French Roast and Lingerie is the title of Jed Oliver’s newest mystery novel. Don’t let the title or genre fool you, however. The Eau Claire writer’s novel brings all the best traits of mysteries, thrillers, comedies, satires, and romances together in a light-hearted take on the private investigator story.

“I have no urge to write anything dark and heavy,” Oliver explains. “If I wake up in the morning with a thought that makes me giggle, I know I’ll have a good day writing.”

Oliver’s upbeat and deliberately silly style of writing reflects this urge to write positively: His ultimate goal is that his audience will enjoy his books as much as he enjoys writing them.

Besides wanting to write books that are alternatives to the sadness and violence that often fills different forms of entertainment and reality, Oliver finds inspiration from many different places. His list of favorite authors is extensive and his life experiences give him plenty to write about.

“I started French Roast and Lingerie after attending a writers club meeting at a local Starbucks, where no one showed up except me,” he says, “The original chapter one (since modified) was written to show all the excitement the other members missed.”

Where a story will go after the initial inspiration is anyone’s guess, Oliver says: “If someone asked how the book will end, before I have finished it, I would throw up my hands in dismay. ‘Don’t tell me the ending! That would spoil the whole story for me!’ ” Since completing French Roast and Lingerie last fall, Oliver has not begun any large projects. However, he says, “Two of my novels, French Roast and Knut, were written with wide-open endings for possible sequels.”

I can’t imagine it will be too long before Oliver begins work on his next fun-loving mystery/thriller/comedy/romance novel.

French Roast and Lingerie is available at The Local Store, 205 N. Dewey St., and online.