ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE JAN V1 2024 VOL VII. ISSUE XXXIX | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 05TH FEB 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
"THE INN ON THE ISLE: A DOVER AND POPPLIN" - BY AUTHOR V.A. DAWN
"In the whimsical realm of Rodentia, where sophistication met the allure of nature, the theft of the Braybrook jewels cast a shadow over Thistle Creek Inn. Enter Dover and Popplin, two vibrant young squirrels, their charming demeanor and keen wits hidden beneath the folds of impeccably tailored Victorian fashion.
Amidst their duties as hosts to the distinguished guests—such as the debonair Mr. Pembroke and the elegant Lady Prudence—the pair undertook the daunting task of solving the mystery. Assisted by a motley crew of woodland creatures—a perceptive magpie, a scholarly owl, a resourceful rabbit, and a dashing dragonfly carriage pilot—Dover and Popplin embarked on an adventure brimming with laughter and intrigue. From the opulent halls of Thistle Creek Inn to the moonlit forests, they followed clues woven intricately into the fabric of their surroundings. Amidst dragonfly-drawn carriages and glamorous soirées, the duo uncovered the trail leading to the missing jewels, employing a combination of astute deduction and whimsical charm to restore the treasures to their rightful place.Their quest, rife with camaraderie and unexpected turns, unfolded into one of Rodentia's most captivating tales, celebrated by its inhabitants as a testament to the indomitable spirit and camaraderie that bound the woodland community."
BOOK REVIEW
The perfect reader for this book would be a fashion-conscious teenage girl who loves animals and mysteries. That being said, I'm an older woman who was transported by the tale and loved every minute of it! The fun is in the details: chocolate eclairs and sugared flies for dessert, pink taffeta and pink satin shoes for the intrepid young lady squirrels, and the loveliest, finely drawn sketches of Dover, Popplin, and their friends. The cover art alone is worth the price of the book. If you or your daughters are interested in savvy woodland critters who are dressed to the nines as they search for a killer and the missing jewellery treasure at the Inn on the Isle, then this is the book for you!
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR V.A. DAWN
V.A. Dawn stands as an illustrious figure within the charming province of Rodentia, her origins tracing back to the very heart of Cork Tree—a place steeped in mystique and wonder. Widely acknowledged as a luminary mystery writer, she has etched her name into the annals of Rodentia's literary legacy.
Residing amidst the tranquil ambience of the small village of Chatterers, V.A. Dawn's life embodies a fascinating blend of wanderlust and creativity. Her days are often consumed by traversing the vast expanse of Rodentia's countryside, immersing herself in the diverse landscapes that inspire her narratives. Amidst the breathtaking vistas of verdant woodlands and meandering brooks, she finds the wellspring of her storytelling inspiration.
However, when the allure of exploration subsides, V.A. Dawn retreats to her rustic cottage—a haven nestled amidst the murmuring trees. Here, in the quietude of her writing sanctuary, she crafts tales that have bewitched and enamored the denizens of Rodentia for generations. Her literary oeuvre bears testimony to her unparalleled skill in weaving captivating stories that resonate deeply with Rodentia's inhabitants. Her narratives, steeped in mystery and woven with threads of intrigue, have the uncanny ability to transport readers into the vibrant and enchanting world of the wood folk.
A recent and notable development in V.A. Dawn's career has been her unprecedented decision to share one of her cherished fictitious works with the human world. This move seeks to offer human readers a rare and entrancing glimpse into the intricacies of life in Rodentia—an invitation to explore the magical realm inhabited by the wood folk, brimming with camaraderie, wonder, and mysteries waiting to be unravelled. With her storytelling prowess and profound connection to the essence of Rodentia, V.A. Dawn's decision to release her work beyond the woodland borders has generated immense anticipation among human audiences, eager to immerse themselves in the charm and allure of Rodentia's extraordinary world.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR V.A. DAWN WITH DE MODE
Q: 'The Inn on the Isle: A Dover and Popplin Mystery,' introduces readers to the fantastical world of Rodentia. What inspired this unique and whimsical setting for your mystery series?
