In the Beginning

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Fifteen years ago, it all began with IMMORAL. This was the novel that launched my career and introduced Jonathan Stride to readers. What a way to begin…a novel sold in 17 languages, Main Selection in the Literary Guild and the Book of the Month Club, and the Macavity Award winner and finalist for the Edgar, Dagger, Barry, and Anthony Awards for Best First Novel.

As we make our way toward the September 22 release of the tenth Stride novel, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, I thought I’d highlight each of the Stride novels over the next several weeks. If you’re staying home, this is a great time to catch up on the series.

Go back and read IMMORAL and meet Stride, Serena, and Maggie for the first time. As you go through the series, you’ll see how they’ve evolved as characters (and you’ll see my writing and plotting style change, too). I want these heroes to be real people, with strengths and flaws, victories and setbacks. Sometimes they’ll make mistakes, but that’s what makes them human.

The plot in IMMORAL spans several years as Stride tries to puzzle out the truth behind the disappearance of a very twisted teenager named Rachel Deese. I’ve had a lot of surprises in my books over the years, but the whodunit in IMMORAL remains one of my all-time favorites. As the tagline on the book said, if you think you know how it ends, think again… 

Bourne. Stride.

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Two of your favorite heroes — Jason Bourne and Jonathan Stride — return later this year!

July 28…my first Bourne book for the Robert Ludlum estate comes out: THE BOURNE EVOLUTION. This is an all-new take on Ludlum’s iconic character, and it stands completely on its own. Don’t miss it!

September 22…get ready for the long-awaited return of Jonathan Stride in FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND. Definitely the most shocking Stride book yet.

Both are available for pre-order now!

Social Distancing

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From Marcia at facebook.com/theauthorswife:

With April 1 soon upon us, many of us are asking whether we’re all living through one of the biggest April Fool’s Day jokes ever. Sadly, the answer is no…the current healthcare situation with Covid-19 is very real and very scary. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones—we wish you peace and comfort.

Minnesota is one of the many states where there is currently a “stay in place” order from the governor…but even before this official order came through, Brian and I were in discussion with the coordinators at all of the various venues where he was scheduled to appear over these next few months about how to best keep everyone safe. And we all unanimously decided that the best thing to do would be to postpone for now—and then reschedule these events when we’re all confident that it is safe to do so. (So, if you check out Brian’s website, you’ll see that all of the upcoming events that were scheduled through mid May are now listed as “postponed.” I would encourage you to check back periodically—we’ll post the new dates and times as soon as they are rescheduled.)

On the bright side, this change in schedule, coupled with the “stay at home” order, has meant more writing time for Brian…and that’s always a good thing. He’s rapidly approaching the completion of his next manuscript…so I hope to be able to do my first read-through sometime in the next few weeks…! I can’t tell you how excited I am about that…! If you’ve read earlier entries here, then you know that I actually know nothing about this new book—just the title…INFINITE…! What a tease, huh…!?

Of course, these are difficult times for many…so it’s important that we all work together. If you’re able, support your local merchants—they’ll be some of the hardest hit during the current restrictions. And even if they’re currently closed, many stores and restaurants are offering extra perks when you purchase their gift cards for future use. Be sure to check in with your local favorites…!

And finally, Brian and the boys and I want to give a great big shout out to all of those who are continuing to do their jobs—both at home and “out there” in the world…keeping us all moving forward…! Healthcare workers, first responders, military, and law enforcement officers are at the top of our list…!

And to all of you…stay safe…and healthy…and we look forward to many more years together.