Carmela Dutra

Carmela Dutra is a Bay Area–based author who writes cozy mysteries with sharp banter, strong sibling bonds, and the vibrant food culture of Northern California’s most eclectic region. Her Food Truck Mystery Series blends culinary competition, small-town secrets, and humor-forward sleuthing, all rooted in the distinctly diverse rhythms of the Bay Area.

Dutra's debut novel, A Murder Most Fowl, received praise from Kirkus Reviews for its “serious set of crimes leavened by plenty of amusing moments,” and from Criminal Element for the “juicy reasoning behind the sabotage [that] was almost as shocking as the murder itself.” New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams called it “the perfect escapist read, brimming with banter and an extra helping of fun.” Dutra has also been featured in CrimeReads.

The second installment in the series, Hot Wings and Homicide, earned additional praise from Kirkus Reviews, which said, “Winner, winner, murder for dinner ... An entertaining mystery with amusing characters—including a pet chicken.” Further cementing the author’s voice in the cozy mystery space.

A frequent podcast guest and live-event panelist, Dutra has appeared on Bookish Flights, The Fiction Lounge, Cozy Crime Reads, and Bookshelf Odyssey, and has spoken at bookstores including Kepler’s Books & Magazines. She is known for her warm, engaging presence and her ability to connect with readers through humor, craft, and community.

Dutra lives in the Bay Area with her husband, two dinosaur-obsessed sons, and an assortment of over-cuddled pets. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found at a bookstore, a farmers’ market, or chasing the perfect chicken wing.

My Q&A with the author:

How much work does your title do to take readers into the story?

A surprising amount. I wanted something that felt catchy, cozy, and immediately signaled “culinary cozy mystery,” but also made readers pause and smile, or do a double take. I went through an entire list of possibilities and couldn’t quite land on the right one, so I asked my agent for help. She’s very collaborative, and that’s one of the things I love most about working together. I sent her a few options, and she immediately chose Hot Wings and Homicide. Marketing loved it, and readers have responded in exactly the way I’d hoped: curiosity, humor, and yes, hunger. People see the title and immediately have a comment or want to know more.

What’s in a name?

The name Beth Lloyd was actually a placeholder when I originally drafted book one. I even remember telling alpha readers not to get attached to any names because I planned to change them. But by the time I finished drafting and self-editing, the name Beth just fit. Naming her twin brother Seth was a total accident. I didn’t even realize I rhymed their names until a beta reader told me how much they loved the rhyming. My agent liked it too, so I kept them as Beth and Seth Lloyd.

How surprised would your teenage reader self be by your new novel?

Very surprised. My teenage self was still trying to decide between architecture (which I quickly learned was not my path after failing trig) and photography. I ultimately landed on photography, which feels like it shaped the way I see the world. Observing details, framing moments, and noticing the stories happening in everyday life. I don’t think she would have predicted food trucks and chickens, but the cozy mysteries or murder plots wouldn’t surprise her.

Do you find it harder to write beginnings or endings? Which do you change more?

Both. Beginnings are harder for me because I’m trying to hook a reader within the first five pages. However, I tend to revise the ending chapters more because while I know where everything is heading emotionally and structurally, I’m trying to make sure every lose thread is wrapped up. The beginning has to hook readers, but the ending has to satisfy them.

Do you see much of yourself in your characters? Do they have any connection to your personality, or are they a world apart?

There’s definitely a blend. I don’t intentionally base characters on myself, but pieces of me sneak in, especially in Beth’s tendency to speak before thinking. Or in the way she notices small details other people miss. At the same time, my characters are much braver and more chaotic than I am in real life. If I see an open gate into a backyard, I’m not just going to waltz through then tuck and roll then drop into an army crawl for flair. But I might press my nose up against a window as I try to see in. But yes, I will somehow manage to get myself wrapped up in something questionable and survive it with sarcasm, and questionable judgment.

What non-literary inspirations have influenced your writing?

Daily life is my biggest influence. Farmers markets, taking my kids to the park, rainy afternoons, overheard conversations in public, and people-watching are all constant sources of inspiration. I’m always fascinated by small moments. Watching how people interact, what they say when they think no one is listening, and the tiny quirks that make everyday life feel a little unpredictable. Those details often find their way into my stories, even when I’m writing about food trucks, festivals, and the occasional murder.

Visit Carmela Dutra's website.

--Marshal Zeringue