Murder Amour follows two private investigators in Los Angeles on their first case as an official investigative team as they try to find a serial killer targeting women from an elite LA escort agency. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

All my stories deal with one or more social issues. The Art of Murder was suicide and addiction. In Murder Amour, I wanted to explore the ramifications of prostitution and changing norms on things like escorting. In the third of this series, homelessness is the topic.

How have John and Kayla evolved since readers first met them in The Art of Murder, and why was it important to explore the challenges of maintaining a romantic relationship while working together professionally?

They began as antagonists, became friends, and then lovers. Kayla represented John’s letting go of his grief in The Art of Murder. In Murder Amour, their relationship solidifies. They use their partnership as a reason or excuse to remain in an open relationship, but the truth is neither has fully committed to the other.

How does the novel explore the difference between physical attraction, emotional intimacy, and genuine commitment?

Escorting is physical attraction and sex without emotional intimacy. Getting thrown into that world affected the emotional intimacy between John and Kayla in a negative way, pushing their willingness to fully commit to one another further away. This is more strongly felt by Kayla than John. We get the feeling that she’s drifting away from him. And she is.

What directions would you like to explore as John and Kayla continue developing their professional and romantic partnership?

The next story in the series also takes place in LA. John and Kayla are drifting apart. To nail the killer, John becomes a homeless victim. In a way, it symbolizes how he feels about Kayla—bereft and impoverished. They remain partners but not romantically after that point.

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