Recently, my 18th book with Love Inspired Suspense released. My son laughed at me as I dragged him through Wal-Mart just to get a glimpse of my book on the shelf. Even after so many books, it is still thrilling to see a new book baby launch.
Crime Scene Witness is
the second installation in five surrounding the Bender family. It tells the
story of Micah Bender, the oldest Bender sibling. The first story, Her
Secret Amish Past, was released in January. I had actually started writing Crime
Scene Witness first. However, I hadn’t written more than a few scenes when I realized I needed to tell Joss’s story first. I put Micah’s story aside for a
short time while I wrote about Joss’s discovery of who she really was. I loved
writing that book, but I greatly anticipated returning to give Micah his happy
ever after.
Let me tell you a little about the characters in Crime
Scene Witness. As I said before, Micah is the oldest brother. He
grew up Amish in Sutter Springs, Ohio, but left the community when he was seventeen.
More than twenty years have passed since then. He’s now a deputy US marshal. He also holds himself back from becoming emotionally involved with anyone. He's seen too much to risk his heart again.
Lissa Page is a single mother who gave up all her
dreams to raise her daughter alone. She works as a crime scene cleaner to make
ends meet. I found it an interesting job to research, as I had never thought
about what it entailed previously. It is sometimes a gruesome career. It also brings
Lissa to the attention of a serial killer.
Then there’s Shelby, Lissa’s five year-old daughter.
She was a joy to write. Sweet and sassy, she brings forth Micah’s protective instincts
immediately.
The next three books regarding the Bender family are
set to release at the end of July, September and the end of June, 2024. I’m
writing the last one now.
So I’m curious. What are some of the most interesting
careers you’ve read about in books? What would be one you’d enjoy seeing more
of? As a writer, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. I’m giving away one
copy of Crime Scene Witness to a commenter.
CRIME
SCENE WITNESS
Finding
a safe haven
is the only way to stay alive
When crime scene cleaner Lissa Page discovers a
clue at a murder site, she’s attacked and becomes the killer’s new target. Now
Deputy US Marshal Micah Bender must protect the single mother from becoming
another victim. But with threats coming from every direction, Micah needs to
hide Lissa—and the Amish community he left behind might be the answer to
keeping his witness safe.
Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and
Publishers Weekly bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch
people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and
told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they
were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world
of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and
writes stories of romance and danger at night. Dana is an avid reader, loves
cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or
sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at www.danarlynn.com.
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ReplyDeleteI love it. Five books. I always do three book series but why? Why not four or ten or whatever. I like the name Micah, too. I'm totally stealing that. Congratulations on the new book, Dana.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love that name. Steal away!
DeleteCareers. I like reading about rehabbing houses. I've read a couple about smoke jumpers that were really great. Lots of opportunities for drama there. I like having doctors or nurses just because they're so handy when I HURT people,
ReplyDeleteLol. Totally get that.
DeleteI just did a female blacksmith, the research for that was fun. And a diner cook who was waaaay too good for this little frontier town but he loved making fancy stuff and watching the locals frown over coq au vin and mutter about it being chicken stew. But then also devouring it.
ReplyDeleteFun! I'm enjoying researching bounty hunters and search and rescue teams right now.
DeleteA crime scene cleaner. Wow. That career would require a strong constitution!
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting career I've researched is an international spy for one of the characters in my cozy mysteries. Actually, my research has been focusing on similar characters in books and movies because in real life, their lives are necessarily cloaked. So, just like other writers (except Ian Fleming) I have fun making stuff up about her career. :-)
That would be fascinating research!
ReplyDeleteI always liked the idea of being a "book doctor" like Mo in Inkheart. Rebinding old books, pressing designs into the leather, making swirly endpaper...
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like a fun job! Especially if you get to read some of the books.
DeleteDana, I loved the first book so look forward to this one. Please put me in the drawing. I always enjoys books about teachers, since I am one. I actually work as a substitute now, so that would be a different look at a teacher.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I'm a teacher as well. It's not for the faint of heart!
DeleteCongratulations on book #18! What an accomplishment! It's funny that just this year I've read two books with beekeepers as main characters. I've learned a lot about a very interesting job. I have a new respect for that career or hobby.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I would be terrified, lol. But I have a friend wbo does that and makes honey.
ReplyDeleteA crime scene cleaner. What an interesting profession, though not for the weak of heart (and stomach!) So far, the characters I've placed in books have had pretty common careers. I hope one of my upcoming books sparks ideas for uncommon professions.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Dana, and congrats on the new book!
Audra
Congratulations on another release! <3
ReplyDeleteHi Dana, a crime scene cleaner was totally new to me until I read this book! I love it when I learn while being entertained and this book definitely did that. Loved Micah & Lissa together!
ReplyDelete