The Last Profile follows a former FBI profiler who is trying to build a peaceful life on the Cheyenne reservation but is forced back into one final investigation that exposes decades of corruption and threatens her family. Why did you want Samantha Wright Little Bear to return for “one final case”?

Sam didn’t want to return but was compelled (a call to duty) to finally attain freedom from the Bureau and the future worry that her work would bring her family. She is weary and needs to find some clarity in things, especially bringing another life into the world. The series also needed some sort of resolution with a few of the characters, and Sam was able to delve into their lives more deeply in the investigation to show readers that some people can redeem themselves, while others don’t have that capability.

How does the book examine the idea that the “bad guy” might not always be obvious?

All people have layers to themselves, and based on the circumstances that life brings them, they challenge their moral fiber; it’s almost impossible to answer the question of why some people can find a moral compass at all times and others can’t. What is a moral compass when the direction isn’t clear, and when sometimes doing the right thing does more harm than doing the darker thing? When it comes down to reflection of what one’s life has become or evolved into, well, redemption in my feeling is an apology of epic proportions that transcends the wrong done.

How does the community influence the characters’ sense of justice and loyalty?

The Tribe has tremendous influence on Sam, with a history of moving forward after what has been done to the Tribes since the beginning of their existence. Once Sam had proved herself to them, that was enough for them to support her without question. Justice is giving a voice to those wronged, and loyalty is an earned gift that other people give you when you are someone that they can count on. An intimate connection to culture, community, and to other humans who touch our lives is paramount in strength of character, the kind of character that turns the light on when you are going down a road at night.

What do you hope readers take away from Sam and Will’s journey?

I’d like readers to see that Sam and Will are a work in progress. They navigate their combined cultures, the work that each of them does, and their approach to trying to have a family life that is the foundation they can count on when things change their course. What’s the saying? Life happens when you’re making plans. Navigating a dual existence is what we all do – work and family. I’d like readers to have a sense of hope (good or bad) that all things can be a stepping stone to something of value that their lives need at that moment. The story continues for Sam and Will in five more books – there will be those that challenge the reader – but ultimately truth and love rise to the top.

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