By: Riley Donovan

When it comes to cozy mysteries that make readers feel right at home, N. E. Carlisle has a unique recipe. Her latest book, Hazelnuts and Homicide, combines the intrigue of a whodunit with the warmth of food, community, and small-town charm. We sat down with Carlisle to explore her inspirations, the worlds she builds, and why culinary culture is such a perfect partner for mystery storytelling.

Blending Food and Fiction

“I have always believed that food tells a story,” Carlisle explains. “Recipes, flavors, and shared meals build connection, and that sense of comfort pairs perfectly with a cozy mystery.” In Hazelnuts and Homicide, food isn’t just background—it anchors the protagonist, Année, emotionally and guides her through the investigation.

From culinary experiments to festive meals, every dish in Carlisle’s book carries narrative weight. “Blending culinary culture with a whodunit felt natural,” she adds. “It makes the story immersive, where the sensory world matters just as much as the plot.”

Creating a Coastal Community

Hazelton, Oregon, the setting for the Bonne Année Mystery series, feels like a living, breathing place, but it’s actually fictional. Its character draws on communities throughout Tillamook County, Oregon. “There’s a unique rhythm to that area,” Carlisle says. “The mist, the coastal forests, the local traditions, the feeling that everyone knows everyone else. Hazelton carries that pulse.”

The town’s authenticity helps readers feel connected to Année’s journey, making every street, café, and ocean cliff part of the story. “Setting is an emotional force in storytelling,” Carlisle notes. “A cozy café or foggy forest can influence a character as much as any plot point.”

Pairing Stories with Flavor

Fans of the Bonne Année Mysteries know the series’ culinary edge extends beyond the page. Carlisle has hosted Food and Fiction supper clubs, encouraging readers to experience her stories through both taste and imagination.

“When pairing Hazelnuts and Homicide with a real dish, I would pick the Macabre Brussel Sprouts,” she laughs. “They’re rich, a little decadent, yet surprisingly good for you. Cozy on the surface, but with a twist, just like the story.”

Oscar the Bernedoodle: More Than a Pet

No cozy mystery is complete without lovable characters, and in Carlisle’s world, that includes four-legged friends. Oscar, a Bernedoodle, is a standout favorite. “Oscar is based on one of my own dogs,” Carlisle shares. “Her expressive personality and intuition made their way directly onto the page. She comforts Année, nudges her in the right direction, and brings warmth and levity to the mystery.”

Exploring Themes of Community and Belonging

Beyond the food and mystery, Carlisle’s books consistently highlight tight-knit communities and the importance of found family. “Cozy mysteries are rooted in the idea that community can be a source of strength, healing, and humor,” she explains. Année’s support system in Hazelton mirrors real-life connections, emphasizing that belonging is just as essential as solving the crime.

Switching Genres: Fantasy vs. Cozy Mystery

In addition to her cozy mysteries, Carlisle writes coastal fantasy in the Mermaid Eclipse trilogy. She finds both genres challenge her in complementary ways. “Writing cozy mysteries keeps me grounded in everyday emotion,” she says. “Fantasy asks me to expand beyond natural rules. In fantasy, the magic is literal. In a cozy mystery, it comes from community, comfort, and curiosity.”

This flexibility allows her to explore diverse stories while keeping her work emotionally resonant and immersive.

Research, Detail, and the Oregon Coast

Even small details play a big role in Carlisle’s storytelling. While writing Hazelnuts and Homicide, she researched hazelnut trees, discovering their sensitivity to microclimates and weather patterns. “Learning how crops interact with the coastal environment gave me a deeper appreciation of Tillamook County,” she says. “It added authenticity and depth to the story.”

This focus on place and environment extends to every aspect of her books, from bookshops to ocean cliffs, helping readers step fully into Hazelton’s world.

Transformation and Second Chances

A recurring theme across Carlisle’s works is transformation—whether magical or personal. “I return to reinvention, belonging, and second chances,” she explains. “My characters often stand at the edge of a new chapter, uncertain but hopeful. It’s about discovering who you are and who you choose to become.”

This theme resonates in the Bonne Année series, where characters navigate change while finding support and comfort in their community.

Looking Ahead in the Series

Readers eager for the next installment can expect more culinary delights, engaging mysteries, and a touch of romance. “The next book takes place during Easter and introduces new people and celebrations in Hazelton,” Carlisle reveals. “Année continues to grow into her life, and yes, Oscar will be right by her side again.”

Bringing Cozy Mysteries to Life

With Hazelnuts and Homicide, N. E. Carlisle shows that cozy mysteries can be about more than puzzles; they can celebrate food, community, and the power of connection. Through vivid settings, relatable characters, and sensory storytelling, she invites readers to savor every chapter.

For readers looking for a mystery that offers both intrigue and warmth, Hazelnuts and Homicide delivers a world where every meal, every friendship, and every clue adds another layer to the experience.