THE FOG by Amanda McKinney (A Berry Springs Novel) ***Interview with the Author -- Giveaway***
The Fog
Amanda McKinney
(A Berry Springs Novel)
Publication date: December 4th 2018
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance
Former Marine turned ballistics expert, Wesley Cross is known around town for two things, his rugged good-looks and cocky attitude—until he finds his ex-girlfriend lying in a puddle of blood in his basement. The scene screams setup, but the discovery of a rare gem and a puzzling autopsy suggests the murder goes much deeper than that. Wesley will do whatever it takes to clear his name, including calling in a notoriously headstrong—and sexy—scientist.
While most little girls were playing dress up, Gwyneth Reece was digging in the dirt collecting bugs. Now one of the top forensic entomologists in the country, Gwen reluctantly accepts a job from a pushy cowboy and travels to the small, Southern town of Berry Springs. Heavy storms are brewing, and when she’s forced to check into the creepiest hotel she’s ever seen, she instantly regrets her decision to help out the former Marine.
Following up on a tip, Wesley heads to the Half Moon Hotel but quickly realizes his visit was not by chance. The killer lured him there, and suddenly everyone from the uptight bellman to the wealthy couple just passing through town become suspect. Bodies begin to disappear, and Wesley knows the killer will do anything to get to him…. including hurting the woman who’s kept his head spinning since he first laid eyes on her.
An Interview with Amanda McKinney
Welcome to JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in a small, southern town that has more cows than people. Big trucks, American flags, cowboy hats, sweet tea—all the fantastic clichés. From a very early age, I loved two things: reading and the outdoors. Two years ago, I combined those loves and started a career writing sexy murder mysteries set in small, country towns.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Fog is a fast-paced, sexy, small-town murder mystery about two very different strangers—Wesley is a former black ops Marine turned cocky cowboy, and Gwen is a smart, independent forensic entomologist—who come together to solve a string of murders, not realizing they are about to engage in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a ruthless killer.
Is it available now?
Yes! Release date: 12/04. Get it here.
Have you published any others?
Currently, I have nine other romantic suspense books including my first book, Lethal Legacy, and two series—Berry Springs and Black Rose Mysteries. The Berry Springs Series is a super-sexy, gritty, suspenseful murder mysteries series set in a small, southern town. Each book features a motley crew of characters including a swoon-worthy cowboy, a smart, sassy, independent woman and a few dead bodies. The books revolve around the investigation and forensics of the crime, along with some very steamy romance scenes! Each story can be read as a standalone, and I see no end in sight for this series. Black Rose Mysteries is a series of romantic suspense novellas with a paranormal twist. The series features three rich, independent, kick-ass sisters who run a private investigation company in an eerie, southern town. It’s got it all—murder, mystery, small-town folklore, romance, and even witches! The novellas are perfect for anyone who’s looking for a sexy whodunnit but doesn’t have the time to commit to a 450 page eBook.
How long have you been writing?
Only two years! I am both traditionally published and self-published, and I’ve got to say, self-publishing has been one heck of an awesome journey. I’ve learned I’m quite the little hustler! I approach my writing career as a small business and really get into the analytics, marketing and business side of things. It’s been an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
What inspires your stories?
For me, inspiration sparks when I’m in nature. There’s something about being out in nature, in the mountains, that can be magical and enchanting, but also dark, creepy, and extremely lonely—which makes one hell of a backdrop for a murder mystery series. Each book in the Berry Springs series is shaped around the outdoors—The Woods, The Lake, The Storm, The Fog.
Titles are tough. How did you come up with your title?
Each Berry Springs book has a strong nature element. Fog is a recurring element in this story (and can be super creepy!), hence the title.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
The decision to begin my writing career was the answer to a lot of soul-searching and prayers, to be honest. I’d always struggled with what I was meant to do professionally. My world was cubicles, PowerPoint presentations, quotas, and butt-kissing. I knew, deep down, that this was not my path. I wanted to be the person who said, “I love what I do so much that it doesn’t feel like work.” So, I kept sending positive energy out into the world, open-minded to what that job might be, and one day, the decades-long quest finally ended after I wrote the first few paragraphs of my first book (that was so terrible it never saw the light of day). I fell in love instantly. I have absolutely no regrets.
Is theme an important concept in your stories? If so, is it personal for you, or something you feel strongly about?
Yes! When you read one of my books you can always count on love, murder, mystery, suspense, and Happily Ever After endings.
What do you look for most in a book when you’re reading, and how do you incorporate that into your own writing?
I look for pacing. Nothing pulls me out of a book more than slow pacing or that ever-dreaded lagging middle section. When I write a book I focus on creating a page-turning experience and making the reader feel a mix of emotions—fear, anticipation, shock, lust, you name it. If he, or she, goes to bed thinking about my book, or stays up all night just to finish it, I’ve done my job.
What can we expect to see from you in the future, any books on the backburner?
You can expect to see many, many more books! 2019 will be a big year for me. More Berry Springs, more Black Rose Mysteries, and the introduction of an entirely new series, title TBD. Stay tuned!
Is there anything you want to add before we close our interview?
I love giving away freebies and running contests for my readers. The best way to get involved and to stay up to date on new releases is to sign up for my newsletter here.
Thank you for being with us today. Good luck with your new book.
Author Bio:
Award-winning author of romantic suspense and mystery, Amanda McKinney wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY, after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Set in small, Southern towns, Amanda’s books are page-turning murder mysteries peppered with steamy love scenes, and include the BERRY SPRINGS SERIES and the BLACK ROSE MYSTERY SERIES, with many more to come.
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