Books are my happy place – bookstores, libraries, celebrating with authors … So today on my blog it’s no mystery why I’m smiling about my interview with Jennifer Chambliss Bertman who I met almost a year ago at The Wandering Jellyfish, one of the adorable indie bookstores we are lucky to have near us in Colorado. She mentioned SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS and how it was inspired by Nancy Drew. I was intrigued to say the least. But then she said it wouldn’t be coming out until fall 2022 (now available) so in the meantime, I’ve enjoyed all three of her popular middle grade mysteries in the BOOK SCAVENGER series set in San Francisco. You’ll want to check those out too if you haven’t already read them.
Jennifer has generously offered one lucky winner a signed copy of SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS. Comment on this blogpost to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I was a creative kid with an active imagination. I loved to play all kinds of games, dance, swim, draw, do crafty things, goof around with my friends, dream up ambitious ideas like design a line of clothes for my Cabbage Patch Kids, make a big mess in pursuit of that ambitious that idea and then be overwhelmed with my mess and ambition and move on to something else. I was a daydreamer, an animal lover, a reader, a Girl Scout, and I enjoyed school. I loved to laugh and was always drawn toward funny books, comics, people, and shows. I also loved a good mystery. And a mystery with humor, like Scooby Doo and the movie Clue? That was the best! I’ve always loved working with kids and one of my proudest accomplishments when I was young was starting a babysitting club (inspired by the book series, of course!) with my friends in the sixth grade—that’s the age I was in this picture. The club only lasted a year or two, but I established relationships with many families and continued to babysit for years. It was the beginning of a variety of work involving children.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many things! I’m inspired by the people in my life and the stories they tell.
Kids always inspire me. Observing my pets and their antics. Taking walks, listening to music, being in my garden, reading a good book or watching a great show, playing with paper, making collages, and doing crafty things. Traveling somewhere new to me. Revisiting someplace old and familiar. Flipping through old magazines, photographs, and postcards. Listening to my curiosity and following it down whatever path it leads me to.
What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I always love when a reader says they didn’t want to put down my book—I work hard at writing stories that are engaging page-turners, so hearing that always makes me feel like I succeeded. I also hope SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS makes people laugh, appreciate the friendships and women in their lives, and reflect on how Nancy Drew has persisted in popular culture for nearly 100 years.
What’s next for you?
Up next for me is my picture book debut! It’s titled A GOOD DEED CAN GROW, with illustrations by Holly Hatam, and will be published by Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown in early 2023.
Readers can find Jennifer at:
Twitter and Instagram at @jabertie Facebook at @jenniferchamblissbertman
website www.jenniferchamblissbertman.com.
Laura Roettiger Books 
I loved this book so much! I hope everyone reads it 🙂 And I can’t wait for the picture book next year…
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Fleur, I feel like you and Jennifer are my two mystery experts! Thanks for reading.
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I am so excited to read EVERYTHING Jennifer writes, and SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS is no exception. I’m looking forward to A GOOD DEED CAN GROW!
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Thanks for sharing your excitement, Ellen! I believe You and Jennifer are in a 23 PB group and I only just realized she has a picture book on the horizon during our interview! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Who wants to read a story inspired by Nancy Drew? I do!! And I’ll bet there are thousands of others out there who will say the same! I had to laugh at Jennifer’s description of her enthusiasms as a kid. Sounds like my whole family. Our house is a nonstop, “hey, wouldn’t it be fun to” disaster area, LOL.
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Jilanne, that’s my house today. Just me and Charlie. 🤦♀️ If you haven’t already read Book Scavenger series, it’s a masterpiece and it’s set in your area! Good luck in the giveaway.
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This looks like a fantastic story! I can’t wait to read another great mystery by this author.
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Thanks for reading, Anna. I’m looking forward to reading it, too. Good luck in the giveaway.
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“I also hope SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS makes people laugh, appreciate the friendships and women in their lives, and reflect on how Nancy Drew has persisted in popular culture for nearly 100 years.”
OOOOOH! I can’t wait to read this!
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Thanks for reading, Lauren. I love how books can stay relevant for generations, like Nancy Drew. I’ll bet Jennifer’s mysteries will stand the test of time as well, just like your books. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I listened to the audiobook version and loved it! I’m looking forward to sharing the book with readers at my school.
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Thanks for stopping by, Lori. I love audiobooks and didn’t know this was available already. I’m sure your students will love it, too. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Mysteries are my favorites–I still have my Nancy Drew books. I used to stay up late and finish a book in the series each night during summer vacation. I’m excited to read this author’s work.
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These books are ah-mazing! Thanks for reading. You’ll want to read all of Jennifer’s books! I haven’t seen her picture book yet, due out next year, but I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful, too! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Just bought this book. Can’t wait to read it and then pass it on to my niece who LOVES mysteries!
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Julie, thanks so much for your support of the blog. I’m looking forward to reading this one soon but I’m focused on reading some mentor texts at the moment.
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