Former Army detective Kate Holland finally remembers what happened during her eleven hours as a POW in Afghanistan. She wishes she didn’t.
Her PTSD raging, Kate’s ready to turn in her badge with the Braxton PD, but she can’t. The wife of a Muslim US Army soldier has been found stabbed and left to burn in a field, and Kate’s boss has turned to her. Again.
Kate suspects an honor killing…until the wife of another soldier is found in the next town over, also stabbed and burned. When a third military wife is murdered, Kate uncovers a connection to a local doctor. But the doc is not all she appears to be. Worse, Kate’s nightmares and her case have begun to clash. The fallout is deadly as Kate’s lured back to where it all began.
IN THE NAME OF: A Hidden Valor Military Veteran/K-9 Suspense (Hidden Valor Book #2) by Candace Irving is another edge-of-your-seat action suspense/mystery/police procedural mash-up featuring a small-town deputy who’s past as a former Army detective seems to continue to follow her. Both books, one and two have been great reads and with Kate’s continuing battle with PTSD and the overlap of important characters, I feel they are best read in order of release.
Deputy Kate Holland’s PTSD is taking over her life and even though she has started seeing a VA psychiatrist, she feels it is best to turn in her badge. Then she gets called to a horrific scene of a female with stab wounds and her burned body in a field. It brings back flashbacks from her attacked burning Humvee during her deployment. When a second body is found the same way in a neighboring town, Kate is reunited in her investigation with Deputy Aresh, who is still in the Army Reserve and helped in The Garbage Man case. Both believe these are “honor killings”. Both women are Muslim, and their husbands are Muslim Americans in the active services.
The women all seem tied to a doctor who claims no knowledge of either, but Kate knows she is lying. When a CIA operative warns them off the case, Kate and Aresh only dig deeper after a third murder, and Kate discovers that she must return to a place she swore never to return to.
I cannot say enough about this series. Kate is a complex, realistic, fully developed protagonist that makes me feel every emotion as I discover more and more of her story. She is a complex mix of fragile and yet strong. I enjoyed the scenes with Kate’s German Shepard, Ruger once again, even though he does not play a pivotal role in this plotline. It is also nice to see Kate take another chance on a “maybe” romance after so many men have let her down or betrayed her in the past. There are graphic descriptions of stabbed and burned women, but I never felt it was gratuitous. Kate’s PTSD is realistically portrayed, and the author does provide information on PTSD and the treatment regimen Kate is receiving in a postscript. The suspense plot in this story is intricately plotted and fast paced to lead Kate and Aresh in many different directions due to their own personal past experiences and it kept me guessing all the way to the climax. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this powerful and thrilling action suspense/mystery!
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About the Author
A former US Navy Lt., Candace Irving is the daughter of a librarian and a retired boatswain’s mate chief. Candace grew up in the Philippines, Germany, and all over the United States. Her senior year of high school, she enlisted in the US Army. Following basic training, she transferred to the Navy’s ROTC program at the University of Texas-Austin. While at UT, she spent a summer in Washington, DC, as a Congressional Intern. She also worked security for the UT Police. BA in Political Science in hand, Candace was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy and sent to Surface Warfare Officer’s School to learn to drive warships. From there, she followed her father to sea.
Candace Irving writes gritty military thrillers. She is the author of the Deception Point Military Detective Thriller Series and the Hidden Valor Military Veterans/K9 Psychological Suspense Series. She also writes military romance and romantic suspense as Candace Irvin (without the “g”).
Housekeeper Phyllida Bright is quite in her element at Mallowan Hall, the charming English manor that she keeps in tip-top shape. By contrast, the bustling metropolis of London, where her famed employer Agatha Christie has temporarily relocated, leaves Phyllida a bit out of her depth. Not only must she grapple with a limited staff, but Phyllida also has to rein in a temperamental French cook who has the looks of Hercule Poirot, but none of the charm.
When a man named Archibald Allston is found dead in an armchair onstage at the Adelphia Theater, first impressions are that he died of natural causes. But the very next day, the unlucky actor playing Benvolio at the Belmont Theater is found with his head bashed in. And when a third victim turns up, this time with double-C initials, the fatal pattern is impossible to ignore.
With panic erupting among theater folk—a superstitious bunch at the best of times—Phyllida steps up to help with the investigation. The murderer’s M.O. may be easy to read, but can Phyllida uncover the killer’s identity before the final curtain falls on another victim?
