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Having my Christmas Mysteries series brought to life by an incredible narrator is a dream come true, and it gets even better, because Charlie Albers is also a fabulous person and a joy to work with. She is always encouraging, excited and eager to make this collaborative project as great as it can be!

I was delighted when Charlie agreed to sit down and answer a few questions for me. These are questions I was really curious about, and I think you’ll find them interesting too!

Grab yourself a hot cocoa and enjoy the read!

1. How did you first get into audiobook narration, and what drew you to this line of work?

Many years ago, I used to work at BBC audiobooks, back when scripts were on paper and things were only recorded in the studio. I was working in the marketing department and helping the actors with whatever they needed but I always looked at the actors coming in with awe… like it was the best job! And it is.

I studied acting and performed at The Theatre Royal Bath and Bristol Old Vic but then fell in love with cooking and decided to train in culinary arts, studied Food Science and Psychology for my degree, but I have always listened to audiobooks, or books on tape as they were then. I am an avid reader, a mum of 3 kids and 2 dogs and storytelling and performing has always been a huge part of my world. I have one rule at home, you can buy as many books as you like, just never ever get rid of them! (Mona: I have this rule too and my daughter takes full advantage of it! I will say no to many things, but never books!)

When I moved to America in 2015, I felt a real yearning for more creative work. I returned to acting in 2019 and immediately fell in love with recording audiobooks and recording audio dramas and video games too. Anything that involved character work and narrative storytelling always has my heart.

2. You’ve narrated such a wide range of stories — what is it about cozy mysteries that makes them special to perform?

There is something beautiful about a cozy mystery, how it makes you want to really reach in and snuggle up. The world is crazy enough and we all need a sweet escape, and I think the cozies offer this respite from whatever is going on so that we can really sink into relaxing and just “be”.

I am lucky I get to narrate so many genres, but I always say cozies feel like a gentle head massage for my brain. I can dive into the characters and know I won’t get a jump scare or sob at a sad ending. (Mona: a gentle head massage for the brain - that’s a perfect description!!)

3. Do you have a particular process for preparing a book before recording — like annotating character voices, or mapping emotional beats?

I read the book as I would normally, fast to just enjoy it. In the bath, in bed, in a café. That way I get to really dive in and digest it.

Then I go back and write down every single character that appears and anything that distinguishes them or notes in the text that have been used to describe them. If a big arc or event happens in the story, I will make a note of it, so I know to get ready to build up to that.

I take every single character that speaks or is mentioned (even if they don’t speak because they may appear in future books) and record a few lines of text for them.

Right now, I just wrapped recording book 6 in your Candy Cane Hollow series, and my library has 78 voices that have appeared for your books. I keep hold of all of these, so I never forget for future books to maintain consistency. (Mona: WOW! JUST WOW!)

4. How long does it typically take you to record and edit a full-length cozy mystery?

I can prep and record a 4-hour cozy over 2-3 days typically. Especially with series where most of the characters have already been established. But I don’t like to rush my work. I like to savour everything I do!

5. What’s one thing you wish more listeners knew about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating an audiobook?

I wish people knew how thrilled we are as actors to be trusted to take on these beautiful projects and give them a voice. And to always feel free to ask us if we are available.

Also I wish that people could see more of me recording live but I am such a nerd and very focused I think I might scare people off! BUT if your listeners want a behind the scenes I can do some. Show them how it all looks and what the set-up is. Sometimes it is nice to show that human side of recording. (Mona: this would be so cool!)

6. What first attracted you to the Candy Cane Hollow series — and what did you think when you first met Holly Wood on the page?

Oh I fell in love immediately!!! Everything from the cover to the name, the village… and also working with you! I love your work so so much, I was so happy to be cast. Thank you for trusting me.

I knew I would love Holly immediately, she is feisty, but also super kind and sweet. The scene with August and Holly chatting and then when Mrs Claus arrives and is rescuing Holly had me in stitches and don’t get me started on Gilbert!! I LOVE him. (Mona: oh no, another Gilbert fan! That elf won’t be able to fit his head through the kitchen door at Claus Cottage if this carries on…!)

7. I try to give the books a warm, festive atmosphere. How do you capture that holiday magic in your voice without it sounding overly sweet or forced?

I honestly think that just reading it like it’s a conversation between characters rather than typically “reading” it, so it feels more natural for me. I am not forcing anything, but letting the giggles come out, and giving each character a little personality and really imagining I am IN the book. Surrounded by snow and hot cocoa. I make my studio cozy, I like to have a candle warming and I narrate my cozies sitting down with a blanket, so it feels like I am reading to the listeners by the fire.

