Lies Are Better At The Lake: A Claire O'Keefe Mystery
by Cindy Quayle
About Lies Are Better At The Lake
Lies Are Better At The Lake: A Claire O'Keefe Mystery
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting - Arkansas
Independently Published
Publication date : February 24, 2026
Print length : 242 pages
Digital ASIN : B0GF38FDVD
Welcome to Osage Springs, where small-town charm meets big trouble.
When Claire O’Keefe’s father suffers a stroke, she puts her plans to teach overseas on hold and returns home to Osage Springs, Arkansas. Between caring for her parents and reconnecting with her roots, she expects a quiet few months—until a chance encounter at the grocery store changes everything.
An old high school classmate, now an English teacher at Lakeside High, asks Claire to fill in during her maternity leave. It sounds simple enough—grading essays, managing teenagers, and maybe sneaking in a lakeside walk or two. But when a fellow teacher is found dead in Beaver Lake, the sleepy Ozark town turns tense, and Claire once again finds herself drawn into a mystery she can’t ignore.
This time, the sheriff’s department is asking for volunteers to aid the search, and Claire can’t resist lending a hand. But as secrets rise to the surface, she begins to wonder if the lake is hiding more than just one deadly truth.
Can Claire help solve the case before the next body surfaces… or will she be the one caught beneath the calm, cold water?
About Cindy Quayle
Cindy Quayle is the author of the Claire O’Keefe Mystery series, cozy whodunits set in a variety of scuba diving destinations. After years of teaching students, Cindy took the plunge into fiction with her debut novel, Death on Cozumel Island, inspired by a family scuba diving vacation to Cozumel.
When she is not writing, Cindy teaches ESL part-time and draws inspiration from her love of travel and the underwater world. An avid scuba diver, she enjoys exploring new dive sites and weaving the sights, culture, and atmosphere of each location into her stories. Cindy enjoys connecting with readers and is active on social media, where she shares updates on her writing life, travel adventures, and upcoming Claire O’Keefe mysteries.
INTERVIEW
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved
stories, but I truly realized I wanted to be a writer during the pandemic. Like
many people, I found myself with more quiet time, and I finally decided to turn
the stories in my head into something real.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It usually takes me a
year from the first idea to the final draft. Some days the words flow easily,
and other days I stare at the screen and wonder why I thought this was a good
idea. Both are part of the process.
3. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I fit writing around my schedule
as a mom and a teacher, so it ispretty flexible.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I often reread what I
wrote the day before before starting something new. It helps me get back into
the story and reminds me where my characters left off.
5. How do books get published?
I chose to publish
independently because I like to choose the editors and designers.
Unfortunately, this means I have to handle the entire publishing process
myself. But it gives me creative freedom and lets me connect closely with
readers.
6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas come from
everyday life, travel experiences, small-town stories, and lots of people
watching. Sometimes one overheard conversation or a beautiful setting can spark
an entire mystery.
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book in
my late forties after years of thinking about it. It took courage to finally
begin, but once I did, I wished I had started sooner.
8. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love reading,
traveling, scuba diving, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family
and friends. All of those things refill my creative energy.
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family is incredibly
supportive. They are my biggest cheerleaders and my most honest readers. I am
lucky to have them in my corner.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in
creating your books?
I was surprised by how
attached I became to my characters. They feel like old friends now, and
sometimes they surprise me with their choices.
11. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written four books
in the Claire O’Keefe series, and each one feels special to me. Choosing a
favorite is like choosing a favorite child, so I usually say the newest one.
12. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
Read often, write
regularly, and be kind to yourself. Every writer starts somewhere. The most
important thing is to keep going, even on days when it feels hard.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do
they say?
Yes, and I treasure
every message. Readers often tell me that my books feel comforting, relaxing,
and fun. Hearing that my stories bring people joy is the best reward.
14. Do you like to create books for adults?
I do. I love writing cozy
mysteries for adults because they offer suspense, humor, and heart without
being too dark. They are perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.
15. What do you think makes a good story?
A good story has
relatable characters, a strong sense of place, and a mystery that keeps you
turning pages. Most of all, it should make readers feel something.
16. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I went through many
phases, but I always loved reading and learning. Looking back, it makes sense
that I ended up teaching and writing.
17. What would you like my readers to know?
I am deeply grateful for
every reader who gives my books a chance. Your support means more than you
know. I hope my stories bring you comfort, smiles, and a little mystery whenever
you need an escape.
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