Interview with Michelle Cox, Author of A Spying Eye

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Spying Eye?

I was researching stolen art for ideas for book six of the series and came upon the Ghent Altarpiece. I quickly realized that wrapping the mystery around this famous piece of art would be perfect. Not only was a portion of it really stolen in 1934, but it was coveted by Hitler for very bizarre reasons, which added to the drama of the story. AND, best of all, the panel that was stolen in 1934 has never been recovered, which gave me a lot of wiggle room to imagine what could have happened to it!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Spying Eye, what would they be?

My perfect theme songs would be: “They Say,” performed by Artie Shaw and Helen Forrest, or “Let’s Fall in Love” performed by Ella Fitzgerald!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I adore historical fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“Life after Life” by Kate Atkinson, “Jamaica Inn” by Daphne du Maurier, and “The Starless Sea” by Erin Morgenstern.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Henrietta is lured up to the elderly Baron Von Harmon’s room in hopes of him showing her the missing painting she seeks. Instead, he shows her a very different sort of painting. He is mentally a bit unstable and thinks Henrietta is a former paramour. Personally, I found his attempts to seduce the frustrated Henrietta to be hilarious!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Ha! No. Just black coffee, early morning, lights off except one small, old-fashioned desk lamp.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Write every day!