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?
- One of the issues your heroine faces in the book is an arranged marriage. What options did a woman of her day have?
- Our society elevates image over character. What pitfalls does judging people by their image lead to in your books?
- Your characters act in unconventional ways, what are some examples of ways your sleuth Livia had to challenge the status quo to solve the mysteries?
- Another challenge that Livia faces in Fountains and Secrets is how to manage being newly married. What tips do you have for women desiring a stronger marriage?
- How will your main characters grow through the series?
- How do the teachings of Jesus run counter to the Roman ideal of honor, and how does that play out in your novels?
- Cooking is one of your passions. Have you tried any of the ancient recipes you describe in the book?
- What surprises did you encounter in your research?
About Lisa and her other work
- Many of your characters, including the sleuth’s sidekick, are misfits in some way. How does this fit with your Quietly Unconventional brand.
- Your website’s tagline is Quietly Unconventional. What do you mean by that?
- Authenticity is important to your writing. Why do you feel it is so difficult for people to live authentically?
- You started your professional career as an engineer. How did you end up writing mystery novels?
- Public libraries are important to you. Talk about serving as a library trustee and what that taught you.
- 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.
- Redemption Press, released 12/20/2021
- 298 pages
- ISBN: 978-1646456291
- Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1646456297
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