Connie Mann is the award-winning author of almost a dozen books including her new release from Tyndale House, The Crown Conspiracy. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and, when not writing, “Captain Connie” introduces Florida sightseers and students to dolphins, manatees, and other coastal creatures. Connie is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future.

She and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring new places, especially those involving water and boats.

 

What started you on your writing journey?

I’ve always been an avid reader and I wrote my first story in third grade, an epic tale about my hamster called, Susie’s Babies. Later, I wrote non-fiction articles for parenting magazines, then a parenting book, and finally took a leap of faith and switched to fiction.

What has kept you writing even when life tried to get in the way?

Ironically, becoming a boat captain in 2006 is what has kept me writing. When the opportunity to train as a captain came along, I was ready to quit writing. I couldn’t take one more rejection and if I didn’t get out of my house, I was going to lose what was left of my ever-loving mind. I found that being on the water resets my brain in amazing ways. When I’m at the helm, I am fully present and nothing else exists. That lets my brain rest and reset and eventually, that’s what allowed me to get back to the writing.

Let’s talk about your new book, The Crown Conspiracy (Tyndale, June 2024). Please tell us about it.

I am so excited about this story. Here’s the back cover copy to give you a little taste:

She’s a master at spotting a forgery … and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown … and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

Lots of intrigue! What drew you to the suspense genre—and to this story?

I grew up reading the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, Encyclopedia Brown and Harriet the Spy. Actually, I wanted to BE Harriet, and carried a little notebook around to jot down observations about my family and friends, which oddly, they didn’t appreciate at all, LOL!

But I think it’s the love of the puzzle that draws me to this day. Why do people do what they do? What clues do they leave behind?

This story was born out of asking, “Why do the guys seem to have all the good adventures? Why aren’t there women saving the day? What if there was a women’s secret society that helps other women?” So I decided to write what I wanted to read.

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

I grew up part of Pioneer Girls (like Christian Girl Scouts) and we quoted this verse all the time: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) The leaders reminded us, again and again, that a lantern only lets you see the next step, never the whole path, and that’s where faith comes in. We trust in God’s leading, one single step at a time, trusting that He can see the entire road ahead even when we’re fumbling around in the dark. That reminder has been one of the guiding principles of my life.

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Curious. I am endlessly fascinated by what’s around the next curve, meeting the next interesting person, discovering the next incredible view or cool old building, tiny seashell or beautiful flower.

Thanks, Connie! It’s great to have you back at Divine Detour.

Thanks so much for having me back. It’s been such a pleasure. 

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For more information about Connie, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

To order The Crown Conspiracy, go to —