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Twists and Turns
Once Upon a Crime follows a veteran homicide detective who needs to find a vigilante serial killer before she kidnaps her daughter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Once Upon A Crime came from my reading about the hunt for the Son of Sam. He’d sent a taunting message to an NYPD detective threatening the detective’s daughter.
Another part of the inspiration came from a criminal case I worked on when I was a police officer about the sexual assault of a young lady.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
In writing Once Upon A Crime, given that most sex crimes have women as victims, I wanted a female character hunting for sexual offenders to be the antagonist. At first, she was a disgruntled police officer whose back story was about her being dispatched to do a preliminary investigation of the brutal sexual assault of a young girl. A news item gave me the idea for a different antagonist: Penny Grimes.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
When I started writing Once Upon A Crime, I had fairly good idea of where I was going with it. As the story took root, several ideas came to mind for the twists and turns used in it.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Detective Madison Chase and the direction of the next book?
At this time, I haven’t decided whether to write a sequel to Once Upon A Crime.
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In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Detective Madison Chase must outwit a serial killer targeting sex offenders—before her own daughter becomes the next victim.
October in Fort Worth takes on a sinister hue for Penny Grimes. She’s not just a vigilante; she’s a poetic executioner, leaving headless pedophiles as her gruesome calling cards. Each murder scene is adorned with a chilling rhyme, taunting the police and, in particular, haunting veteran homicide detective Madison Chase.
But Penny has a darker agenda. She’s set her sights on Chase’s daughter, Emily—a blonde, blue-eyed four-year-old, living image of the child Penny has always yearned for. Unbeknownst to Chase, while she’s hot on the trail of Fort Worth’s most elusive serial killer, Penny is plotting to kidnap Emily.
Her First Homicide Case
When Things Fall Apart follows a Native American woman who is a new homicide detective and encounters antagonistic coworkers leading to her working a murder case on her own. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My sister lives in Oklahoma and related an incident to me about the verbal abuse of an older Native American man by a group of white males. Using that incident, I created the young Native American female and saddled her with a misogynistic and racist male detective as a partner.
Kit endures discrimination and prejudice from her new colleagues while trying to adjust to her new position as a homicide detective while maintaining her cultural diversity. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Facing open discrimination and prejudice from her assigned partner was the driving idea behind Kit’s character. It forced her to have to deal with it in a way so as not to totally alienate her senior detective yet defend her heritage. How she responded to the complex and deeply troubling nature of her first homicide case rounded out her character.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
I planned the basic plotline prior to beginning the story then developed it organically as the story moved along.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book in this series and I am currently writing the second one now. Kit’s next case will take her out of her comfort zone working in Fort Worth with leads which send her to Las Vegas. There, she comes face to face with a nemesis who seems to be two steps ahead of her. He will force Kit to make a dangerous choice.
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Once Upon A Crime
Once Upon a Crime by Alan Brenham dives into the complex world of vigilante justice, illuminating the perils of taking the law into one’s own hands. The narrative centers on Madison Chase, a detective entangled not only in a harrowing hunt for a serial killer targeting sexual predators of children but also in a personal custody battle, adding layers to the already intricate plot.
The story unfolds with Madison chasing a serial killer known from the outset as Penny Grimes. This unconventional approach of revealing the killer’s identity early in the story intriguingly shifts the focus from the ‘who’ to the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ pulling readers into a deeper engagement with the narrative. Brenham skillfully balances the revelation of information, providing just enough to propel the story forward while peppering the plot with sufficient twists to maintain suspense. Brenham’s narrative prowess shines as he weaves complex characters and tightly knit plot elements without leaving any loose ends. Detective Chase is portrayed with a blend of professional acumen and personal vulnerability, making her character both compelling and relatable. The addition of her daughter to the storyline does more than just add a personal stake; it enriches the narrative, offering a poignant glimpse into the personal drives that fuel Chase’s professional endeavors.
For aficionados of crime thrillers and readers drawn to stories of justice and ethical dilemmas, Once Upon a Crime offers a gripping, well-paced read. Alan Brenham’s knack for detailed storytelling is evident as he deftly navigates the moral complexities of vigilante justice, making this book a notable addition to the genre.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0CJLXT8ZW
When Things Fall Apart
In When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham, readers are introduced to Kit Hanover, a Native American police officer navigating the complex intersection of her heritage and her career. As she steps into her role in Fort Worth’s homicide division, Kit faces the challenges of her demanding job and the prejudices and skepticism from her colleagues.
The character of Kit Hanover is delicately balanced between her professional competence and the cultural dichotomy she embodies. Brenham explores the delicate position Native Americans can find themselves in when assuming roles of authority in a society where they have historically been marginalized. This tension is further emphasized through the relationship between Kit and her partner, Wade Shepard, whose hostility adds a layer of internal conflict to the narrative. While Brenham’s novel may tread familiar ground in some aspects, it offers a rich exploration of its themes and characters. Detective Hanover, as a focal point, provides a fascinating character study. Brenham’s skill in dialogue and plotting is evident, with the story gaining momentum and suspense in its later stages. The narrative of When Things Fall Apart occasionally ventures into predictable tropes, but these moments contribute to the broader tapestry of the novel. They underscore its exploration of cultural tensions and the complexities of identity, enhancing the story’s overall depth and resonance.
When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is a captivating and thoughtful exploration of cultural identity and professional integrity. Through Kit Hanover’s experiences, the novel delves into the heart of societal and personal conflicts with sensitivity and nuance. Brenham’s adept storytelling, rich character development, and suspenseful plot make this novel an engaging and enlightening read.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0CJL85Q83
Every Silent Thing
Every Silent Thing by Alan Brenham immerses readers in the atmospheric setting of Paris, introducing them to Claire Deveraux, a determined twenty-three-year-old who has realized her dream of working as a foreign service officer at the U.S. Embassy. The narrative takes a suspenseful turn when Claire encounters a dying woman, who leaves her with enigmatic words and a thumb drive connected to a bank heist’s proceeds. This incident thrusts Claire into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with a merciless killer, testing her wits and survival skills.
Alan Brenham skillfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and action, ensuring the story grips readers from the start. The inclusion of Claire’s siblings, Megan and Boyd, adds a rich layer to the plot, particularly as themes of mistaken identity escalate the tension. Notably, Brenham sensitively portrays Claire’s experience as a deaf person, providing an insightful and representative portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments. The novel thoughtfully balances Claire’s internal struggles and external conflicts, presenting her as a relatable and engaging protagonist. Every Silent Thing extends beyond the confines of a conventional thriller by delving into themes of family, identity, and redemption. The evolution of characters, especially Megan, enriches the narrative and lays the groundwork for subsequent installments in this trilogy. Brenham’s storytelling prowess is evident in his vivid descriptions, compelling dialogue, and steady pacing, which maintain the story’s momentum.
Every Silent Thing is a captivating mystery that will appeal to enthusiasts of the genre. Brenham’s combination of rich characterization and thematic exploration positions this novel as a significant contribution to the mystery genre. The blend of suspense, family dynamics, and personal growth makes for an engaging read, leaving readers looking forward to Claire Deveraux’s continuing saga.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0CJLT7G9C
LITERARY TITAN 