Author Spotlight week -Excerpt from The Ill-Gotten Insurance

Minx placed Harris' coffee in front of him and pulled out napkins from the table dispenser. There. She'd done her hostessing duties. Sitting across from him, she reached into her bag and got out her power bar.

"So, lieutenant, what's up?"

Harris took a sip, then set the cup back down. "I've never been at the Elite Exercise Emporium before. Nice place. Do you think I should take out a membership?"

She blinked back surprise. Surely this wasn't his official business?

Peeling the wrapper off the bar, she replied, "You look buff enough, lieutenant."

"Is that a compliment?"

She tilted her head at him. "Do you want it to be?"

What was going on here? Were they actually flirting with each other?

As she nibbled on the end of the granola power bar, she studied him. His odd combination of short dark and light grey hair swirled in waves over his head. A dark lock tumbled down over his high forehead. One renegade curl strayed appealingly around the curve of his ear.

He gestured with his large, well-formed hand. "That your lunch?"

"It sure is. Are you hungry? I've got two more bars with me."

He was a man that didn't smile much. With his job in the Los Angeles Police Department, there probably weren't many opportunities for smiles. But when he did let loose and show those pearly whites, despite herself, she seemed to turn into one of those silly adolescent girls she'd disparaged just a minute ago.

Harris not only smiled, but laughed. A deep, hearty, masculine laugh. His laughter attractively crinkled the skin around his eyes. Otherwise, his tanned face was unlined. Prematurely grey, that was what he was. Maybe that trait ran in his family.

"No, thanks. That granola bar looks like Fido's dog food to me."

The laugh and the smile disappeared as quickly as they surfaced. He must've been getting ready to lower the boom. Official police business was rarely good.

She swallowed down a bit of apprehension

Author Spotlight Week - Susanne Marie Knight shares her favorite authors

Author Georgette Heyer

My favorite author? Oh, that’s too difficult to whittle down to only one. So I’ll cheat again. :)) Growing up, I enjoyed reading three genres of novels--science fiction, Regency, and suspense. I still do today.

For powerful stories that stretch the imagination--science fiction, I love to read Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein. With those authors, I could wile away the hours in the company of robots and exploring deep space.

For elegance and charm of Polite Society, I turn to Regencies, and author Georgette Heyer. Surprisingly, Regencies and science fiction are linked by many readers. According to September 2002’s Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine, science fiction fans love the “alien” world of polite Regency society. This interest, the article states, is due to Regency author Georgette Heyer’s prose using “witty dialogue, costumes, rules and conventions of the Regency society...” I agree!

For the challenge of a juicy murder mystery, Agatha Christie can’t be beat. I read and reread her many books, always on the lookout for clues so I can solve the murder. And if the story contains romance, so much the better! I’ve learned a great deal about detecting from Christie’s two unconventional crime solvers, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

Author Spotlight Week - Susanne Marie Knight shares her favorite movie

I’m going to cheat--I’ll mention two movies. A criterion for a favorite movie is that it must be one I can watch over and over again... and still enjoy. “Beetlejuice” with Michael Keaton, fits in this category. It’s such an original tale and has so many interesting parts to it. I never tire of seeing the civil service in the underworld or the Handbook for the Recently Deceased--or Diseased! And the dialogue... priceless! At my house, we often quote the characters. “We come for your daughter, Chuck” and “My life is one... big... dark... room” are only two of the numerous funny sayings.

My other favorite is “The Witches” with Angelica Houston. Oh, that movie is rich with humorous lines. Angelica gives a tour de force performance as the Grand High Witch in all the world. Her goal is to change every child into a mouse, starting in England with our hero Luke, and his friend Bruno. If you haven’t seen “The Witches”, I highly recommend it. The story starts out a little slow and is sad at first, with the death of Luke’s parents, but keep watching and you’ll see a fantastic tale unfolding. Missing children living out their lives in paintings, why witches always scratch their heads, and “perfume” that if applied to the skin, grows fur are only some of the topics covered. Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) also gives an inspired performance as the much put upon manager of the resort.

Author Spotlight Week - Susanne Marie Knight shares her passion for Romantic Suspense

What could be more exciting than a good romantic suspense? You have romance, intrigue, sitting on the edge of your seat action! I enjoy weaving a story that has all these elements. For murder mysteries, I also like to throw in those “red herrings” so that my readers can try to figure out for themselves the identity of the killer. Here’s a comment one reader wrote to me: “I kept guessing all the way to the end and I thought someone else was the murderer. Wonderful!!” And here’s another: “very funny, with interesting character interplay. Kept me laughing and guessing, laughing and guessing.”

