Fiona Stoffer
work in progress

best before date

Crime under construction

Josie is like any other thirty-seven-year-old looking for the love of her life. Except that the men she sleeps with end up dead.

the story

Plot

Josie is looking for the love of her life. Now she turned thirty-seven, people around her say it's about time. But the few men she sleeps with all end up dead.

She teams up with her sister Tash to get to the bottom of this morbid mystery.

Can they stop the killer, or is Josie doomed to stay single forever?

Plan

There are several suspects to investigate, from an old high school stalker to her very own uncle.

With little help from the assigned detective, Josie and Tash set out on a quest to find the person responsible for the murders.

Problem

When Josie falls in love under these dire circumstances, she adds another person to the killer's hitlist.

But Josie becomes a key suspect herself, so they have to continue their investigation under the radar.

Clues involve famous books. Dark secrets are revealed. And the truth may be too close to home for comfort.

best before date

what inspired the novel

Again: Three key sources of inspiration.

Online dating

There seem to be as many dating apps as there are shoe brands. From casual sex to life-long commitment, choices are made from the comfort of people's couches.

No surprise most seem to be more skilled in taking selfies than in face-to-face conversations.

The demise of chivalry

Emancipation and feminism have brought great progress to society. But where are the men who dare flirt in public? When was the last time someone held a door open for you? Bought you more roses than you can hold?

Call me old-fashioned ...

Childhood trauma

I've been blessed with a safe and wonderful childhood, but not everyone around me has been so lucky.

The devastating impact of harmful childhood memories last for a lifetime and are not always understood.