MURDER TAKES THE STAGE (Phyllida Bright Mystery Book #4) by Colleen Cambridge is another wonderful addition to this addictive historical mystery series featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper, Phyllida Bright. I look forward to reading each new murder mystery and catching up with this memorable cast of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone mystery, but the characters continue to evolve so I have enjoyed and recommend reading them in order.
Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper of Mallowan Hall for her friend Agatha Christie, but Agatha and her husband are in London at the moment to see about a proposed production for one of her plays and she has asked Phyllida to follow to take care of their rented home in the city. Phyllida is anxious about being in London due to her past, which is still a mystery to everyone but Agatha and Phyllida.
Phyllida gets a call to come to the theater and discovers a dead actor on the stage. While it appears to be a death by natural causes, she can’t help being struck by the circumstances. The actor was Archie Allston asleep in an armchair at the Adelphia theater. The very next day, Trent Orkney who is playing Benvolio is found on a stage balcony with his head bashed in at the Belmont theater. When a third victim, Claudia Carmichael is catapulted from the catwalk at the Clapham theater, Phyllida is determined to uncover and stop the killer before they can murder their way through any more of the alphabet.
This is my favorite so far in the series. Besides the fun alliteration and the perfectly paced murder plot, this book finally reveals Phyllida’s secret and the reason she never likes to travel far from Mallowan Hall or be around law enforcement. This book also advances the budding attraction between Phyllida and Bradford, the Mallowan’s chauffeur, but we are still waiting for more of Bradford’s backstory which is only hinted at. Phyllida’s denouement was dramatically given on a theater stage and walked the cast of characters and the reader through all the possibilities, twists, and red herrings which led to the grand reveal of the killer. It was a surprise to me, and I love it when that is the case.
I highly recommend this historical crime mystery series! It is always a must-read for me.
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About the Author
Colleen Cambridge is the pen name for an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. From a young age, Colleen has loved reading mysteries and now she couldn’t be happier that she is able to write them.
Under several pseudonyms, she has written more than 36 books in a variety of genres and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.
Hostage Security is a suspenseful romance that involves a child being kidnapped. Five years ago, Josh Stafford ended his engagement to Natalie Croft after he pleaded guilty to a crime he did not commit to protect his loved ones. As he was leaving for prison, he told Natalie that he did not love her, which devasted Natalie. She does not want anything to do with Josh, so she never tells him she was pregnant with his child, Henry. Fast forward to the present where Josh is out of prison and working as a security specialist for the Payne Protection Agency as a guard at Natalie’s’ family jewelry store. Now the son he never met is kidnapped. Natalie, Josh, and the rest of those at the Agency must find Henry before it is too late.
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Bachelor Cowboys – Book #8
Elise’s Description and Thoughts
A Match for the Sheriff has single mom Sarah Reynolds raising her 6-year-old son, Mikey, and taking care of the elderly ranch owner, the father of the Cassidy family. She is worried that her son may have started the fire at the ranch they were living in, but he refuses to talk to her. Marsh, the sheriff of the town, wants to get to the bottom of who started the fire or whether it was an accident. After he starts to suspect that his dad’s nurse or her son knew something about the fire, he begins to spend time with them to get answers. But the longer he is with them the more he starts to care for them. Readers will enjoy finding out what will happen between Marsh and Sarah as well as how the fire mystery will be solved.
Both books are entertaining and will keep readers turning the pages.
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Author Interview
Elise Cooper: Is Hostage Security the first book in a new series?
Lisa Childs: Yes. It is a continuation of my “Bachelor Bodyguard Series,” which has been going for many years. This is the first book in the “Payne Protection Agency Series,” somewhat of a spin-off. I think there will be five books total. The two brothers heading this Agency, are connected to Penny Payne, the matriarch of the Payne family. These brothers are a bad-boy characters that were also suspects in the first couple of books. They are Polish and I am half-Polish myself.
EC: How would you describe the female lead, Natalie?
LC: She feels helpless and does not feel like she is in control. She is scared. I think she is straight-forward, honest, angry, frustrated, and bitter. She is brave because she will do whatever it takes to get her child back.
EC: How would you describe Josh?
LC: Resentful, selfless, has made sacrifices, and he is scared for his son. He knows with hostages they must act quickly to get them back.
EC: What about the relationship?
LC: When he went to jail, she was devasted. Her trust in him and herself was shaken. She is resentful and mistrustful. They both have lies and secrets that they have kept from each other.
