Keeping a Mystery Series Fresh

In this interview, cozy mystery author and former advertising agency president Robin Donovan discusses the challenges and rewards of writing a long-running mystery series. Drawing from her Donna Lay Mysteries, Robin shares how she keeps each installment fresh while maintaining the familiar elements readers love. She explores the importance of evolving secondary characters, balancing humor with mystery, avoiding formulaic storytelling, and researching new locations with authenticity. Whether you’re planning your first series or looking to strengthen an existing one, this conversation offers practical insights into creating mysteries that keep readers coming back for more.