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The Perfect Backdrop
Kickback follows a woman who receives a call from an old friend telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped, leading her to go to Mexico to rescue the child. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Three days after flying to Minneapolis for a memorial, my husband and I came down with COVID and were stuck in our Air B&B for a week. With nothing to do, I spent a lot of time surfing the net and happened on an article about the State of Mexico issuing phony contracts for goods and services. My blood surged; I got goosebumps. This was the perfect backdrop to a political thriller I wanted to write. When Aisling is kidnapped, Dafne’s BFF from Cambridge, a journalist, calls her pulling her into the sphere of the corruption. No spoilers!
What was the inspiration for the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Dafne lives in Mexico City, the daughter of a wealthy Mexican real estate empire and a British filmmaker. At her Cambridge women’s college, Dafne organizes the release of a kidnapped co-ed and has continued hostage negotiation as a side gig since. Dafne’s personality is based on a co-worker I had in the 80s, smart, cheerful, funny, pushy, and a little wild. Dafne introduced herself to readers in (Literary Titan Silver award winner) Nothing Comes After Z and wouldn’t let go. Her half-Mexican, half-British upbringing gives her a unique perspective. I’m grateful to my BritCrit group—three British novelists who are my first line of critique. They know the vocabulary!
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 plotted much of the book, listening to Dafne dictate in my head before I sat down in October 2023 to, OMG! outline. When I started writing in November for Nanowrimo (yes, I “won”) I had all the plot points as guide posts. Dafne is not one to toe the line and she often acted outside the plot outline, surprising me, and adding tons of spontaneity and excitement to the plot, including a few chapters I hadn’t anticipated—the visit to the chareada was all hers! I mean, how would I have known she took riding lessons as a kid? I should have known she’d take over.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Dafne Olabarrieta’s first Mexico Mystery launched for Thanksgiving 2024. My next research trip to Mexico is scheduled for January where I’ll be visiting the site of one of the giant Mexico City dumps. Like here, the dumps in Mexico are run by garbage mafias, and someone Dafne is close to will be found dead by a dump picker, drawing her into the corrupt world of trash collection. Hopefully, it will be out in 2027. Be sure to plug your nose when you read! I’ll also visit the Cuernavaca site of the takedown of the Beltran Leyva Organization kingpin for the sixth JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventure, scheduled for fall 2025. And if you’re a domestic suspense lover, 2025 is slated for release of a standalone novel co-written with my ex (read Literary Titan gold book winner, Saints and Skeletons). It’s set in Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico and has plenty of betrayals, revenge, and murders to satisfy the most crime-voracious reader.
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With her team of investigators, Dafne must outsmart the kidnappers and a killer, confront high-level politicos, face her own past betrayals, the disapproval of her family.
From high-speed car chases to intense shootouts, Kickback delivers non-stop action and suspense. But this isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deeply emotional journey of a woman torn between duty and desire, love and loyalty.
Will Dafne save the innocent child and bring the perpetrators to justice, or will she become the next victim in this deadly game? Find out in “Kickback,” where every page sizzles with tension, peril, and the vibrant culture of Mexico. Perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
The Real King of Miami
Eric Sande’s The Real King of Miami offers a gripping dive into the world of crime through the eyes of Ray “Li’l Ray” Thompson, who recounts his story from Death Row at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution in Pasco County, Florida. This true crime novel stands out for its unique perspective, as it is largely based on interviews between the author and Thompson. Instead of an analytical recounting of facts, Sande delivers a narrative that reads like an intense thriller akin to Scarface or Narcos.
The prologue hooks readers immediately with the climactic murder of Jimmy Savoy, one of Ray’s employees who had betrayed him by stealing a substantial amount of money. From there, the narrative rewinds to delve into the author’s fascination with Li’l Ray, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Ray’s operations in the marijuana smuggling world. The story, though dense with characters, ultimately centers on the critical event aboard the boat where Jimmy was killed. This book is not for the faint of heart. Its pages are laden with expletives, adding a raw and authentic feel to the storytelling. For readers who can overlook the language, these elements contribute significantly to the book’s realism and immersive quality. The narrative is so compelling that many readers might find themselves finishing the book in one sitting.
The Real King of Miami is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts looking to break away from dry, report-like accounts. Sande’s book offers a shorter yet equally hard-hitting experience, making it a standout addition to any true crime fan’s reading list.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0BMPDC4DH
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5, by Mac Fortner, is an engaging blend of mystery, adventure, and historical intrigue. The story follows Alex Stone, who wakes up in Cuba with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he struggles to piece together his identity, he becomes entangled in a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and a quest for a hidden treasure linked to Ernest Hemingway himself. The narrative takes readers from the gritty streets of Cuba to the sun-soaked locales of Key West, weaving a tale that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in suspense.
