Before I start, let me give you the official synopsis.
How could a killer have struck in a crowded theater? That was the question plaguing TV news reporter Dani Richards. She'd been in the box next to the victim—and hadn't heard or seen a thing. Now the very man who had broken Dani's heart years ago was investigating the murder. And when her coverage of the story led the killer to stalk her, police offi cer and former fl ame Caleb Jamison insisted on protecting her. Dani was afraid to let Caleb close again. Yet she had no choice. The killer's sinister phone calls left no doubt that he'd come for Dani next.
OOoh.....shivers!
Cara graciously took the time out of her busy schedule to answer my interview questions, and I'm so excited. Thanks, Cara, for giving me this unique interview!
Pattie: I like the title. What made you choose Deadly Exposure instead of another title?
Cara: The working title was Double Image, but my editor asked for more titles. I brainstormed with a couple writing buds and off their ideas came up with Deadly Exposure. That better captures the idea that there's the threat of death and the exposure the heroine is in as a reporter and stalking victim. The sequel is Deadly Judgment. Once I have a general idea, it's so much easier to come up with titles.
Pattie: Why did you choose a theater for the crime scene, and why Cats for the musical?
Cara: I was looking for something different and unique to Lincoln. The Lied Center is a beautiful theater on the edge of UNL's campus, so that fit. I also wanted a setting that would have the heroine in a place she's trying to relax and escape from the pressures of her job. It should be a safe place, but isn't. I love the musical CATS -- and I don't think people find it objectionable in any way. :-)
Pattie: This book is quite different from your first historical, Canteen Dreams. Which genre do you enjoy writing more?
Cara: I actually enjoy both -- but you're right -- they are very different. I love bringing the history of World War Two to life. But I equally love the race against the clock of suspense. I get to write both for right now and I enjoy that.
Pattie: Do you have a writing hero? Who is it?
Cara: There are so many writers I admire. I love the layers in Colleen Coble's suspense, the incredible pacing of Brandilyn Collins' books, the humor in Rachel Hauck's romances, the historical accuracy in Tricia Goyer's novels.
Pattie: Tricia Goyer is my writing hero too!
You have written stories taking place in Nebraska, and you live in Indiana. Which other Midwest states have you lived in? Do you have plans to use any of them as settings in your novels?
Cara: Nebraska is my home state, so it's been fun writing books set there. Also easier to check the location details since I go home a couple times a year. Right now I'm getting ready to start writing a series set in Ohio during World War Two. I'm excited about the series, but planning a research trip, since I've never spent much time in Ohio. I also have a legal proposal I'm tweaking that is set in a fictious Indiana town.
Pattie: What is in your Mt. TBR right now? (Mt. TBR=Mount To Be Read, unread books!)
Cara: Boy! The pile never goes away. Wiser Than Serpents by Susan May Warren, The Warriors by Mark Andrew Olsen, Deanne Gist's new book, and many more. I love reading -- and the pile never shrinks. One book gets replaced with a new one.
Thanks, Cara!
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I really liked this book. I haven't read too many LI Suspense titles yet, mainly because I've been reading other things, including some cozy mysteries. I think the LI line is a lot like some of the secular cozies I've read: there's a crime, but it's not bloody and gross. There's some romance, but not too much. There's a bad guy and clues and ultimately redemption and resolution for the main character.
Cara weaves the spiritual element of her novel into the story seamlessly. Not all authors can do that.
I enjoyed it, and I truly liked Dani, the main character. She is human and quite likeable.
But don't just take my word for it: Deadly Exposure received four stars from Romantic Times!
**GIVEAWAY** I will be giving away a copy of this novel (read once, in excellent condition!). Just leave me a comment and a way to get in touch with you (either blog or email addy with spaces to throw off the web spam trolls). I will draw the winner next Tuesday June 17.
2 comments:
Nice interview Patti and Cara. :)
Rachel
Thanks so much for hosting me, Patti, and for your kind review. So glad you enjoyed the book! I can't wait to write book two which focuses on Tricia, Caleb's sister.
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