Our next guest needs no introduction: A big feathery welcome to Tammy Barker, good friend of the Chicks and newly minted debut author of CALL-IN FOR MURDER, the first book in the Neon Desert Mysteries. Wait, what? Hold the phones! Someone else is barging–er, calling–in. You’re on the air with Miss LARE!
Well, hello there! I’m Ashley Compton, but you may know me as Miss LARE. I’m stepping in for today’s Guest Chick, Tammy Barker, because who knows me better than me?
I made my call-in-radio-host/amateur sleuth series debut in Tammy’s novel Call in for Murder last October. Has it been 4 months already? Wow, how time flies. Anyway, more about me. I give relationship advice on the radio in Las Vegas where people call in with problems so small you’d need a magnifying glass to see them. You know, the kind of issues no sane person would pay $100-$150 an hour for in an office with beige walls.
Lucky for them the advertisers foot the bill. Free therapy! I talk to my callers like I’m their BFF and we’re gossiping over Starbucks drinks. I’m blunt and honest, with none of that “what do you think” mumbo-jumbo.
Look at me, rambling again. We’re supposed to be talking about mystery, mayhem and murder, right? Oh, and Tammy.
First, let me offer one valuable piece of advice:
Don’t get involved in a murder investigation. It’s dangerous and messy. Trust me—I’ve been there. There’s nothing glamorous about running in heels or trying to appear innocent when you’ve got police tape stuck to your blouse.
Q: What if I want to get involved anyway?
A: Okay, Nancy Drew, slow down. Hunting down whoever stole your favorite pen is one thing. Murder? You’d better have a dang good reason. Like, someone you love is a suspect. Or, heaven forbid, the victim.
Q: What I can I actually do?
A: Ask lots of questions. Keep track of who said what—preferably not on a napkin you later use to blot that deep red lipstick. Be casual. People love to talk, especially if they think it’s all about them. Use open-ended questions, not “yes/no” stuff. You’re sleuthing, not meeting the future in-laws.
Q: What about snooping around crime scenes, or people’s houses?
A: Not smart. At all. But if you absolutely insist, follow these rules: move fast, don’t get caught, have a backup excuse ready (“I’m lost” works well), and always check the medicine cabinet. Always. Humans are nosy, but murderers are nosier.
Q: What about surveillance?
A: No. Absolutely not. That’s for the professionals—or at least people who know the difference between “discreet observation” and “staring through blinds like a peeping Tom.”
Q: Do I need a sidekick?
A: Someone’s having way too much fun. A wingman can help, but that puts both of you in danger. If you must continue the mission, keep your cell handy, and tell a friend where you’re going. Preferably a friend who won’t just “like” your message and roll over to go back to sleep.
Murder Board
Q: Should I make a murder board like they do on television?
A: Not necessary, but entertaining. Keep it hidden. You don’t want your friends—or the cops—walking in and seeing your serial-killer wall decor. Someone will catch on.
Q: Speaking of cops…
A: Stop right there. Avoid them unless absolutely necessary. You don’t want a lecture on obstruction of justice. Or worse—matching silver bracelets.
Q: What if I find something important? Are you saying don’t call the cops?
A: No way am I saying that. Call the detective. ASAP. You can say you “overheard” something if you want to fake innocence, but they’ll see right through it. Detectives have a sixth sense for BS.
Q: What if I figure out who the killer is? Do I try to get them to confess?
A: Only if you have a death wish! Never confront a killer unless you absolutely, positively, have no other choice. I almost lost my BFF doing that. Never again.
Whew. I think I covered it all. Remember, a murder mystery is not some party game, it’s real life. I advise that you stick to reading and discussing mysteries in book club. Hey, all the suggestions I just gave above may help you solve the murder on the page before the amateur sleuth does!
This is Miss LARE, signing off. And don’t forget to check out my monthly advice at www.tammybarkerwriter.com. I got some real gems there. (Oh. You can find out more about Tammy and CALL-IN FOR MURDER there, too. And below.
Readers, any advice for wanabe amateur sleuths? Share in the comments!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Call-in radio host Ashley Compton is Las Vegas’s best friend when it comes to giving relationship tips to strangers. But when a repeat caller is found murdered after exposing her woes on the air and accepting the challenge to put up or shut up, Ashley questions if her homespun advice was the catalyst for the murder.
Afraid of losing her job and destroying her reputation, Ashley heads to the seedy side of Las Vegas to snoop around. There she encounters shady dealings: lies, gambling, adultery, and potential criminal activities. When her two-timing and felonious suspects spout glib excuses to justify their behaviors she digs deeper and is threatened, injured, and gets what she dishes out: advice she doesn’t always like.
Can Ashley’s sleuthing skills catch the killer, or will she end up just another crime statistic? Can she save her career, or will she be put on the Do-Not-Call list?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tammy Barker is a government bean counter by day, and a veracious reader, people and television watcher, and writer of mysteries at night. She is a jack-of-all-trades renaissance woman who likes to try things just see if she can do it. She loves all things nostalgic. Tammy is an empty nester who lives with her husband in Northern Virginia. Her first book, Call in for Murder, was published in October of 2025, she’s currently working on the sequel, Advice for a Killer Image, as well as a stand-alone currently titled Framed for Murder.
Chicks on the Case 
this is Tammy here, a.k.a. Hestia Athena.
I apologize for the interruption, but Miss Lair insisted she had to post today.