EC: Did you do any research?
LC: I looked up police procedures and spent a lot of time on the FBI website.
EC: What is the role of Henry?
LC: Natalie did not want Henry, her and Josh’s son, to visit him in prison. As he was going to prison, he said he did not want anything to do with her, which she assumed meant nothing to do with her and her child. Henry is the something good coming from something bad.
EC: In your other book, A Match for The Sheriff does the fire plays a big role?
LC: It is an ongoing theme since no one knows how it started. Everybody was worried that Cash Cassidy, one of the brothers, started it after his lighter was found. I was an insurance agent for over twenty years and wrote how the insurance company was dragging out the payment, where the adjuster is notorious for pushing arson charges so that he could deny claims.
EC: Is this a new series?
LC: No. This is the eighth book in the “Bachelor Cowboy Series.” I am writing four more books coming out in this series.
EC: Do the cowboy hats the Cassidy brothers wear reflect their differences?
LC: Yes, they are very different. Readers can tell their different personalities by the different colors they wear with the hats. Cash wears brown, enjoying being in nature and taking care of animals. Marsh wears white, the lawman and is the peace maker. Colton wears black, he is the fireman that must handle ashes. Collin does not wear one.
EC: How would you describe the hero, Marsh?
LC: Has a sense of humor, calm, and very observant. He felt a loss when his brother Cash went away for all those years.
EC: How would you describe Sarah?
LC: Strong, resilient, vulnerable, compassionate, anxious, protective, and distrusting.
EC: What was the role of Sarah’s son Mikey?
LC: He was bullied and had a rough time in school because his dad was a criminal. Sarah is very protective of him. She is a mama-bear. He is sensitive, quiet, shy, skittish, impressionable, and loves animals.
EC: What about the relationship between Sarah and Marsh?
LC: She feels intimidated by him. They are both uneasy about their feelings. Marsh can read her. Sarah is very nervous as to why he takes a sudden interest in her. She also cares about Marsh and does not want him to lose the election because he associates with her. In a way she is protective of him.
EC: Next books?
LC: There will be books about the Lemmon brothers. The first book has one of them finding a baby on the ranch. It is titled The Cowboy’s Baby Surprise out in July.
Personal Security is the title of the next book coming out in May. It will be Ivan’s story where he is assigned to protect an art gallery. It was once a front for money laundering. The heroine is trying to open the gallery to honor her late dad, but someone is sabotaging her efforts.
B is for Bonnet and Unforgotten by Shelley Shepherd Gray are both riveting stories.
Book Description
Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .
When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?
A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .
Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.
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Elise’s Thoughts
B is for Bonnet continues the story of four English raised siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Johnny, who return to their grandparents Ohio community as they ponder becoming Amish. This book is Johnny’s story who becomes smitten with Amish café owner Treva Kramer. He and she must navigate the difficulties of being heartbroken, she by a former boyfriend and he by his father, Matt, who was MIA during his childhood. This book is about love, forgiveness, family and second chances where Treva is willing to take a chance on a new relationship and Matt tries to be closer to his children.
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Book Description
Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.
Jay Byler had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.
As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.
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Elise’s Thoughts
Unforgotten, is Bethanne Hostetler’s story. Readers might remember her from book one, Unforgiven. This book also delves into abuse and has Bethanne’s cousin, Candace, being stalked, bringing to the surface all of Bethanne’s fears and memories. As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain a professional distance. Bethanne also wants a relationship with Jay Byler, a man feeling guilty about not helping during and after her traumatic event. She realizes she wants a relationship, but needs to move slowly, something he is willing to do. Just as it seems the four might find their happily ever after, a chilling plan hatched by Candace’s stalker puts their lives in danger. This story has romance, suspense, healing, forgiveness, plus the issues and aftermath of assault and PTSD.
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Author Interview
Elise Cooper: How far through the alphabet do you plan on going in this series?
Shelley Shepard Gray: When I first started writing an alphabet series with my editor and we laughed about writing stories surrounding the whole alphabet. I started thinking I would write three books with the Amish ABCs. I am happy to say I just got a contract for D and E, slowly making my way through the alphabet.
EC: How did you get the idea for the story in B is for Bonnet?
SSG: This book involves Johnny, the youngest sibling. I thought that it would be nice to have the parent’s point of view, which is why Matt, the dad, and Kennedy play a role in this book. I think the story is richer because of putting them in the book.
