations include:
And if you're just getting started with the series, Theresa recommends reading Revenge in the Rockies next.
You can learn more about Theresa and her books at:
Before we wrapped up our interview, I also shared a sneak peek of our upcoming July ReaderCrate theme:
There's a zesty twist hiding in plain sight.
July's crate is filled with cozy mysteries, cheerful summer vibes, and some delightful lemon-inspired surprises that I can't wait to share.
June sold out completely, so if you'd like to reserve a July crate, now is the time!
Thank you again to Theresa for joining us and sharing her inspiring journey from travel writer to cozy mystery author.
Happy reading!
Alyssa Granlund
Founder, ReaderCrate
