Character Interview: Lillian Dove from D.J. Adamson's 'Admit to Murder'

We’re thrilled to have here today Lillian Dove from D. J. Adamson’s amateur-sleuth mystery, Admit to Murder.  She’s coming to us all the way from the great state of Iowa.  It is a pleasure to have her with us today at The Literary Nook!

Thank you so for this interview, Lillian.  Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?

I was as honest as I could be in working with D. J. Adamson. It’s not easy laying your life out for someone else to judge. If she got anything wrong, it might be that I come across as needing a relationship with my mother, Dahlia. I’m not so sure of that. Dahlia is why I am who I am. That Lillian, so far, has not worked well for me.

What do you believe is your strongest trait? 

Ha! I am not sure I have any strong traits. I was born for failure. 

I guess, if I was honest, I’d say my strongest trait is my newest addiction, discovering who I am, or who I might have been if I hadn’t had an alcoholic problem. I grew up in an alcoholic home. I started drinking when I was twelve. I’m in my thirties. I want to take on life differently.  The trait: Willingness to do that, I guess.

Worst trait?

Well, that’s the one thing D. J. Adamson got right. I know my weaknesses. I am not only addicted to alcohol but also addicted to Pepsi, chocolate, men, being afraid, being afraid of not being afraid, men—again.  Did I mention I am attracted to bad relationships? I fail at good ones. There are other compulsions and bad habits, but I can’t think of them right now. Memory loss, see?  

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Do you have a love interest in the book?

 Relationships are a struggle for me. If you are asking is there a man, yes. There are two. I thought I had something going with my boss, Chief Charles Kaefring. He’s respected, honest, and sincere. I feel safe with him.

Then there ‘s Jacque Leveque. He also works for the Frytown Police Department. He’s considered a “find” by most. But, I think, he considers a relationship a booty-call. And I don’t think he really likes me. I guess some would say that he’s good looking, fun,and playful. He tastes good, like a Tom Collins on a hot sweltering day. Meaning, part of me wants him. But the other part, the Lillian I want to be, knows he’s trouble.

At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?

I guess I became nervous when I thought Charles didn’t believe in me any longer. I had to risk failing one more time and move ahead with what I believed. To do that, I had to admit I might be wrong. I had to admit my life had always been mayhem and this might just be one more time it was going to bite me in the butt.

If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?

I’m not sure. No one has asked me that type of question before. The only name that comes to my mind is Dahlia. She is alone now. My father passed away. Like me, my brothers want nothing to do with her. I didn’t want to come to Frytown. 

She’s not well. She’s overcoming a stroke at Oaks Manor, a convalescent home. I wouldn’t want to be her because she has little time left to do life differently. She could have. She could have loved me and my brothers enough to stop my father’s drinking.

How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?

By understanding who committed the arson and their desperation to do it, I think I learned a little more about me. Sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be any other choices. But, there is always another choice.

What words of wisdom would you give your author if she decided to write another book with you in it?

If she decides? I can’t get rid of her! She bothers me all the time. Words of wisdom? None. I am not wise. I’m still learning. I ask of her to give me the opportunity to explore a belief in myself and others, if nothing else.

Thank you for this interview.  Will we be seeing more of you in the future?

D. J. Adamson tells me I will need to solve a crime I committed. Or, that’s  why I am being blackmailed…for a murder.  I will have to prove I didn’t kill the woman who promoted my sobriety. The novel’s title is Suppose, coming out at the end of this year. 

About the Author

D. J. Adamson is an award-winning author. Her family roots grow deep in the Midwest and it is here she sets much of her work. She juggles her time between her own desk and teaching writing to others at two Los Angeles area colleges. Along with her husband and two Welsh Terriers, she makes her home in Southern California.

Her latest book is the mystery, amateur sleuth, Admit to Mayhem.

For More Information

• Visit D.J.’s website.
• Connect with D.J. on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about D.J. at Goodreads.
• Visit D.J.’s blog.
• Contact D.J..

About the Book:

With a contrary attitude and an addiction for independence, Lillian Dove admits she has not been a success in life. In fact, she considers failing as one of her addictions. Yet, when she comes across a suspicious house fire with a history of arson and murder, she instinctively attempts to help someone trapped. Lillian becomes the only possible eyewitness to criminal arson, and her life begins to spiral out of control.

Lillian Dove is an endearing “everywoman” struggling with life issues, emotional complexities and a habit of doing just the opposite of what she’s told to do. These qualities in a heroine give the reader an ability to vicariously struggle along with the protagonist in this intriguing Midwest Noir mystery.

For More Information

• Admit to Mayhem is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.