Main Character: Michael Elliott

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Michael Elliott is a crime reporter and the second main character in my Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series. His criminal investigations thrust him into unpredictable situations where danger often lurks—a sharp contrast to the organized, behind-the-scenes lifestyle of my other main character, ghostwriter Megan Scott.

I had the opportunity to interview Michael several years ago (in my pretend world, of course). For readers who might not yet be acquainted with him, here’s an excerpt from our conversation:

Michael, tell us how you and Megan Scott became involved in the double murder investigation portrayed in False Impressions, the first book in the series.

Megan and I knew each other professionally. After her husband was killed, the police began to suspect that she and I had had an affair. It blew my mind. Truth is, I don’t date married women. Before we knew it, the police labeled us as prime suspects.

What specific incidents would you like to forget regarding the murder investigation, and do they still affect you now?

There’s no way I can ever forget what happened. The police search of my place, their frequent interrogations, the killer’s threats, more dead bodies…. My life turned into a living hell, but I think the ordeal was worse for Megan. She didn’t deserve any of it. Time is a great healer, though. It helped put our lives back on track.

You occasionally assist the police by supplying them with information obtained through your work. As an investigative reporter, you’ve probably met your share of shady characters. Has the inherent danger of the job ever discouraged you?

It’s a two-way street. My informants give me inside info. In return, I protect their identity. In my line of work, I go with my gut feelings but keep my guard up. You never know what might come at you in a dark alley. To keep fit, I pump iron and jog every day.

You’ve gradually involved Megan in your investigative work. Why?

Sometimes it’s less conspicuous to work as a team than to work solo. Most of all, I value Megan’s input because she has a different way of looking at things—not to mention her talent for noticing details. She seems truly interested in my work, but I suspect she just wants to tag along to keep me out of danger. She thinks I take too many risks.

Let’s talk about a topic close to your heart. Do you see a future with Megan?

We’ll definitely be investigating more cases together. Oh…you’re referring to our personal relationship, right? Sorry, you’ll have to follow the series to find out how it’s all going to turn out.

Thank you, Michael.

*

Readers, please note that each novel in my series is a standalone and doesn’t have to be read in sequence. Visit the Books page on this website to learn more about my books and find the link to your preferred retailer.

Main Character: Megan Scott

For the benefit of readers who haven’t been formerly introduced to her, Megan Scott is the main character in my Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series. She works as a ghostwriter and loves the anonymity of her job within the safe, organized, and predictable environment of her home office.

To stir things up, I intertwined the orderly lifestyle of this thirty-something young woman with the risky and spontaneous adventures of handsome Michael Elliott, an investigative reporter. Then I sat back and waited.

How would Megan react when I dropped her into unnerving, life-threatening circumstances? Would she run away and hide? Or would she confront the danger and get hurt in the process? Yes, I was concerned. After all, she was my creation, my manuscript baby.

I can assure you that she hasn’t let me down. With each successive book I’ve written, Megan reveals increasing courage and determination. Although she remains somewhat cautious, her growing interest in joining Michael on crime-solving adventures has expanded her world and strengthened the bond between them. The pair began their journey as friends, but mutual loyalty and commitment has deepened that friendship. And then there’s the chemistry between them. Only time will tell if their relationship develops into something more serious.

Like most people, Megan is a multilayered character, complete with hopes and doubts about the choices she makes. Here are certain facts you might or might not already know about her:

– Megan is of Irish-Italian origin. She is an only child and lives in a condo in cosmopolitan Montreal. Her mother resides in the same city.

– While Megan was married to Tom, they tried to have children but were unsuccessful.

– Guilt about Tom’s unexpected death occasionally troubles Megan. She feels she could have prevented it somehow.

– Megan is curious about Michael’s work and joins him on investigative ventures, if only to pull him back from the brink of danger.

– She speaks French as well as English and translates for Michael during his interviews with French-speaking informants.

– Megan admires Michael and wishes she could be more like him. Consequently, she’s learning to trust her instincts more often.

– Though she’s hesitant about getting married again, she doesn’t deny she has deep feelings for Michael.

– Megan has a great eye for detail and is instrumental in deciphering clues.

– She has an excellent memory but jots notes on canary yellow lined paper—just in case.

– Her favorite snack is chocolate almonds. Need I say more?

If you haven’t already done so, tag along with Megan and Michael on their crime-solving ventures and enjoy the thrills! Each novel in the series is a standalone and doesn’t have to be read in sequence. Visit the Books page on this website to learn more about my books and find the link to your preferred retailer.

