Blog Archives
I Love Creating & Solving Mysteries
Justified Malice follows a private detective working with the FBI to hunt down a crime boss and seeks help from the Mexican cartel. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In my previous novel (Human Collateral), the crime boss escapes at the end. Finding a unique set of circumstances to track him down was the initial motivation as well as a way to string together the first two novels in the thriller series. Having spent considerable time in Mexico gave me many very romantic locales to draw upon and an opportunity to introduce the cartel into the mix which added a ton of intrigue and suspense.
Is there anything about Miles Darien that came from yourself or your life experiences?
My interest in detective thrillers dates back to my childhood love of Sherlock Holmes stories. It helped me fashion Miles’ professional attributes. The various places visited in these novels are places I know intimately so there is that element. Also, Miles’ views on the world at large mirror my own.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Actually, creating and solving the mysteries is what keeps me writing. For me, it’s nourishment. Each book has several cases which lead to the main one which allows me to create and build interest while authenticating Miles’ credentials as a sleuth.
What do you have planned for Miles Darien in the future? When can your fans expect his next mystery?
I’ve already begun writing the next installment of the series. Look for a murder mystery this time around. Also, expect Miles’ relationship with his FBI partner Ken to make a dramatic shift.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Miles and the FBI had set up an elaborate sting to bring down Reese’s operation. The sting was successful except Reese had evaded the trap Miles and the FBI had set up to capture him.
Months later on another case, the FBI learns that Reese has set up shop in Mexico. Miles jumps at the chance to finally bring Reese to justice. When he and his journalist friend Ryan come up empty in their search, Miles makes a risky and dangerous choice. He asks the local Mexican cartel for help. He explains to them that taking over Reese’s operation would be a most fair bounty for helping to locate him. When the cartel finally agrees to assist, they provide an unexpected location, Reese is operating out of a villa in Havana.
The FBI organizes a raid only to find the hideout abandoned. Miles once again makes the risky decision to turn to the cartel. They provide him with a one word update, Chicago.
Justified Malice (A Miles Darien Detective Thriller Book 2)
In Justified Malice, Miles is once again catapulted into a high-stakes mission, this time journeying through the vivid terrains of Mexico. Tasked with an undercover assignment for PG Parts—a company ensnared in an embezzlement whirlwind—Miles is driven by a dual ambition: to resolve the case promptly and to relish a vacation alongside his cherished partner, Ken. But destiny has other plans. The re-emergence of the elusive Jonathan Reese in the heart of Southern Mexico sets the stage for a riveting confrontation. Miles, grappling with bygones and lamenting his past oversight with Reese, is galvanized with renewed resolve to corner his nemesis, even if it necessitates allying with local cartels.
Justified Malice boasts a mesmerizing mystery, well-conceived and laden with intricate layers. The meticulous design of the plot is evident, pulling readers into a vortex of suspense with each unfolding chapter. While Miles may initially seem like a conventional lead, it’s his steadfastness and professional fervor that underscore his significance. Ryan, however, emerges as the novel’s unexpected heart, propelled by personal loss and a pursuit for closure amidst chaos. While I enjoyed the story, I felt the narrative’s reserved approach to early suspense, notably during the bomb episode, could have been improved. Heightening the immediacy and tension of such moments might have heightened the immersive thrill for readers. But this is a minor point in an otherwise riveting novel.
Justified Malice is an exhilarating read, blending crime, suspense, and deep-seated grudges into a compelling tale. It showcases an intricate plot, unforeseen deviations, and characters that linger in memory. For fans of detective mystery novels, this is an indispensable addition to their collection. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of mystery and suspense that keeps you riveted until the closing page.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0C2ZSPYR8
LITERARY TITAN 