EC: How would you describe Johnny?
SSG: He is independent, secure, confident, sensitive, sarcastic, sweet and kind. Sometimes he says things and does not think before he says them, basically impulsive. He has a little bit of growing up to do. He contrasts with Beth and Martin who are very cautious. Johnny is at a crossroads as he tries to figure out his future.
EC: How would you describe Matt, the dad?
SSG: He sometimes angry and resentful. He feels adrift. Matt regrets that he does not have a good relationship with his children. He had tunnel vision but now wants to mend bridges with his children.
EC: Matt’s relationship with Johnny?
SSG: He is an example of someone who just goes about their day until they get that phone call that something happened. The conversation with Johnny over his health was Matt’s wake-up call. Matt is trying to reinvent himself with his children. Johnny feels Matt talked down to him and did not listen. Yet, he is more open to have a give and take with his dad.
EC: How would you describe Kennedy, Matt’s lover?
SSG: She is free spirited, a pet sitter. She is nurturing and independent. Kennedy can be matter of fact. She will question Matt about his past and thinks he is charming. Kennedy is forthright.
EC: How would you describe Treva, the female lead?
SSG: Insecure, an only child, sensible, very confident with her work, and almost a workaholic. She has insecurities with relationships, including with her family. She needs to embrace her life.
EC: What about the relationship with Johnny?
SSG: She learned that a career does not make a full life. At first, he is judgmental, misconstruing her statements. They were encouraging of each other.
EC: What about the book Unforgotten?
SSG: I came up with the idea of two cousins that were close but very different. It is not the last book in this series. Bethanne needed a point of view, and I wanted her to become the heroine in this suspenseful story.
EC: How would you describe Candace?
SSG: She is not Amish and has won the beauty contest for Crittenden County. She always looks out for Bethanne. Candace’s mom has decided not to be Amish and has never been Baptized. Candace is vulnerable, sociable, caring, and is fearful because of her stalker.
EC: How would you describe Bethanne?
SSG: She is very timid in the beginning but ends up as a survivor. Her mom is Amish. She tries to overcome her fears and now has PTSD. In some sense she feels captive in her own house and is determined to break away from it. She has a mother who is overbearing and shelters her.
EC: The relationship between Bethanne and Candace?
SSG: They are like sisters and are protective of each other. They now have both been abused. They are very close.
EC: How would you describe the relationship with Jay and Bethanne?
SSG: He helps her see the world from outside her own perspective. He is caring and respectful of her. He has some guilt about being a friend of the one who tried to rape her. He is good for her because he is even-tempered and kind. He is not pushy and is willing to wait for her to come around.
EC: What about Ryan and Candace?
SSG: He is considerate of her. He is six years older than her so is more mature. He feels like an outsider of the town. They resisted the relationship at first but there were sparks between them. They were thrown into a strange situation.
EC: Next books?
SSG: C is for Courting is finishing up Martin and Patty and features Beth. The mom, Helen, of the four children will also be in scenes in this book. Matt will also be in this book. It will be out in October. Hopefully the readers will feel there is closure. In the alphabet series “D” and “E” will be with new characters and a trilogy but set in the same fictional town.
The third book in the Amish Suspense Series comes out in June and is titled, Unshaken. It does take place in the same town. The plot has an Amish girl witnessing a murder and must go into hiding. It will have new characters.
There is another book coming out in April for Harlequin, a contemporary romance series. It is set around a food bank. It is a small-town romance series, with the first book titled Their Surprise Reunion.
Another series, I am writing, will be about an Amish Widow’s Club for Revell. It is about a group of women, some English, some Mennonite, and some Amish who are widows and for various reasons do not ever intend to marry again. But of course, life takes a turn.
THANK YOU!!
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BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.
When the mother of his unborn child is threatened, a lawman must match wits with a cunning killer.
A frantic call for backup brings Sheriff Duncan Holder to the home of his pregnant ex, a deputy haunted by her father’s unsolved murder. Now Joelle McCullough is the target of a kidnapping plot that’s only the beginning. When the twisting trail to the truth erupts in violence, Duncan will do whatever it takes to keep Joelle and their unborn baby safe. Even if that means going up against a killer leaving a string of dead bodies who won’t stop until a final revenge is carried out.