Fortner’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place. The portrayal of Cuba, in particular, stands out with its vibrant and sometimes harsh realities. The author’s ability to create such a vivid sense of place makes the book a visual and sensory experience, drawing readers into the heart of the story. The character development is another highlight. Alex Stone’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling, and his interactions with Ernesto Cabrera and Liliana add depth to the narrative. Ernesto’s revelation about his past with Hemingway and the hidden treasure adds a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the plot.
The relationship dynamics are well-crafted, particularly the bond between Alex and the enigmatic Liliana, which evolves with a mix of tension and tenderness. The pacing of the novel is dynamic, with the initial chapters setting a gripping tone that captivates the reader. The author provides extensive background details that enrich the story and add depth to the plot, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. Fortner’s knack for cliffhangers and unexpected twists keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5 is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and adventure novels. Fortner successfully combines a compelling storyline with rich character development and evocative settings. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy unraveling intricate plots and exploring historical connections. Whether you are a Hemingway aficionado or simply looking for an engrossing mystery, this book is a treasure trove of literary enjoyment.
Pages: 289 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07Z5GXVPY
Price of Justice-The Jason Scarsdale Series
Alan Brenham’s Pride of Justice is a gripping thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and legal drama. Brenham’s background as a law enforcement officer and attorney infuses the narrative with a sense of authenticity and realism, crafting a compelling story that captures the reader’s attention from the outset.
The plot centers on Detective Jason Scarsdale, a dedicated investigator who relentlessly pursues justice while grappling with personal struggles. His life becomes more complicated when he encounters Dani Mueller, a determined and enigmatic woman seeking her own form of justice. Their uneasy alliance forms the crux of the story as they work to solve a complex murder case, unearthing a labyrinth of dark secrets, deceit, and corruption. Brenham’s character development stands out. Scarsdale is portrayed as a complex individual, battling internal demons and moral dilemmas that give him depth and relatability. Dani Mueller is equally intriguing, with her secretive nature and personal vendetta keeping readers hooked and curious about her true motives. Their interactions are charged with tension and mutual distrust, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. The plot is well-constructed, with carefully placed twists and turns that maintain the tension and pace. Brenham’s knowledge of investigative procedures adds gratifying credibility to the story through his meticulous attention to detail.
Pride of Justice offers a sophisticated exploration of justice, morality, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. Fans of the genre will eagerly anticipate Brenham’s next work.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CGPVL81Y
FARMERVILLE EPISODE 1: Till Those Cows Come Home
Set against the backdrop of Halloween’s festive yet eerie atmosphere, Farmerville Episode 1: Till Those Cows Come Home by Marty Martin is a unique blend of absurdity and suspense. The story unfolds in a seemingly tranquil rural town, where Deputy Ron Farmer’s routine duty takes a horrifying turn. He intends to rescue a family from two convicts, only to uncover the true menace: the family itself. The Holcombs, with their sinister torture barn and a penchant for murder, thrust Ron into a vortex of unexpected challenges.
Martin skillfully shifts the narrative from the initial portrayal of an idyllic town to revealing the murky underbelly of Farmerville and its inhabitants. The novel’s brisk pace aligns with its shorter length, swiftly unveiling surprising antagonists and the grisly pastimes of the Holcomb family. Despite the grim subject matter, the portrayal of the Holcombs’ unhinged nature injects a peculiar lightness into the narrative. Sensitive themes are tactfully prefaced with a disclaimer, addressing the array of potentially triggering content within. The plot escalates as the convicts stumble upon the wrong targets, intertwining their fate with Ron’s, who harbors his own hidden history. Laura, Ron’s daughter, emerges as an unexpectedly strong character, though less entangled in the town’s mysteries than her father. The novel crescendos into an intense culmination of violence and suspense, befitting a cinematic Halloween thriller, leaving an open-ended suggestion of further mysteries and conflicts. The ending leaves readers pondering Ron’s ominous future.
Martin’s narrative is engaging and enjoyable, capturing the reader’s imagination with the promise of more secrets to uncover in Farmerville. The concept of each series installment focusing on different town elements is intriguing, promising an expansive and detailed exploration of Farmerville’s enigmatic character. Martin’s storytelling assures that future episodes will be equally compelling, making Farmerville Episode 1: Till Those Cows Come Home a captivating start to what promises to be an absorbing series.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0CFD39DQ8
