Books · Heroine Interviews · Writing

SRP Heroine Interview: Samantha Kidd from Buyer, Beware

Hello blogger readers! Today, I’m getting to know Samantha Kidd from Buyer, Beware

Buyer Beware1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life?

I’m strapped. But after finding the buyer of handbags for Heist (the new department store in Ribbon, Pennsylvania) dead, the company owner asked me to take the job. Yay! Except that he asked me to find some answers, too. Apparently my reputation precedes me. The local detective thinks he knows who did it but I don’t think he’s right. I need help figuring things out but I don’t want to drag my friends into this. And Nick Taylor—the shoe designer I’m starting to date–is out of town. So, maybe that hot biker guy who I just met? He seems just shady enough to get dirty with me—I mean, do some digging. Only thing is, I think the real killer knows I’m getting close and I’m a little afraid for my life.

 2. What made you decide to take on such a risky endeavor?

A)   This poor woman died and I think I can help figure out why.

B)   Now that I’m not so sure the police are on the right track, I have to consider the fate of the person I think is innocent. Not too long ago, that was my situation, and I would have liked to have someone like me in my corner.

C)   I need the money to pay the rent (and cat food for Logan, and maybe a new outfit too).

3. Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

No–I’m a former fashion buyer! Well, I guess I’m a current fashion buyer again. But it turns out fighting crime isn’t all that different from figuring out how to find key categories, end on planned inventory levels or do three-month projections. It’s all about identifying risks and seeing what you can work with.

4. Who would you say is the least pleased about your additional career choice of amateur sleuthing? Or is detective work your only career?

Well…normally I’d say that would be Detective Loncar, the homicide detective in Ribbon, Pennsylvania, but, funny thing: he’s okay with me digging into things at Heist (as long as I keep him in the loop). Which  means, Nick Taylor, my boyfriend-slash-shoe designer (who’s in Italy at the moment) gets bumped up to first choice for that spot.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths: determination, problem-solving skills, accessorizing.

Weaknesses: Pretzels and sandwiches. And sometimes I get a wee bit too defensive when people don’t see things my way. Sometimes.

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

I think a self-rescue princess is a woman who can take care of herself, but still can appreciate a fine man who sends her flowers every once in a while.

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

Most problems, no matter how large they seem, have solutions. If you think about a problem and approach it from different ways, you can figure it out. Maybe not the way people want you to, and maybe people won’t believe you when you say you can, but you can. And being able to figure things out on your own is empowering!

8. What was one lesson you learned during this challenging time in your life?

That maybe you think you know what you want, but you might be wrong. Or, that it’s okay to embrace my naturally curly hair.

9. If your story or life had a theme song, what would it be?

“Messing With the Kidd” by Junior Wells. But sometimes I pretend the Go-Gos or No Doubt did a cover of it. Either version would be great!

10. Do you plan on dabbling in amateur sleuthing in the future, or have you hung up your detective hat?

Funny you should mention hats. My friend Eddie mentioned something about helping him with a costume exhibit at the local Museum of Art. I think he specifically mentioned millinery… And Cat’s been asking me if I’ll come work at her store for the holidays. Nick seems determined to help me find a job. He said something about helping a friend of his with a runway show? I’m not sure which way I’ll go.

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