Discover more action-packed stories in the Saddle Ridge Justice series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:
Book 1: The Sheriff’s Baby Book 2: Protecting the Newborn Book 3: Tracking Down the Lawman’s Son Book 4: Child in Jeopardy
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My Book Review
RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
THE SHERIFF’S BABY (Saddle Ridge Justice Book #1) by Dolores Fossen is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat first book in a Harlequin Intrigue series featuring a law enforcement family in Texas. While each book stands alone with its own romantic suspense plot, there is an overarching mystery involving the murder of the McCullough sibling’s father and the disappearance of their mother, so I will read the series in the order published.
Sheriff Duncan Holder receives a frantic call for backup in the middle of the night for assistance for Deputy Joelle McCullough, who is on leave due to her pregnancy. Five months ago, Joelle’s father was murdered while Duncan and Joelle were together and she has avoided him since out of guilt even though she became pregnant that evening, also. Joelle is the target of a kidnapping plot. With suspects tied to the illegal sale of babies and possible ties to her father’s murder, Duncan and Joelle are continually in danger coming at them from all sides. Will Duncan be able to protect Joelle and discover who is trying to take her and their baby away?
This is a very fast-paced plot with twists happening at every turn of the page. Ms. Fossen does a great job of keeping all the suspects in play and keeping me guessing right up to the climax. Joelle and Duncan are fighting their attraction, but the danger has a way of clearing up any reservations or guilt and the chemistry takes over. There is one steaming sex scene in the shower, but it is later in the book and felt natural in the progression of their romantic reconnection. The mystery involving Joelle’s murdered father and missing mother is unresolved, but the main romantic suspense plot for this book is resolved. Joelle has two older brothers and a younger sister, so I am assured of more exciting books in this series.
I highly recommend this exciting romantic suspense/police procedural/mystery mash-up and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
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About the Author
Former Air Force Captain Delores Fossen is a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author whose books have sold over nine million copies worldwide. She’s received the Booksellers Best Award for Best Romantic Suspense and the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award. In addition, she’s had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines.
There are similarities between both series in that each has great characters, very unlikeable antagonists, an intense plot, some romance, and a riveting story that readers will not want to put down. The author allows readers to connect emotionally with the characters. The differences are that the “Hidden Valor Series” takes place mainly in Arkansas, with the heroine, Kate, a retired CID officer, now working with the State law enforcement, while in the other series the heroines move around the globe and are active duty, having a partner both romantically and professionally: Kate with Arash, Regan with John, and Mira with Riyad.
With both series, books should be read in order. The Deception Point Series should be read in this order: Aimpoint, Blind Edge, Back Blast, and Chokepoint. These books involve an active-duty Army investigator, Regan, and an active-duty Navy investigator, Mira, both who are women. It is obvious that Irving has done her due diligence, with the research put in making the stories realistic and believable.
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Author Interview
Elise Cooper: Which series came first?
Candace Irving: I wrote Blind Edge of the “Deception Point Series” before the Kate “Hidden Valor series.” Also plotted a few chapters to the next books in the Deception Point Series, Back Blast and Chokepoint. All these books were thought out. Then I was told that many people want plots set inside the US. As I was riding my bike in Arkansas and saw this seat deserted in a field, a brown bag filled with body parts popped into my head. I went home and The Garbage Man was born featuring Kate Holland. This was published first even though I wanted Blind Edge published before the pull out of Afghanistan.
Originally, I was going to write one book in this series and then another book in the other series, but it did not turn out that way. Those reading the Kate series realized that there is another series, “Deception Point,” and began to read it and love it.
EC: What is the big difference between the two series?
CI: Hidden Valor has an overriding arc about the characters’ backstory, but each book has a different plot. Deception Point has a continuing arc throughout the books that is the plot line. Both these series must be read in order.
EC: Do you agree that the similarity between each series refers to the characters’ backstory?
CI: Every character has a bad fathers and a Mother MIA.
EC: How would you classify the “Deception Point Series?”
CI: They involve the military but for me they are really crime thrillers. They are not like Tom Clancy’s books. Some people thought they are like the Jack Reacher series, but they are not. They are women and active duty.
EC: The Hidden Valor series has more PTSD references than the Deception Point Series?
CI: Yes, because Kate was very debilitated at the beginning of the series. She could no longer function in the military. Regan and John do not really have PTSD.
EC: Would you ever write a third series with just Mira, the featured character in Chokepoint?