I particularly love writing the Minx Tobin Mystery Series. This is my first true series and I really enjoy having the chance to explore the characters in depth. Getting to know them so deeply allows me to anticipate how they will react in whatever situation comes their way. When I started THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE, I had no idea Minx had a background in art. Nor did I know that there is actually a type of gun called the .22 short, Beretta Minx. That certainly came in handy! So stay tuned to Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with Susanne Marie Knight

STEPH: I don't know much about The Ill-gotten Insurance. What's it about?

SUSANNE: The Ill-gotten Insurance is Book 2 in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series, which features our gal, Minx, a fitness instructor who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. Her counterpart, Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris, wants to be her love interest. In Book 2, he *may* be getting closer to his goal! Here’s the book blurb:

An odd string of coincidences leads Minx Tobin to an old friend, Bill Gutierrez. Only Bill died five years ago. Before Minx has a chance to question the man, he turns up dead... again, with a slip of paper in his pocket with her name on it. Whether she likes it or not, Minx is involved in another murder. Will the Case of the Ill-gotten Insurance turn out to be deadly for her as well?

Los Angeles Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris regrets that the fitness trainer who piqued his interest is a murder suspect once again. But at least he has a legitimate reason to see Minx. Maybe he can even convince her to go out with him. And maybe he can prevent L.A.'s newest murderer from adding Minx to his... or her fatality list.

STEPH: Where did you find the inspiration for the story?

SUSANNE: I like to plot a story on the basis of the title. Beginning this series is The Bloodstained Bistro. Naturally, the location figured prominently in the book. For The Ill-gotten Insurance, there is an artist who already “died” once before. Next up for Minx are: The Duplicitous Divorce, The Virtual Valentine, and The Yuletide Yorkshire.


STEPH: What attracts to writing Romantic Suspense?

SUSANNE: I love to figure out mysteries along with developing a romance. Seeing how the couple react to each other, along with how the romance progresses... or not keeps me glued to the computer chair. :))

STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?

SUSANNE: I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of writer, which means I don’t have the action plotted out for my book. This is probably not the best way to write, but it works for me. I use the “what if” scenario to figure out where I'm going, then I choose my characters and let them decide what will happen next. I enjoy writing this way because I rarely know how my characters are going to solve their problems! After I’m finished with the book, then I do the synopsis.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write The Ill-gotten Insurance?

SUSANNE: In 2009, I must’ve been on a writing roll. I started and finished The Ill-gotten Insurance in only two months. Wow. This past year’s been different, however. My hope is that 2011 allows me more time to write.

STEPH: Do you cast the characters? If so, who are the leads?

SUSANNE: For this series, I didn’t use actors as inspiration. Thinking back on it now though, I’d say Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris has a little of James Bond’s Daniel Craig in him. :))

STEPH: Can you tell us a little about the state you live in?

SUSANNE: I’ve lived in Washington for many years now. It’s such a large state that I’ve only explored a tiny bit. Next summer, I’m hoping to visit Mount St. Helens... as long as it doesn’t decide to erupt again first!

STEPH: What was the last book you read?


SUSANNE: I came across a book I’d read MANY years ago, and decided to read it again. Way Station by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction story about a U.S. Civil War soldier who is chosen by aliens to be a gatekeeper on Earth, without anyone else on Earth knowing about his activities. It’s thought provoking and an excellent example of Simak’s fine storytelling.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

SUSANNE: Yes, I do! I love ebook readers. My main one is a Sony, and it sorts my book inventory by title, by author, and by date loaded onto the reader. I also have an eBookwise reader and the Rocket reader. Each reader has its own advantages.

STEPH: Renoir, Monet, or Picasso?

SUSANNE: Definitely not Picasso! Choosing between Renoir and Monet, I’ll pick Monet. Monet was an impressionist painter, specializing in landscapes. I find I’m drawn to the scenic outdoors. Renoir, also an impressionist, was known for his portraits.

Thank you, Stephanie, for this interview!

The Reviews are in!! Recent Desert Breeze Reviews

THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO
"This is the first in the Minx Tobin series by talented author Susanne Marie Knight and you'll be waiting for the next one, just to see what happenx next. The hint of romance blended in, promises sparks will fly...I'm pleased to recommend The Bloodstained Bistro to any mystery fan. The interesting settings and characters will keep you reading. Enjoy. I did."

Anne K. Edwards - Mysteryfiction.net

BY HEART AND COMPASS

"This is the first book that I have read of Ms. Thorne’s but I was captured right from the beginning. I especially like the sayings before each chapter. Read as a pirate would say it. Excellent Book... You’ll be in for a great adventure."

Miss Lynne's Books and More
Rating = 5 Stars - 'A'

FIRE AND ASH
"Another Fastastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully...A fantastic read!"

Ursshebear - Night Owl Reviews
Rating = 5 Stars

Featured July Release The Minx Tobin Mysteries - The Bloodstained Bistro by Susanne Marie Knight

ABOUT THE BOOK:
TO LIVE... AND DIE IN L.A.

