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Plot Twists and New Revelations
Bye, Baby, Bye follows the mother of a kidnapped child who will do whatever it takes to find her even when those responsible for looking for her daughter neglect their duties. 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?
I do not do a detailed outline of my book. I tried that once after attending a seminar by Jeffrey Deaver. He is a strong proponent for outlines, but I found the process ate up precious writing time. And while not a complete “pantser,” I always know the end game to my stories. The characters quite often will direct me into plot twists and new revelations. There’s an old saying by those who ride horses, “Give a horse his head.” I give my characters their “head” and let them lead me into new adventures.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Death of a family member is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Letting go of that life-long relationship is usually a time to come to grips with deep loss and a realization of our own mortality.
What is the next book you are writing, and when will that be published?
For certain, I will be writing a sequel to Bye, Baby, Bye. That will publish in November of 2024. I don’t have a working title yet. It’s too soon in the process. I also have a police crime series, the Winston-Strom Novels. I put that series on hold while I worked on The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Now that I am officially retired from my government day job with Social Security, I have substantially more time to commit to writing, so I hope to do another Winston Strom book in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
Bye Baby Bye
Bye Baby Bye by Kelly Marshall delves deep into the heart-wrenching journey of a mother’s relentless pursuit to reunite with her kidnapped child. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Texas and Mexico, the story unfolds with Madison’s daughter, Anna, being abducted. The narrative spirals into a thrilling chain of events as a recovery effort to rescue Anna goes terribly awry.
Madison, fortified by the unwavering support of her father and the influential Governor of Texas, Dixon Theodore Tucker, audaciously ventures back to a place of personal terror. Once a captive forced into a marriage with the second-in-command of Mexico’s most formidable cartel, she braves her past to reclaim her daughter. The narrative is interlaced with sacrifice and loss, yet amidst the despair, there are silver linings of love and renewed chances at life.
This crime fiction not only holds its readers captive with the suspense of a child’s kidnapping and the measures taken to identify the culprit but also paints a grim picture of the corrupt nature of power dynamics. The narrative spotlights those in positions of authority who, driven by selfish motives and political vendettas, neglect their primary duties. A case in point is Attorney General Forrester, who lets personal differences with Governor Tucker overshadow the urgency of the investigation. His decisions, especially regarding a prisoner exchange, exacerbate the challenges of finding Anna.
Marshall’s adept storytelling is accentuated by her penchant for unexpected plot twists, ensuring readers are constantly on their toes. Additionally, her ability to weave in moments of levity amidst a predominantly somber theme showcases her narrative finesse. However, certain inconsistencies, such as the disjointed account of Madison’s proposed visit to Jose in prison across chapters nine and twelve, do stand out and warrant more seamless integration.
Bye Baby Bye is a gripping tale that traverses the terrain of love, loss, and the darker shades of humanity, making it a must-read for those who appreciate layered crime fiction.
Pages: 138
LITERARY TITAN 