Guest Post, Mysteries

Guest Chick: Adrian Andover

Lisa here, honored along with my fellow Chicks to welcome debut author Adrian Andover as our guest today. His cozy mystery WHISKEY BUSINESS just pubbed–and we know you’ll enjoy it as much as you’ll enjoy meeting Adrian!

A Big, Cozy Village to Thank

by Adrian Andover

I’ve always treasured books. There are few better feelings than perusing my personal library, pulling a favorite book off the shelf, flipping through its pages, and reading a random line or admiring the details of its formatting.

I’m the type of reader who pores over every detail of a book, from the back cover synopsis to the copyright page. Who cares what font the book was typeset in? I do. Deeply.

Outside of the story, there’s one section that excites me above all the others. More than the dedication page or any bonus content in the back matter, I’ve always been fascinated most by the Acknowledgements.

How do these authors have so many people to thank? I used to wonder. Do I even know that many people?

But now, having just published my debut cozy mystery Whiskey Business, I finally have an answer. In fact, I had a long list of people to thank in my own Acknowledgements.

It takes a big, cozy village to bring a book to life.

So, how did I build mine?

Writing Courses

Though I’ve always loved reading mysteries, I feared I wasn’t smart enough to write one of my own. How could I possibly create a puzzle complex enough to challenge and entertain readers? I enrolled in Ellie Alexander’s Mystery Series Masterclass, which not only taught me the mechanics of mystery writing, but also connected me with other writers who would become critique partners, trusted sources of advice, and a support system. I had a similar experience connecting with other writers during one of Julie Anne Lindsey’s virtual outlining workshops. Courses aren’t just a great way to learn—they’re a perfect space to connect.

Mystery Conferences and Festivals

Attending the Ashland Mystery Festival and Malice Domestic conference introduced me to so many authors (both published and aspiring), editors, proofreaders, reviewers, influencers, and others. Once I shared that I was working on my own mystery, I was amazed that everyone I encountered was willing to help. Though I haven’t personally attended, other conferences like Bouchercon, Left Coast Crime, and New England Crime Bake also offer spaces to connect.

Mystery Community Groups

There are many cozy mystery groups on Facebook, including Cozy Mystery Party and Cozies, Conversations, and More—among many others. These groups have been invaluable for finding beta readers and building my ARC team. Though editors and designers play an important role in bringing a book to life, readers are especially critical in crafting a story that resonates. I’m so grateful to the readers who gave me feedback that made my story much stronger.

The Acknowledgements Section

To bring the discussion full-circle, I found some of the folks who ended up in my Acknowledgements … in the Acknowledgements of some of my favorite books! If you’re an aspiring author, I’d recommend keeping an eye on this section of every book you love. In my experience, anyone I reached out to was friendly and eager to help. It’s evidence of just how supportive and caring the cozy mystery community is.

I believe there’s a misconception that writing is a solitary art form, but I’d challenge that. Sure, I spend most of my time typing away alone in my apartment, but my stories come to life after receiving feedback from critique partners, beta readers, my editor, and proofreader. Though I spent many early-morning hours revising on my own, it was the support of fellow authors that helped me believe in myself.

I am so grateful to have a wonderful community to acknowledge.

Readers, do you read the Acknowledgements section? Have you ever found something there that surprised you?

About the Book

Reece Parker is a mixologist—shaken by his recent breakup, stirred up in a mystery, and searching for proof of his innocence…

After breaking off an engagement with his fiancée, Reece Parker opens Subplot, a literary-themed underground cocktail lounge in his quaint hometown of Hope Mills, Pennsylvania.

While launching a new business temporarily distracts him from self-pity, Reece’s regret is compounded when he stumbles upon a customer’s body behind the lounge after a whiskey club meeting gone wrong. As if he wasn’t already on the rocks, his ex-fiancée’s big brother is a police officer on the case.

Reece takes matters into his own hands to prove his innocence, save his new lounge’s reputation, and restore peace in his beloved town. But as he seeks out the victim’s killer, will he meet his own bitter end?

