House of Mystery Radio Interview: A.L. Jensen
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Alan R. Warren and Michael Hawley
Q: Welcome back to the House of Mystery. Who are we speaking with today?
A: Today we’re joined by A.L. Jensen, author of a cozy crime mystery series blending small-town life, Nordic atmosphere, and murder.
Q: Can you give us an overview of your cozy mystery series?
A: The series follows Minna Hallinan, a midlife woman returning to her small northern hometown after a divorce. She’s starting over—launching a design business with her best friend. But on opening day, she finds a dead body on her doorstep… and that’s where the mystery begins.
Q: The series title references “Hygge.” What does that mean?
A: Hygge (often spelled “hygge” or “hygga”) is a Scandinavian concept—think warmth, comfort, candlelight, blankets, and a sense of calm. I wanted to bring that cozy, peaceful atmosphere into contrast with crime, creating a “cozy crime” tone.
Q: What inspired this Nordic, cozy crime setting?
A: My background is Finnish-Canadian. I grew up in a strong Finnish community in Northern Ontario, surrounded by traditions and culture.
I’ve written historical fiction about Finnish history, so it felt natural to bring those elements into a lighter, fictional mystery series.
Q: How did your writing journey begin?
A: I’ve always written—even as a child. I later became an English teacher and taught writing for years. My first book came from my father’s life story, which led me into nonfiction, then historical fiction, and now cozy mysteries.
Q: What came first for this series—the plot or the characters?
A: Surprisingly, it started with a house. I saw a beautiful old home during a writing retreat and immediately imagined characters living there. From that came the town, the people, and eventually the mystery.
Q: How do you develop your characters?
A: They’re composites of people I’ve known, cultural influences, and imagination. I can hear their voices, see how they move, and understand their personalities—but they’re never based on one specific person.
Q: Do your characters feel real to you as you write?
A: Very much so. I can picture them clearly and hear how they speak.
That’s especially important in a series, where consistency matters from book to book.
Q: Why choose cozy mysteries instead of darker crime fiction?
A: After writing heavier historical fiction, I wanted something lighter. Cozy mysteries offer intrigue without graphic violence—they’re comforting, escapist, and still intellectually engaging. That said, I do love darker Nordic noir and may explore that in the future.
Q: What themes lie beneath the mystery in your books?
A: One key theme is reinvention—starting over in midlife. Minna’s journey reflects the idea that it’s never too late to change your life, build community, and pursue something new.
Q: How does writing this series affect you personally?
A: It brings me joy. These books are genuinely fun to write, and I find myself excited about what happens next. It’s the kind of story I’d love to read myself.
Q: Do your characters stay with you after you finish writing?
A: Yes, absolutely. They linger in my mind, and sometimes even evolve beyond the original story. They feel like part of an ongoing world.
Q: What about writing villains—do you enjoy that?
A: I do. I prefer complex characters over simple “good vs. evil.” Even villains have motivations and depth, and discovering who the real culprit is can surprise even me while writing.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m currently working on book three in the series, planning book four, and developing other projects—including nonfiction and historical fiction. I like having multiple projects going at once.
Q: How do you handle criticism or negative feedback?
A: It doesn’t affect me much anymore. Not every book is for every reader, and that’s okay. I focus on writing for my ideal audience—the readers who will truly enjoy the story.
Q: Where can readers find you and your work?
A: You can find me on my website at liisakovala.com, as well as on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack (Women Writing podcast and newsletter).
Q: Any final thoughts for readers?
A: I hope readers find comfort, enjoyment, and a sense of escape in these stories—and maybe a little inspiration to start something new in their own lives.
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