A. As a young squirrel, I was able to obtain books from the human world. I especially enjoyed reading the stories by Kenneth Grahame, Thornton W. Burgess and Beatrix Potter. Later, I was introduced to Agatha Christie and Jane Austin. My dream has always been to write novels, but I could never quite define what type of novel I wanted to write. Since I have enjoyed reading about the human world so much, I decided to write a novel about the world I live in, one the encompassed romance and mystery.
Q: Dover and Popplin, your protagonists, are woodland creatures on a thrilling adventure. How did you develop these characters, and what qualities do you believe make them endearing to readers?
A. Dover and Popplin’s personalities are complete opposites of each other, yet they are life-long friends. While Dover would be considered a “tomboy” in the human world, Popplin would be considered a “fashionista”. They remain loyal to each other, despite their different likes and social standings. They are willing to fight for each other, stand by each other, and support one another, no matter what situation they face in their lives.
Q: The Braybrook jewels' mystery serves as a central plot in your book. Can you share some insights into your process of crafting intricate mysteries and keeping readers engaged throughout the story?
A. The ability to write an enthralling “who done it” is an art. I love Agatha Christies ability to weave a wonderful mystery based on quirky characters. I humbly attempted to follow her lead in creating this story. I will never achieve her level of brilliance, but it is thanks to her novels that I try and “think outside the box” when creating a mystery.
Q: Rodentia is portrayed as a Victorianesque world. How did you merge elements of Victorian-era aesthetics with the charm of woodland creatures, and what challenges did you face in creating this hybrid world?
A. I was worried about the terms we use here in Rodentia sounding unfamiliar to those in the human world. For instance, I could not call a male squirrel a gentleman… since here he is called a gentle squirrel or gentle animal. We also have paws, so we do not use handkerchiefs in our world, but pawkerchiefs.
Q: Your author, V.A. Dawn, is a well-known mystery writer in Rodentia. Are there any parallels between your experiences and those of V.A. Dawn as a writer?
A. My human friend who is helping me with promoting my books in her world, always tells me that she wishes she was me. She says she longs for the “less hectic and peaceful world, that I live in.” I do have to admit, sitting quietly in my forest cottage, drinking a hot cup of tea and creating enjoyable literature for people of all ages to read is quite enjoyable.
Q: The series follows the 'Dover and Popplin Mystery' genre. What do you hope readers take away from each installment, and how do you envision the evolution of these characters in future books?
A. I want everyone who reads these books to feel good, to be eager to see how Dover and Popplin’s friendship grows, and watch as they grow as individuals. In future books, they will face new challenges, learn secrets about their friends that they had not expected, and make some difficult choices. That being said, the one thing that will never change is their friendship for each other.
Q: Your storytelling transports readers into a world where woodland creatures navigate life in a unique setting. What do you find most enjoyable about creating this fantastical realm?
A. My favorite part is enlightening the humans about our world. Basically, animals are the equivalent to humans in your world and insects are equivalent to animals in the human world.
Q: What prompted the decision to share your fictitious works with the human world, and what do you hope human readers find most captivating about the world of the wood folk?
A. I decided to share my works because my human friend told me she felt her friends would love to catch a glimpse into my world. Human readers will be amazed to see the parallels of both our worlds, and I hope they become as attached to my world as I have become to theirs.
Q: Could you share any insights into your creative process? Do you have any rituals or methods that help you immerse yourself in the world of Rodentia while writing?
A. It’s quite easy to immerse myself into the world of Rodentia, as I am from here. I wish my home was a little larger, I would invite you for a visit so you could see the beauty and peaceful surrounding I live in. And, perhaps the best ritual for me to inspire my creativity is a hot cup of earl grey.
Q: What can readers expect from future mysteries in the 'Dover and Popplin' series, and are there any hints you can share about the next adventures awaiting your beloved characters?
A. Their next adventure is slated to be released late spring, early summer of 2024. Oak Hollow Village will be hosting a carnival, complete with Snakensteins monster. Plus, Flow’s Isle Inn will be hosting a royal party. Romance, mystery and mayhem will once again be on the menu!