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Aged-old Fears and Desires
In Severed Echoes, a rookie detective tackles a murder investigation and discovers he is the target of a group of hackers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As someone who has worked in the high-tech industry for over twenty years, I am always fascinated with the impact technology has on our lives. While technology continues to improve and make our lives better in many ways, it also introduces new issues and concerns, and I find that many of the hot-button topics like AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and social media in some ways reflect our age-old fears and desires, and in other ways present us with new personal, ethical and legal challenges.
In Severed Echoes, one of the angles I wanted to explore is what happens when someone finds themselves on the receiving end of technology being used to settle a personal score.
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 usually start with an outline, so I do have some idea of where I think the story will go. But with each successive draft, as the characters and the themes become more developed, the story may take unexpected turns. This was definitely the case with Severed Echoes.
Are you a fan of crime thrillers? What books/writers do you think most influenced your work?
I am! I think great crime thrillers are not about crime, necessarily. They are about people and the choices we make. When I think about the Nick Severs Mysteries series, I think of it as sort of a mix of Craig Johnson’s Longmire and Stieg Larson’s Millennium series. Both were fantastic but in completely different ways.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Good news! I have just recently published a sequel to Severed Echoes. It’s called Cold Trace, and it is available now in print and eBook formats and soon will also be released on audio. In Cold Trace, readers reunite with Nick and Claire and follow them on an investigation into a missing child case that went cold twenty years ago, with each twist taking them deeper into the underworld of child trafficking and cybercrime.
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Cold Trace
In Cold Trace, book two of the Nick Servers Mysteries and sequel to the award-winning Severed Echoes, author D.V. Chernov delivers an engrossing crime novel that intricately weaves past and present mysteries. The story follows Detective Nick Severs as he investigates the shocking appearance of a body initially believed to be a victim of a recent blizzard. However, the discovery soon reveals potential links to a cold case involving a missing child from nearly two decades ago. As Severs delves into the investigation, he simultaneously navigates another old missing child case and supports his partner, Claire, through a personal crisis.
Chernov masterfully portrays Nick Severs in a manner that resonates with traditional images of a detective—meticulous even to the point of questioning his breakfast cheese. Yet, Chernov adds complexity to Severs’ character, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper, more personal level. This depth extends to other characters in the novel, enriching the narrative and enhancing the suspense. The novel’s language is notably refined, with skillful use of metaphors that vividly paint the settings and heighten the emotional stakes. Chernov also addresses themes as varied as the COVID pandemic, historical elements from the Soviet Union era, and sensitive issues like human trafficking with tact and insight. Cold Trace is a layered exploration of unresolved histories and human resilience. Chernov’s storytelling is compelling and sure to captivate fans of the genre, making it a recommended read for those drawn to intricate crime narratives.
Readers will have the best experience if they start with the first book in the series so as to have a strong foundation of the characters involved in Cold Trace. This story stands out as a multifaceted detective novel that skillfully intertwines elements of history, suspense, and deep character studies. D.V. Chernov crafts a narrative that is not only compelling but also thought-provoking, handling complex themes with sensitivity and depth. This book is a testament to Chernov’s ability to engage and challenge readers, making it a rewarding pick for anyone looking for a crime story that resonates on multiple levels.
Pages: 353 | ASIN : B0CVYD3TRD
Severed Echoes
In Severed Echoes, author D.V. Chernov weaves a compelling mystery centered around Detective Nick Severs, who stumbles upon a perplexing case. A tip from an old school friend leads Nick to investigate a suspected murder, initially disguised as a suicide. The story gains complexity as Nick’s friend’s honesty comes into question, and he grapples with a haunting, recurring nightmare.
Chernov skillfully uses sharp, succinct sentences to escalate tension, exemplified in lines like “woman’s startled shriek. Short, sharp, and clear.” This narrative style not only builds suspense but also immerses the reader in the role of a detective, encouraging them to piece together the mystery alongside the characters. Parallel to Nick’s story is Kat, engaged in a quest for retribution with the aid of the hacktivism group ‘f8sabitch’. The connection between their paths remains an intriguing aspect of the plot. The book’s opening line, “The boy’s skull cracked, and the sound made Nick open his eyes,” sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. From the outset, Chernov captivates readers with questions that can only be answered by delving deeper into the narrative.
Severed Echoes incorporates contemporary themes, including references to COVID, which adds a layer of relatability for modern readers. This novel is a compelling read for those drawn to mysteries, providing a rich blend of suspense, character development, and relevant societal commentary. Chernov’s storytelling is engaging, making it a challenging book to put down for anyone captivated by unraveling a good mystery.
Severed Echoes is an intricately crafted narrative that masterfully balances suspense and character-driven storytelling. D.V. Chernov presents a modern mystery that not only engages readers in a complex plot but also resonates with contemporary themes. The book’s strength lies in its ability to immerse the reader in the detective’s journey, turning each page into a step deeper into its enthralling mystery. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to mystery novels, this book offers a captivating reading experience, marking D.V. Chernov as a noteworthy voice in mystery fiction.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0B65Q8K78
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