Teresa Inge Shares How Classic Cars, Canine Companions, and Crime-Solving Fuel Her Mystery Writing

PHOTO: Author Teresa Inge, celebrated mystery writer, known for her engaging stories, strong female leads, and love of classic cars and canine companions.

Mystery, Motors, And Mutt Mysteries

Teresa Inge reveals how her love of classic cars, pets, and short fiction fuels her award-winning mystery stories while balancing a full-time career and active role in writing communities.

Teresa Inge brings a unique blend of charm, creativity, and classic Americana to the mystery genre. With a literary voice shaped by her early love for Nancy Drew and the timeless thrill of a Torch Red 1955 Thunderbird, Inge has carved a distinct niche in the world of short mystery fiction. Her stories are fueled by nostalgia, peppered with clever twists, and always driven by memorable characters—often accompanied by their loyal canine companions.

An award-winning author with contributions to more than a dozen anthologies and novellas, Teresa’s work is as dynamic as her own journey—from her roots as a Navy brat to her current life balancing a corporate career, vintage car shows, and a thriving writing life. Whether she’s capturing small-town suspense in Virginia is for Mysteries or blending bridal drama with murder in First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder, Teresa’s storytelling always delivers intrigue with heart and a touch of humor.

We’re proud to feature this interview with Teresa Inge, whose dedication to her craft and passion for community make her a standout voice in the mystery world.

Teresa Inge masterfully blends nostalgia, suspense, and charm into her mysteries, captivating readers with heartfelt characters and cleverly crafted storylines.

What inspired you to blend your love for mysteries and classic cars into your writing career?

Growing up, I was captivated by Nancy Drew mysteries, especially her iconic blue Roadster that she seamlessly maneuvered to solve crime and murder. Her adventurous spirit fueled my love for classic cars. This passion for timeless, stylish vehicles transitioned into my storytelling as my protagonists’ cruise through their own adventures in a T-Bird, a rugged Jeep, or another classic vehicle.  

How has your experience as a Navy brat influenced the characters or settings in your stories?

As a military family, we moved a lot, which gave me great insight into different settings, adaptability for my characters, and a strong sense of community. This contributes to my protagonist’s resilience to solve the murder and clear their name.

“We moved a lot, which gave me great insight into different settings and adaptability for my characters.” — Teresa Inge

Can you share the story behind your Torch Red 1955 Thunderbird and how it connects to your writing?

As a teenager, I cruised the local strip known as ‘gasoline alley’ and watched American Graffiti with the “blonde” in the T-Bird. This inspired me to buy my own T-Bird. I later found out I was the first female to own the car and that it had been featured in a magazine. The car always draws attention and sparks conversation at my book signings.

What draws you to writing short fiction and novellas over full-length novels?

Writing short stories and novellas is gratifying because they create a complete narrative with engaging characters, conflict, and resolution in a few pages. My short story writing is inspired by my early years reading Edgar Allan Poe.

How did your involvement with Sisters in Crime and the Guppies chapter shape your writing journey?

Sisters in Crime and the Guppies, an organization dedicated to supporting female crime writers, helped my writing career through networking, professional relationships, publishing opportunities, and developing my writing craft. I’ve been a member for over twenty years.

What challenges have you faced writing in collaborative anthologies like “Murder by the Glass” and “Virginia is for Mysteries”?

Working with multiple authors requires editing many stories and answering author questions. The final product is a great book promoted on social media by all the authors.

“Writing short stories is gratifying because they create a complete narrative in a few pages.” — Teresa Inge

Your Mutt Mysteries series combines pets and crime-solving; how do you develop the relationship between animals and their human counterparts in your stories?

I develop strong bonds between my protagonists and their dogs, Cagney and Lacey, and other dogs who help catch killers in each book.

What does your typical writing day look like while balancing a full-time job at a global financial firm?

I handle social media book promotions early in the morning before work and write in my car during my lunch hour and in my home office after work and on weekends.

“First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder is personally meaningful and award-winning.” — Teresa Inge

Out of all the anthologies you have contributed to, which story or project has been the most personally meaningful to you and why?

First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder is an all-female author anthology with tales of bridezillas, ruthless relationships, and some I dos and some I don’ts. The book won two awards and is a fun read.

What advice would you give to aspiring mystery writers looking to break into anthology publications?

Join the Short Mystery Fiction Society, writer’s groups, and attend writing conferences to make connections with short story writers and publishers of anthologies.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder: 19 Tales of Ruthless Relationships”

This anthology is a gripping collection of nineteen short stories blending romance and crime. With various settings, each tale explores themes of betrayal and murder. Crafted by talented authors, these self-contained stories feature unexpected twists, catering to lovers of mystery and dark humour.