I have often dreamed of solving a murder. But I know I would never do it. But I do love murder mystery parties. About the same percentage of winds as it when I’m reading a book.
hopefully you picked up some tips today, so that you can find out who stole your favorite coffee mug at your office. Because we all know things disappear at work.
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Hopefully not people, ha, Hestia! And I’m sorry Ashley busted in on your guest day. We’ll set another date for you to visit in the near future–but don’t tell Miss LARE!
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it’s quite all right, Lisa. Ashley tends to do these things to me. Besides she’d probably be able to answer more about solving a murder than I could anyway.
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What a hoot, Tammy. I gotta admit I’d suck as an amateur detective. My first call on finding a body would be to the police!
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or would it be to hide the body? Especially if it’s on your property?
Tammy
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Ditto ditto ditto, Liz. And then I’d probably get outta Dodge.
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Such a fun post, Tammy! And congrats on your “new” release!!! I’ll admit that while I may write murder mysteries, I don’t think I have what it takes to solve an actual crime 🙂
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you’d be surprised what you have in you, if necessary.
Tammy
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Thanks for being here, Miss LARE (and Tammy)! What a fun post!
My only extra advice for an amateur sleuth? Feel free to throw in some cooking tips or extra crafting skills. A pet or two also wouldn’t hurt. 🙂
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Yes! But maybe check the stove now and then to make sure no one’s boiling any water and Bun-Bun is safely hidden. (Kidding, everyone! No harming bunnies!)
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Ha! That’s for sure!
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I still remember the story of the hubs, putting a pot pie in the oven and fell asleep. He woke up eight hours later to a black brick
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This book looks like the MOST fun! Congrats, Tammy! I cannot wait to read it!
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I can vouch for the fun, Mel!
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thank you so much for the encouragement mail. It was fun, writing it, and I’m working hard on revising the second in the series. This one will feature the sidekick more
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Miss LARE, what fabulous advice!! What would I add? Nothing. You’ve covered it all. Which makes you a great amateur sleuth!
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ELLEN,
thank you so much for all the support you’ve given Ashley/miss LARE over the years. It’s the chicks that kept me going and getting this first book done.
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Awww. Love you!
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CALL IN FOR MURDER calls in for entertainment! Great post, Tammy and Miss Lare!!!
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Julia,
you are the best person a gal could have. You stood with me through everything this year, and I truly appreciate you. Glad you liked the book.
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Hi Ashley/Miss Lare and Tammy:
So funny! I giggled my way through your whole list.
Thank you for visiting us today. What an awesome post!
❤️ “There’s nothing glamorous about running in heels or trying to appear innocent when you’ve got police tape stuck to your blouse.”
As an amateur sleuth recommendation, I’d say keep a pair of comfortable shoes in the trunk, just in case! 🙂
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Cynthia,
good tip. Although Sandra bullock said it was easier running in the heels compared to walking in them on the stage in Miss congeniality.
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Sage advice and a fantastic boom cover. Cheers, Tammy and Miss LARE!
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I love the cover, too. So fun!
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j.C. Compliments from someone like you mean a lot to me! Expect a hug if you come to malice this year.
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Hoo, boy, I’d make for an awful sleuth. I’m way too chicken (says this Chick), and just the thought of trying to uncover an actual murder makes me break out in chicken skin.
But you have given me some great advice for the book I’m currently bogged down writing right now, so thank you Miss LARE–and Tammy! And I loved CALL IN FOR MURDER–congrats! Thanks so much for visiting the Chicks today!
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Leslie,
I don’t believe for a moment you’d be too chick. Look at everything you’ve done on your life. You are one of the most down to earth and bravest people I know!
thank you for all your support and love.
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Right back atcha, girl! xoxo
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Miss LARE, what a fun post! Oh, my gosh. (Love your writing voice.) Congratulations and best wishes on your new release. It sounds fantastic. And thank you so very much for filling in for Tammy. LOL! As far as tips for amateur sleuths, your list is pretty darn extensive, detailed and fun. Ha! I can’t think of anything to add. Perhaps just a recommendation to put your cellphone on Silent when shadowing a suspect or searching their home. Ha!
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Patricia,
I agree with the silencing of the cell phone. Although Ashley tends to only use the cell phones for actual phone calls. And nobody ever calls her anyway. even her mother only calls her on the landline. But I could just see Nathan calling Ashley at the most in opportune time. Plus, cell phone does have a flashlight app, one less thing to carry.
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My best advice for an amateur sleuth is that when the police tell you not to leave town, remember that they can’t actually enforce that. I love this post and can’t wait to read your book! Looking forward to FINALLY meeting you in person at Malice!
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Marla,
yes, it is true. Cops cannot tell you to not leave town. It’s just for the screen, to make things more exciting. Because you know someone who’s told to not leave town will start arguing.
but, just make sure that your state allows you to record conversations without the other person, knowing. Some states allow it, some states say one person has to know(which of course someone will know since you’re recording the conversation), and some states don’t allow it to unless both parties or all parties know it’s being recorded. That’s one thing I did check about the laws in Nevada when I was writing the book..
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I would make a much better sarcastic sidekick than sleuth! Let Miss Lare know if she needs a smarta$$ sidekick, I could be available! Congrats to Tammy on the book!!
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what a sweet thing to say! I will keep you in mind if I decide to fire Nathan as the sidekick. He does get on my nerves occasionally. Especially in this second book.
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That was a lot of fun. And great advice. It’s why I keep my sleuthing to strictly arm chair.
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Mark,
smart man. Armchair sleuthing is the best. Take it from someone who has been in precarious situations. Thank you for the support.
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