About the Author

ADRIAN ANDOVER is the author of WHISKEY BUSINESS, his debut novel and the first entry in the Mixology Lounge Mysteries series. When he’s not reading, writing, revising, or publishing a story, he enjoys taking long walks, listening to live music, spending time with friends, and tasting new craft cocktails around his chosen hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. Learn more about Adrian at adrianandover.com and connect with him on social media at:: Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Threads

27 thoughts on “Guest Chick: Adrian Andover”

  2. I do read the acknowledgements. I’ve never been surprised by one, although I have laughed at some and been touched by many. Congratulations on your new release!

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  3. I usually read all the words…even the copywrite to see when it was published (but don’t hold me to remembering dates off the top of my head lol!) It amazes me how many people are wrapped up in the process of writing! Such awesome support and encouragement! I feel like the acknowledment page is a writer’s version of a Grammy or Oscar speech, where you want readers to know who helped carry you to the finish line. But, don’t forget someone, as this “speech” is forever in the pages (no pressure lol!) 😉 Congrats on your book baby…may it continue to grow into a strong series!!

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    1. Thank you, Mishelle! I never thought of the Acknowledgements as an awards speech, but I 100% agree with you now that you say it. I totally felt pressure to make sure I included everyone. I’m sure there are folks I missed (by accident)!

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  4. Glad you’re here, Adrian! And the cozy mystery community is definitely very supportive!

    Congrats on your debut!!

    P.S. I always read the Acknowledgements page. So interesting to find how much work and how many supporters are behind a book!

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  5. Welcome, Adrian, and hearty congratulations on your debut! Best wishes for great sales! I enjoy reading the acknowledgements, the dedications, the references, all the pages. I admit my acknowledgements are dry and boring but I love the ones with “personality.” Ha!

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  6. Welcome to the Chicks today, Adrian! I so enjoyed meeting and hanging out with you last year at Malice, and am so excited that “Whiskey Business” is finally out in the world–yippee!

    I always read the acknowledgements–often before I read the book itself. It’s fascinating to see all of the people who helped an author along with their journey.

    Cheers!

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    1. Leslie, my friend! Thank you so much for hosting me on the blog. It was so lovely to meet you at Malice, and I hope to see you there again in 2026.

      I, too, often read the acknowledgements first. It feels like a letter from the author that helps me get to know them before I read their story.

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    1. Thank you, Liz! It was hard for me to draw the line. I stayed pretty specific to the people who played a role in my book when writing my acknowledgements, but I easily could have listed all of my elementary school and English teachers/professor who ever played a role in my love of reading and writing.

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  8. Welcome to Chicks, Adrian, and huge congrats again on WHISKEY BUSINESS. I think you have a hit on your hands! I love to read dedications and every word of the acknowledgments (it’s extra-special when I recognize many of the names!). Often an author will refer to challenges they encountered in writing that particular book, which give the hard-won end result extra meaning. The people I acknowledge could just as easily be included in my dedication as well. My publisher puts acknowledgments in the back of the book, rather than the front, so I hope readers see them!

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  9. I was just discussing last night with my small group at church that I always pay attention to the acknowledgements because I never know when I will see a name I recognize pop up. I always love to see fellow authors helping each other. It’s a fantastic part of the mystery community.

    Congrats again on your debut. It was so much fun!

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  11. Congrats on having your first book published Adrian. I always read the acknowledgements because I come across names I recognize and other interesting tidbits. I love the way that cozy mystery authors are so willing to help other writers, and welcome newbies into the fold. And I like getting glimpses into what inspired a story and all kinds of details that authors share on book takeovers. Since I just learned that you wanted to be a rockstar, I will end with “Rock On!”

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    1. Thank you, Sue! I echo everything you said about the acknowledgements. It makes the book feel much more personal when I know more about the author’s journey.

      I may not be signing albums, but signing books feels just as cool! 🙂

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  12. Hey there, Adrian! Before I became an author, I breezed over or ignored the acknowledgements in books. Not any more. It does take a village. Cheers!

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