Murder mystery writer’s unusual way to sell her beachside home

A New Zealand author best known for her political thriller trilogy has penned new work to help sell her beachside home.

Virginia Innes-Jones, who writes under the pseudonym Hinemura Ellison, has listed her four-bedroom, two bedroom abode minutes from St Heliers Beach in Auckland.

Innes-Jones and her writer partner Darin Dance bought the rundown 1980s property less than a year ago for NZ$1.9 million ($1.7 million), OneRoof reported.

The ‘Snakes In Suits’ author said the house “spoke to her” and she felt compelled to “bring it back to life”. She made an offer the same day she inspected the house.

“I kind of fell in love with the story about the house and the old man who had lived there. It just reminded me of baches down in Akaroa, in the South Island, where I’ve spent a lot of holidays,” Innes-Jones, a retired journalist and communications coach, said.

A bach in New Zealand refers to a modest home or shack near the coast or river.

“Listen to the waves lapping on the shore mere steps away from your window as you unwind after a long day, embracing the laid-back holiday feeling that this home embodies,” the listing reads.

“Situated on a quiet no-exit street along the St Heliers promenade is this delightful four bedroom home boasting outstanding elevated views across the shimmering harbour to Rangitoto Island.”

When the couple took ownership of the home, they spent six months reviving the home.

“There were Jack and the Beanstalk-style weeds going through the joinery and the windows were hanging off their latches. It really needed to be sealed and painted,” Innes-Jones said.

There were also a few pleasant surprises.

When the couple pulled up the home’s old carpet, they found old coins that had been left there, they believe, for good luck and eternal health.

They reportedly returned the coins to the floor and added a few more when they laid new, push carpet.

Innes-Jones, who together with Dance, have written the murder mystery novels With Sharks With Lipstick, Snakes In Suits and Scorpions In Stilettos, said she spent many hours writing while staying in the home. Her work wasn’t just political thrillers, but also poetry.

Some of her work reportedly also appears in the property listing.

Innes-Jones told OneRoof she’s selling up to support her elderly parents.

The property is on the market with Veronica Schoonraad and Robert Ballard from Barfoot and Thompson. It has an asking price of NZ$2.8 million ($2.5 million).