CI: No, she will remain in the “Deception Point Series.” I consider this the active-duty series with Mira featured in a Navy plotline, any Army story will have Regan featured, and a veteran story will feature Kate from the “Hidden Valor Series.” I will give a heads up that there will be a crossover between Regan and Kate in the “Hidden Valor series.” Regan is undercover as herself and is investigating a case in Arkansas. Remember in the book, In the Name Of, there were a couple of phone calls between Regan and Kate. But in the crossover book, Regan and Kate will be together since Regan is Kate’s protege.
EC: Why did you have Regan get pregnant?
CI: At first, I was going back and forth if I should take it out. But then I decided to keep it. I know some people ask why she would have sex without protection, but she really thought she could never get pregnant.
EC: How would you compare your three female heroines: Kate, Regan, and Mira?
CI: Regan can mask her feelings: reading facial expressions, while only to a certain extent, Kate and Mira can, because they were taught that as part of their jobs. Regan can lie and people cannot tell, including pretending shelikes someone when she really doesn’t, while Mira cannot quite mask her feelings.
Kate has more compassion because of what happened to her and is more forgiving of others’ mistakes than Mira and Regan. Mira has a chip on her shoulder because she was charged with a crime yet was innocent.
All of them feel guilt. Kate because her best friend was beheaded, and she is determined to prove to her father’s ghost that she is a good investigator. Regan because her dad was a dirty cop; and Mira feels guilty because she never had to deal with the emotional abuse inflicted on her brother by her dad.
All are confident and self-assured. Mira has a temper, especially when people get in her face she gets right back in that person’s face. All are gutsy, if knocked down they all will get back up. They are all loners but are not lonely because they have friends and good support systems.
EC: Why was Kate retired and Mira/Regan active duty?
CI: I took some real elements that are common to those who served and combined them together so a lot of veterans can relate to part of her having PTSD. Because she had so much trauma, she knew she could no longer serve. I also want to differentiate between each series, so she is not active-duty, and the others are. Regan has her arm problems that when stressed she does not have a lot of control over, but it would not force her out of the Army. She did have to learn how to make her left hand her dominant hand.
EC: How would you compare your three male heroes: Arash, John, and Riyad?
CI: I wanted them all to be different although parts of Arash and John are my husband. Many readers think Riyad is a jerk, but it is because of his background. He takes no prisoners and makes no excuses. John is willing to own up to his mistakes. Riyad and John are active-duty Special Forces where they know how to be confrontational, while Arash was in military intelligence, knowing how to get what he wants without getting in someone’s face. Riyad does not consider any other opinions and expects people to do it his way, the SEAL mentality. To a certain extent Riyad has tunnel vision because of what happened to him when he was a SEAL commander. In their own way each are stubborn, sarcastic, but stoic.
EC: How would you compare all three relationships: Kate/Arash, Regan/John, and Mira/Riyad?
CI: Each hero gets under the heroines’ skin. Kate and to some degree Regan will cut Arash and John slack, while there is no way Mira allows Riyad any slack. Riyad would get in Mira’s face and say no and John would do the same things with Regan. Arash is clever on how he approaches his disagreements with Kate. All are driven. John and Riyad blame first and then questioned later regarding Regan and Mira, although John is willing to realize he was wrong, and say he is sorry, for his assumptions. Riyad gets upset with himself for calling Mira ‘woman’ because he cares for her, while she is starting to understand him after knowing his background. All the heroes are chauvinistic. All the heroes and heroines are caring, intense, compassionate, persistent, and protective.
John/Regan and Arash/Kate feel secure in their relationships. I would say that John is on one end of the spectrum of their feelings and reactions, Arash is in the middle, and Riyad is on the other end.
EC: Next Book(s)?
CI: With both series I know what will happen in the current book I am writing, maybe with the next book, but not with other books in the future. I am a linear writer in that I start at the beginning and plot every single chapter in succession. In the next Regan book, Pitch Black, which will come out in January 2026, Mira will be kidnapped after she and Riyad travel to Saudi Arabia for an investigation. Mira and John end up in Yemen with Regan and Riyad working together to find them.
The next Kate book, Blood on the Wire, will be published in August of this year. The relationship with Arash will progress. Also, her former partner Seth’s story will be a part of this story. The case involves a psychologist at a Little Rock VA hospital who was found brutally stabbed to death. In the victim’s house, Kate is stunned to discover a cache of military-grade explosives. Plus, the psychologist was conducting a private investigation into a heinous crime that occurred more than two years ago in an active war zone. Bodies have begun to multiply.
THANK YOU!!
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BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.
