Blog Archives
The Jason Scarsdale Series
In No More Lies, a lawyer becomes the prime suspect in a crime she didn’t commit when her husband goes missing on a trip to Washington, DC. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story came from a case I represented in court in which the husband went missing. The police found the husband dead and arrested the wife.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
The one experience which had the biggest impact on my writing was the arrest of two police officers for false accounts of a felony-level crime.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I plan the tone and direction of the story then flesh it out organically.
Is there a fourth book planned in the series? If so, where will it take readers?
At this time, I am not planning on a fourth book in the Jason Scarsdale series.
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Dani Mueller thought a trip to Washington, DC, with her husband, Jason Scarsdale, would be a last-ditch effort to mend their crumbling marriage. But when Jason vanishes after a job interview, Dani finds herself not just fighting for her marriage, but for her life. Accused of a murder she didn’t commit, she becomes the prime suspect in a case that turns into Detective Floyd Hatchett’s personal vendetta.
Out on bond and with the walls closing in, Dani has no choice but to flee across the Atlantic to London. There, she embarks on a relentless quest for the one person who can clear her name. Her investigation uncovers clues that lead her to a US Army base in Germany, but Detective Hatchett is hot on her heels, determined to bring her down.
In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Dani must navigate through a labyrinth of betrayal, hidden agendas, and dark secrets. Will she manage to prove her innocence, or will she become the victim of a merciless frame-up? Time is running out, and Dani Mueller is a woman with everything to lose.
No More Lies (The Jason Scarsdale Series Book 3)
Alan Brenham’s thriller No More Lies dives into a web of deception, betrayal, and suspense that captivates from the first page. The story unfurls with Dani Mueller, a lawyer whose life spirals into chaos when her husband, Jason, disappears under mysterious circumstances. Packed with unexpected twists, the narrative delves into the complexities of trust and truth within a marriage shadowed by tragedy.
Brenham’s prose is crisp and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the unfolding drama. His ability to craft multi-dimensional characters, particularly Dani, whose resilience and sharp mind are as compelling as they are believable, stands out. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that the pacing occasionally felt rushed, especially during key revelations that made me yearn for more.
The novel’s exploration of grief and its impact on personal relationships adds a deeper layer to the mystery. Brenham handles the sensitive topic with nuance, presenting it not just as a backdrop but as a catalyst for the unfolding events. This approach enriches the characters’ motivations, especially as the plot veers into the darker territories of the human psyche.
No More Lies concludes on a note that is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the moral implications of the characters’ choices. This ending is a testament to Brenham’s skill in not only plotting a gripping mystery but also in sparking deeper reflection.
I recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers and anyone interested in stories that probe the complexities of human relationships under stress. Brenham’s blend of suspenseful narrative and emotional depth will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0CLYSJXWD
Vulnerable at Our Very Core
In A Deadly Game, a mother finds herself helping search for her son’s missing friend while also fighting to clear her son’s name. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
After watching the show, Your Honor, starring Brian Cranston on Showtime, I asked myself the question, “How far would I be willing to go to protect my son?” My son was a senior in high school at the time, and I thought with him going off to college, so many things can go wrong. After all, the front cerebral cortex isn’t fully developed until they’re twenty-five. Mix in alcohol, peer pressure, and college shenanigans, and who knows what can go wrong?
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I think we are vulnerable at our very core, and although we have rules to follow, deep down, at times, we wish we could act against our morals in order to achieve a particular outcome. It’s almost like the angel and devil on our shoulders. We know what we should do, but we know what we want to do, and sometimes, they are not the same. And as a parent loving their child unconditionally, this fine line becomes even blurrier.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I wanted the characters to struggle with what they wanted to do and with what they knew they should do, putting them in moral quandaries. For the characters I want the reader to have empathy with, I played on this a little bit more. For the antagonists, I didn’t adhere to moral guidelines as much. This way, the reader won’t have as much empathy and sympathy for them.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
Ironically, I’ve switched gears and am working on the first book in a series about a teacher turned professional bridesmaid (yes, that’s a thing––a very lucrative thing if you do a good job!). While running from her problems at home, she gets her first break at a wedding in Vegas, but when she wakes up in an unfamiliar place, unable to recall what happened to her, one thing after another falls apart with the wedding plans spiraling out of control. Now, it’s up to Avery to fix everything, while keeping it from the bride and determining who is sabotoging the plans. It’s a comedy mixed with some suspense and mystery. The working title is (Un)lucky in Las Vegas––An Avery Montgomery, Bridesmaid for Hire Novel.
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Combing through the wooded area, Nicole unearths her son Kyle’s license and withholds this potential piece of evidence. She trusts him, but a sliver of doubt festers below the surface, thanks to one unresolved incident from middle school and his shady pastime. After he is officially named a person of interest, she must decide what to do next. Unsettled but determined to protect him, Nicole searches for the answers on her own.
While probing deeper, surprised by her unethical actions interfering with the investigation, Nicole realizes she’s being followed. As the situation deteriorates, she is blindsided by the truth, suddenly shattering her trust in people as well as her entire belief system. Now, unsure who to believe and running out of time, Nicole faces her most challenging moral dilemma: With someone’s fate resting in her hands, will she reveal what she’s learned or keep it to herself?
A Deadly Game is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller raising the question, “How far is a mother willing to go to protect her child?” The constant guessing and unexpected, riveting twists will keep you turning the pages. Don’t miss out! Buy your copy today.
A Deadly Game
A Deadly Game, by Gayle Brown, is a gripping thriller that consistently maintains a high level of intrigue and suspense. The story revolves around Nicole and Craig, a seemingly ideal couple, whose lives are disrupted when their son Kyle’s friend, Jaden, mysteriously disappears during a fraternity game. Nicole finds herself embroiled in a complex web of uncertainty as she seeks the truth behind Jaden’s fate.
Brown’s novel excels in its portrayal of believable characters and a well-structured plot. The narrative, rich with unforeseen developments, keeps readers on their toes. The maternal bond Nicole shares with Kyle adds depth to the story, making it more relatable and emotionally resonant. Brown’s meticulous attention to detail in describing police procedures adds a fantastic layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Gayle Brown’s accessible writing style and the book’s rapid pacing make it an enjoyable read for a wide audience, particularly those who appreciate thrillers with nuanced character perspectives. The final twist is cleverly executed, adding to the overall appeal of the narrative.
A Deadly Game is a compelling read, particularly recommended for fans of the thriller genre seeking a story that combines emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling. Brown’s skillfully delivered narrative makes it a worthwhile addition to any thriller enthusiast’s collection.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0CLKZ6W92
LITERARY TITAN 