Newly relocated Minx Tobin likes to help her friends. She also has a knack for solving puzzles. A huge puzzle in the form of a dead body soon gets dropped into her lap. Did waitress Brandi Evans murder her ex-boyfriend? Minx doesn't think so, but can she crack the Case of the Bloodstained Bistro?

Overworked Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris has his fill of women... and dead bodies. The women he can handle. The dead bodies -- unfortunately they keep piling up. But on this particular case he meets a young woman that not only impedes his investigation, but she also has no interest in him. A healthy ego like his can't handle that. He'll have to keep an eye on Ms. Minx Tobin.

EXCERPT:
The Tobin woman had been surprised by his offer of dinner, but not as surprised as he was himself. Gabe drove onto Santa Monica Boulevard all the while wondering what the hell he had been thinking.

She'd been right. Strictly speaking, he was mixing pleasure with official police business. Dynamite that was guaranteed to explode in his face.

He glanced over at his reluctant passenger. Sitting stiffly in the passenger seat, she held her handbag against her chest as if it were a shield offering protection.

Not that she'd need it against him. She wasn't his type. She was lean and athletic. He preferred his women to be of the buxom variety.

And, come to think of it, he might not be her type, either. She seemed to have a preference for Brandi Evans' company.

"Where are we going to eat?" Minx asked, turning her dark eyed gaze on him.

Minx. What a helluva name. She hadn't like it when he used it. Her plump lips had turned down imperceptibly. He'd noticed, though. It was his job to be observant.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Susanne Marie Knight specializes in Romance Writing with a Twist! She is multi-published with books, short stories, and articles in such diverse genres as science fiction, Regency, mystery, paranormal, suspense, time-travel, fantasy, and contemporary romance. Originally from New York, Susanne lives in the Pacific Northwest, by way of Okinawa, Montana, Alabama, and Florida. Along with her husband, daughter, and the spirit of her feisty Siamese cat, she enjoys the area's beautiful ponderosa pine trees and wide, open spaces--a perfect environment for writing.

Desert Breeze Congratules Susanne on her July Release!

Q&A with Desert Breeze author Susanne Marie Knight

I had a chance to interview Susanne Marie Knight recently. She's a Desert Breeze Author who has a book coming out next month with Desert Breeze, "The Bloodstained Bistro," Book 1 of the Minx Tobin Series. Enjoy. Steph

STEPH: - Susanne, Can you tell us a little about yourself? I see you've been a member of EPIC since 2000.

SUSANNE: Yes, it’s hard to believe ten years can pass so quickly! As for me, I’m the author of 28 books and one anthology. My website is http:www.susanneknight.com. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful husband and a darling daughter. Originally from New York City, I’ve lived in Florida, Alabama, Montana, Okinawa, and have now put down roots in the Pacific Northwest. Quite the wanderlust in my soul, however there’s a lot to be said for settling down. :))



STEPH: - What brought you to Desert Breeze Publishing?

SUSANNE: I’d first read about Desert Breeze Publishing on the EPIC member lists, and was very excited to find a publisher who focused on sweet, sensual, and classic romance. Right up my alley! I’m honored to be one of Desert Breeze’s authors.



STEPH: - Your Minx Tobin series looks very interesting. Can you tell us a little about the series?

SUSANNE: Gladly! The Minx Tobin Mysteries feature our gal, Minx, a fitness instructor who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. Her counterpart, Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris, wants to be her love interest. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow Minx’s adventures in this murder mystery series.



STEPH: - Can you set the stage for "The Bloodstained Bistro?"

SUSANNE: Minx leaves her home and her unfaithful fiancé, and starts a new life in Los Angeles. She’s settling in at her job as fitness instructor at the Elite Exercise Emporium. Because she has a caring nature, she’s dragged into waitress Brandi Evans’ problems--problems that soon reveal Brandi’s ex-boyfriend murdered in her car trunk. Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris investigates, and soon becomes intrigued by possible murder suspect Minx Tobin. But Minx isn’t looking to have a relationship. Neither is Gabe, but he finds himself attracted to this female Sherlock Holmes. For more, visit www.desertbreezepublishing.com!



STEPH: - I see you've written many different genres. Do you have a favorite?

SUSANNE: My writing covers a wide spectrum -- contemporary, mystery, ghost, paranormal, regency, time-travel, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy. And I have to say, truthfully, I love them all! Anything with an interesting hook can beckon me to write its story. :))



STEPH: - What's the last movie you saw in a movie theatre?

SUSANNE: Robin Hood--with Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchard. Oh, I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did. Russell’s Robin actually says “I love you” before Marian does!



STEPH: - Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

SUSANNE: I’ve got a few. Sony’s ebook reader is my newest one. I also have Ebookwise and Rocket. So I never have an excuse to say I’m without a book to read. :))