Behind the Veil: Halloween Q&A with Raemi A. Ray

Today on the blog, we’re thrilled to welcome mystery author Raemi A. Ray—author of the delightful Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. With Halloween in the air and fall in full swing, we sat down with Raemi to talk haunted houses, guilty-pleasure snacks (looking at you, candy corn), and what’s next in her chillingly clever book series. From cults to corruption, and yes—even bat skeletons for the fireplace—Raemi’s answers are as sharp and unexpected as one of her plot twists. Let’s dive in!

1. If your book were a Halloween movie, what would it be called?

“Murder Island” sounds like a slasher movie, but I’ve always like the cutesy portmanteau titles like “Halloweentown” so perhaps, “Halloweenland?” Maybe the characters join in on a costume parade or something?

2. What’s your go-to fall treat or spooky-season snack?

Candy corn, in the candy corn shape and original color/flavor. I know it’s disgusting and I feel awful when I eat them, but the heart wants what the heart wants. The candy pumpkins are an abomination.

3. What are you currently working on? What inspired you to write this series/book?

I’m finishing up edits on Book 5 of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series and working on Book 6. Truthfully, it’s a dull story about market research. There was nothing inspiring about the overall concept of writing mystery novels set on Martha’s Vineyard. However, the individual murder mystery stories are all unique and the ideas came from different places,
but mostly real life: Book 1 is about Cape Wind, an offshore windmill project, Book 2 is inspired by the story of the Whydah Galley, Book 3 is loosely based on a merger and acquisition I worked on (it was so boring), Book 4 is based on the unsolved Martha’s Vineyard murder of Clara Smith, Book 5 is about police corruption, and Book 6 will be about a cult.

4. Which character in your series would survive a haunted house—and who wouldn’t make
it out?

Gully would survive a haunted house. He’s unflappable and takes everything in stride. I haven’t told Gully’s story, yet, but it’s in the back of my mind. Despite being Dean Winchester-coded, Tarek wouldn’t make it. He’s too cynical and logical. He’d refuse to believe in ghosts even as they sucked out his soul. He also doesn’t believe in souls.

5. What’s one fall tradition you or your main character never skip?

Neither me nor my main character are much for traditions, but I have an unconventional tradition-by- convenience, I suppose. In the fall, I go shopping. My house is decorated with skulls and skeletons, and this time of year I can buy bone-themed things everywhere. As such, each autumn I shop for new house stuff matching my spooky year-round décor. This year I need new wine glasses, and I want a bat skeleton for my fireplace mantle.

About the author

Raemi A. Ray is the author of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. Her travels to the island and around the world inspire her stories. She lives with her family in Boston.

Photo Credit: L.A. Brown