Ep 71: Miniature Trains, Missing Equipment and a Mum Sleuth: Kate Solly on The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up

In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne welcome Kate Solly back to the podcast to chat about her latest cosy crime novel, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up. Kate's books have become beloved for their blend of mystery, humour, community chaos and deeply relatable motherhood moments — and this latest instalment is no exception. This time, amateur sleuth Fleck Parker finds herself investigating strange goings-on at the local miniature railway, where expensive equipment has mysteriously disappeared. Between feeding a hungry baby, managing a cranky toddler, surviving school drop-offs and protecting her Wordle streak, Fleck somehow also finds time to investigate crime. Meanwhile, her best friend Trixie is dealing with mounting volunteer drama at the local craft shop, proving once again that small-town community groups can be just as chaotic as any murder scene. In our conversation with Kate, we discuss: Why cosy crime readers love quirky community settings Balancing humour with genuine mystery and darker themes Writing motherhood in a realistic, funny and relatable way The inspiration behind Fleck Parker's chaotic but lovable character Crafting communities, miniature railways and small-town dynamics Why amateur sleuths make such compelling protagonists As always, Kate brings warmth and humour to the conversation, and we found ourselves laughing through much of the episode. If you love cosy mysteries filled with heart, chaos, friendship and community drama, this episode — and this book — are such a fun time. About the Book The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up is a cosy Australian mystery following amateur sleuth Fleck Parker as she investigates theft and suspicious behaviour at the local miniature railway. As Fleck juggles parenting chaos, community drama and mounting clues, she discovers that beneath the cheerful surface of Paradise Heights lies something far more sinister than anyone expected. About the Author Kate Solly is a writer, mother of six and author of Tuesday Evenings With the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up. Known for blending humour, heart and mystery, Kate writes cosy crime novels grounded in relatable family life, quirky communities and plenty of crafting chaos. Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you. 📚 Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration 📦 Or join our online book club, where we deliver books to your door and a book club to your reading nook