Contact info:
- lisaebetz[at]gmail[dot]com
- 484-336-9987
Bio
An engineer-turned-mystery-writer, Lisa E. Betz infuses her novels with authentic characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her debut novel, Death and a Crocodile, won several awards, including Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021). Lisa combines her love of research with her quirky imagination to bring the world of the early church to life.
She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in the Livia Aemilia Mysteries. Lisa directs church dramas, eats too much chocolate, and experiments with ancient Roman recipes. Visit www.lisaebetz.com.
Awards
- Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021)
- Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal, (2021)
- Golden Scroll, 3rd place in the mystery category (2022)
- Christian Market Book Awards, honorable mention for novel of the year (2022)
- Finalist in Historical Mystery category, American Fiction Awards (2021)
- ACFW Genesis Finalist, Mystery category (2019)
Sample Interview Questions
About the mystery series
- What drew you to set a mystery series in first-century Rome?
- How much freedom did women have in ancient Rome? Is it feasible for a female to be a sleuth in that period?
- Brother Titus, who leads Livia’s house church, affirms Livia’s gift for sleuthing. Talk about the power of affirming a person’s unique talents and gifts.
- Mercy vs. vengeance is a theme in your latest book, An Ode to Poison. Talk to me about that theme and how it plays out.
- How do the teachings of Jesus like mercy, humility and service run counter to the Roman values of dignity, power, and prestige?
- How does that conflict play out in your novels? How does it parallel the challenges Christians face today?
- How will your main characters continue to grow through the series?
- What historical events might be included in future novels?
- What surprises did you encounter in your research into poisons and early medicine?
About Lisa and her other writing and speaking work
- Many of your characters are misfits in some way. Why? How does this fit with your Quietly Unconventional brand?
- What does Quietly Unconventional mean?
- What does a Quietly Unconventional lifestyle look like, and what are the benefits?
- Your website features many posts that encourage readers to live confidently and intentionally rather than remaining trapped in people pleasing and approval-seeking. Why do so many of us struggle with people pleasing and what can we do about it?
- You started your professional career as an engineer. How did you end up writing mystery novels?
- Switching from engineering to writing required bold steps of faith. Tell us about some of them.
- In addition to writing novels, you’re a Chistian speaker and a speaking coach. What led you to become a speaker and what topics do you speak about?
- Cooking is one of your passions. Tell us about the recipe testing you’ve done as part of your research for your novels
- What are some of your writing quirks?
Photos
Book Descriptions
Death and a Crocodile (Livia Aemilia Mysteries, #1)
In ancient Rome, sensible young ladies don’t investigate crimes, but Livia Aemlia doesn’t let stuffy conventions stand in her way. When her father is murdered, she and her spunky maidservant set out to identify the killer. Will their meddling expose the culprit or lead them into mortal danger?
A fast-paced mystery set in first-century Rome, featuring a feisty amateur sleuth, a cast of eccentric characters, and a glimpse of the early church.
- CrossLink Publishing, released 2/9/2021
- 321 pages
- ISBN: 978-1633573161
- Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1633573168/
Fountains and Secrets (Livia Aemilia Mysteries, #2)
Nancy Drew meets ancient Rome. Impulsive Livia is more interested in solving a missing persons case than hiring fresco painters for their new home remodel. But her husband forbids her to get involved, knowing that she could be in extreme danger. Soon their lack of trust in each other leads them to behave in counterproductive ways that threaten their new marriage and personal safety.
Fountains and Secrets, book 2 in the Livia Aemilia Mysteries, is quirky, fast paced, and clever, showing readers that trust and honesty are more important than winning the battle of the wills.
- Originally released 12/20/2021. Re-released 8/7/2024 by Christian Breakthrough Publishing
- 298 pages
- ISBN: 979-8990755741
- Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fountains-Secrets-Livia-Aemilia-Mystery/dp/B0DCX8T668/
An Ode to Poison (Livia Aemilia Mysteries, #3)
When Senator Gracchus’s wife is poisoned, Livia and her husband Avitus believe Gracchus is the killer. This could be their chance to bring their enemy to justice, until another victim is poisoned, and everything they think they know is turned upside down.
An Ode to Poison, book three in the Livia Aemilia Mysteries, is a fast-paced, clever, and inspiring tale of vengeance vs. mercy set in the Roman world of the early church.
- Releases October 12, 2024
- 352 pages
- ISBN: 979-8-9907557-0-3
Recent interviews and guest posts
A God Shift with Shayna Rattler From Endings to New Beginnings
Today’s Heartlift with Janell Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin, Part 1
Arise Esther: This is Your Moment with Dawn Damon How to Overcome People-Pleasing
Historical Fiction Unpacked with Alison Treat. Quietly Unconventional
The Cozy Sleuth with LeAnna Shields. Author Chat
Kickass Boomers with Terry Lohrbeer. From Engineer to Mystery Novel Writer
Heart of the Matter Radio with Cynthia L. Simmons. Historical Perspective on Living by the Bible
All Things Podcast with Athena Dean Holtz. Embrace Who God Made You to Be
Reading is My Superpower guest blog: Countercultural Faith in the Early Church