8. Do you have a favourite voice to perform in the Christmas Mysteries series, and why?

I LOVE Gilbert.. he is so much fun. He has such an attitude but we all know he is a big softie at heart. Just stay out of his kitchen!!! I relate to Gilbert… I really do.

And I really love voicing Mrs Claus because she is so sweet and kind and warm and reminds me of my mama back in the UK. I based her on my mother and Father Christmas on my step father.. shh don’t tell them 😉

9. Which book or scene has been your favourite to narrate so far, and what made it memorable?

OMG I have loved them ALL! Literally each book is a beautiful woven story into the next.

I absolutely LOVE when they meet for the first time in book 1. That to me was not only fun, but special as you are living through Holly as she walks into this wonderful magical world of Candy Cane Hollow and meets everyone, including Nick for the first time.

But then I also really love when in later books, we get to meet all the different sometimes naughty characters. I have had so much fun with all the different personalities. I won’t give anything away but it has been so much fun. I hope your listeners love them all as much as I loved narrating them.

10. Holly and Nick’s love story runs through the series alongside the mysteries. How do you balance the cozy romance and the suspense elements in your narration?

I love that there is a gentle love story running through and how it builds and builds. Because the whole premise is not only love, but teamwork and togetherness and the importance of family looking out for each other in times of despair. I kind of relate to that with my family here in the USA, we have each other no matter what. I love having a cozy romance and mystery together and I try to balance this by softening a little when Nick and Holly are together to show that this is a sweet moment of affection and love. Love triumphs always!

11. Do you listen to other narrators for inspiration, or do you consciously avoid that to keep your own voice unique?

I listen to audiobooks, but not for inspiration only to love the story. I am sometimes lucky to be invited to judge awards, and this year I got to listen to some amazing audiobook narrators and now have an extra-long list of books to listen to.

I don’t really get inspiration though because I think we are all so different and my own rule in narrating is to really be myself for the main person and main narrative, because that is the one that will speak the most so it has to feel natural, and then sprinkle in extra characters that I have in my toolbox.

12. How do you take care of your voice and energy levels when recording long sessions — especially during busy seasons like Christmas?

Lots of liquid hydration; coffee, water with lemon, tea, saltwater gargles, steaming if and when my voice feels scratchy. I take regular supplements and eat very healthy food, plus I am about to make my fire cider shots for the winter which is a great immune booster.

I wish I could say I sleep a lot, but 3 kids and 2 dogs mean I am up at 6. But I am a real believer in making the house cozy and warm and we all like to flop and watch films or read. I am not a big socializer and I don’t drink and if I do go out I want to be home in bed by 10pm in my pjs with a hot chocolate. I think Gilbert has rubbed off on me!

Also I wear a scarf pretty much all the time to keep my throat warm, have blankets in my studio and am a stickler for wearing a mask when I travel.

13. What kind of listener feedback means the most to you? Have you ever received a message from a fan that really stuck with you?

I love all feedback honestly. I am always so proud when I see my work in the wild and am so happy when people love the work I do. It is such an honour to do this work, and to have people love it. I love when they say that the character voices were spot on, or that they will listen to more of my work. Repeat listeners are always a treat!

14. If you could step into Candy Cane Hollow for a day, what would you do first — visit a certain shop, meet a particular character, or maybe attend one of the town’s famous events?

I would have to sit down with Gilbert and talk cooking and meal prep, being a chef that is a passion of mine. Maybe I would beg him to let me use his amazing new cookware set so I could rustle up some great dishes… although we all know he will threaten to hang up his apron and leave… so maybe not! (Mona: it was such a beautiful friendship until now… lol!)

15. Finally, can you share what’s next for you — any upcoming projects or audiobooks you’re especially excited about?

Recording wise, I have 4 books left to record for 2025: a fantasy, a fun mystery set in Scotland, plus two fun rom coms.

Other than that, I am looking forward to lots of family time. Walking my dogs on the beach. This is honestly one of my favourite times of year. I have scheduled my work so I can take some time off to pop into NYC; I am super excited the Rockefeller Christmas Tree has arrived and look forward to checking out the Winter Village plus it is ski season soon so we will be enjoying A LOT of hot chocolate! My husband just got back from the UK and brought me more of my favorite which I can’t get here.

Early next year I have booked 2 more fantasy, more from Candy Cane Hollow and a historical suspense series. But I am hoping for more - my schedule is ready to be filled!

Thank you so much for inviting me to answer your questions. Happy Holidays!

(Mona: thanks so much Charlie, this has been so interesting and so much fun! Happy, happy holidays to you!)

xoxo