Happy reading!

In Appreciation

As another year comes to an end, I want to extend my gratitude to readers who have connected with me and with my books. I had the pleasure of meeting some of you at local book-signing events and on social media where you shared your reading interests and preferences with me—feedback that I’m always eager to receive!

In the spirit of giving, I’m holding a paperback giveaway on Goodreads for each of my mystery novels this month: False Impressions, Fatal Whispers, Icy Silence, and Dark Deeds. This is a one-time simultaneous offer starting December 15 before I revert to my usual one-book-a-month giveaway schedule in January. If you’re not already a member of Goodreads, you can visit the site to join. It’s free! While you’re there, visit my author page and add your name to any—or all—of my paperback giveaways for a chance to win.

I have more news. Kobo is having a Boxing Week Promotion from December 20 to January 5. My latest mystery novel, Dark Deeds, will be among the featured eBooks. It’s a perfect gift for someone on your list who enjoys reading eBooks!

Thank you again for your support and encouragement. It means so much to me and inspires me to keep on writing. Come January, I’ll be working on Book #5 in the mystery series and plotting more thrilling adventures for Megan and Michael.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sandra

 

Introducing: Dark Deeds

Dark Deeds, the fourth book in the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series, is published!

This latest novel takes my two main characters on a dangerous quest in search of an ex-convict. This time, the killer is hiding in plain sight. He’s had reconstructive surgery. No one knows what he looks like—not even the police.

With the perpetrator always a step ahead of Megan and Michael, their daring exploits intensify to heart-pounding levels. In other words, you’re in for quite a ride! Set in a fictitious small town, Dark Deeds highlights the premise that ordinary people can experience life-threatening events—even in places they consider safe. In this story, it’s a lakeside resort.

The following blurb highlights the gripping challenges my sleuths face as they battle against time to find an elusive killer:

“Where evil lurks, no one is safe.”

The suspicious fire that destroyed the shed exposes a surprise corpse—not what ghostwriter Megan Scott and investigative reporter Michael Elliott expected when they reserved a cabin at their friends’ lakeside resort in rural Ontario.

Fear overshadows their visit like a looming storm. Their friends are receiving anonymous threatening letters. An elderly resident is reported missing. Locals are wary. They aren’t used to outsiders snooping around town, asking questions.

When Michael makes a connection to a cold case, evidence points to an ex-convict looking for revenge. He’s had reconstructive surgery. He could be anyone.

Terror blankets the town as the body count mounts. The killer is playing dangerous mind games with everyone—especially with Megan. If she doesn’t find him first, she could well become his next victim.

Want to read more? To get your copy of Dark Deeds, visit the Books page on my website for links to major retailers. Then sit back and enjoy the read!

I have more exciting news this month. If you visit my Events page, you'll see two locations in November where I’ll be signing paperback versions of my books. If you're in the area, drop by and pick up a free bookmark of Dark Deeds.

 

The Subway

When I used to live in Montreal, I often rode Le Metro, or subway system, on shopping trips to the downtown area. The underground metro is the main form of public transport in this cosmopolitan city. It’s a convenient way to get around in the winter when snowstorms block streets, and it’s faster than making the same journey by car through heavy traffic.

The metro is such a vital part of Montreal that I mentioned it in several scenes in False Impressions, my first book in the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series. Here’s an excerpt from Megan’s point of view after she tumbles into a busy downtown street, and a young man wearing iPod earphones yanks her back to safety:

 

I returned to my apartment, still debating whether or not I was losing my mind. Had I slipped off the sidewalk because of my own carelessness as the iPod guy had claimed, or had someone pushed me into the traffic on purpose?

I’d heard of similar “accidents” occurring in Le Metro. Whether a pedestrian had been pushed or had jumped in front of a speeding train of their own free will, the result was always the same: It had happened so fast that no one had seen anything. Subway authorities would evacuate the station and shut down the system along that segment of the line while police investigated the incident and maintenance crews cleaned up the mess. Commuters who knew better had adopted the habit of standing along the back of the platform to avoid being pushed in front of a subway car as it sped into the station.

The outcome of my experience paled in comparison, thanks to the iPod guy’s swift reaction. I weighed the possibility he might have shoved me into the street but dismissed it. It would have proved too tricky to maneuver a push from where he was standing beside me. I was convinced the thrust had come from behind.

 

Want to read more? Click on the Books page on my website to find out where you can get your copy of False Impressions. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but this first book will give you a glimpse into the life-threatening events that initially brought Megan and Michael together.

Enjoy the read!