Justified Malice follows a private detective working with the FBI to hunt down a crime boss and seeks help from the Mexican cartel. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

In my previous novel (Human Collateral), the crime boss escapes at the end. Finding a unique set of circumstances to track him down was the initial motivation as well as a way to string together the first two novels in the thriller series. Having spent considerable time in Mexico gave me many very romantic locales to draw upon and an opportunity to introduce the cartel into the mix which added a ton of intrigue and suspense.

Is there anything about Miles Darien that came from yourself or your life experiences? 

My interest in detective thrillers dates back to my childhood love of Sherlock Holmes stories. It helped me fashion Miles’ professional attributes. The various places visited in these novels are places I know intimately so there is that element. Also, Miles’ views on the world at large mirror my own.

What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?

Actually, creating and solving the mysteries is what keeps me writing. For me, it’s nourishment. Each book has several cases which lead to the main one which allows me to create and build interest while authenticating Miles’ credentials as a sleuth.

What do you have planned for Miles Darien in the future? When can your fans expect his next mystery?

I’ve already begun writing the next installment of the series. Look for a murder mystery this time around. Also, expect Miles’ relationship with his FBI partner Ken to make a dramatic shift.

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