On
the edge of the Everglades, an eerie crime scene sets off an investigation that
sends two agents deep into a world of corrupted faith, greed and deadly
secrets.
A ritualistic murder on the side of a remote road brings in the Florida state
police. Special Agent Amy Larson has never seen worse, and there are
indications that this killing could be just the beginning. The crime draws the
attention of the FBI in the form of Special Agent Hunter Forrest, a man with
insider knowledge of how violent cults operate, and a man who might never be
able to escape his own past.
The rural community is devastated by the death in their midst, but people know
more than they are saying. As Amy and Hunter join forces, every lead takes them
further into the twisted beliefs of a dangerous group that will stop at nothing
to see their will done.
Doomsday preppers and small-town secrets collide in this sultry, twisty
page-turning thriller.
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Q: Please give the elevator pitch for Danger in Numbers.
A: Danger in Numbers is the first in a four book series based on crimes with a mastermind playing with the concept of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent winds up working a strange, ritualistic murder discovered in the Everglades along with an FBI agent, who, due to his past, has a unique ability to investigate the machinations of cults.
Q: Which came first: the characters or plot line?
A: A drive through my state on Highway 27! The area for the beginning first—then characters and plot falling in together!
Q: Why do you love Amy and Hunter and why should readers root for them?
A: I always love people who are able to take something negative happening and turn it into something good for others or for the future. I also greatly admire our FDLE, and so many of the men and women working in the department!
Q: What was your last 5 star read?
A: LOL – I have no idea! I never base my reading on stars, rather on whether the subject matter is intriguing, or I know the author’s work and I know it will be a good read!
Q: What is one thing about publishing you wish someone would have told you?
A: Hm. Publishing has changed so much since I started! But, I did start without an agent and I think that a good agent is priceless. And, a good agent isn’t necessarily the agent you hear about being the “best.” The “best” agent is the one who loves your work and really wants to go to bat for you!
Q: With your two lead characters being in law enforcement, I was curious about the research into police procedures. Have you ever taken one of the law enforcement 'schools' for authors? Or do you personally have experience or know folks in law enforcement?
A: One of my favorite conferences is The Police Writers Academy. It’s run by Lee Lofland and he brings in specialists from all kinds of agencies, dealing with so many factions regarding law enforcement, evidence, and the law itself. I’m also grateful to International Thriller Writers for trips to the New York offices of the FBI—and out to the CIA. Mystery Writers have also brought in wonderful speakers to various conferences, and, of course, I have friends who are still with—or were with—various law department agencies. And my five children have paid off nicely! One has a U.S. Marshal friend who brought me through his offices and another friend is a Miami-Dade detective. They may start running now when they see me coming! But they’re seriously wonderfully helpful.
Q: When writing your thrilling mysteries like this one going into the dark side of cults, have you ever felt chills or thrills as you write? Have any of your fictional villains given you the willies?
A: I’ve seen—thankfully, from a distance—what horrors can arise from cults. I’ve gotten chills many times!
Q: I've always wanted to see them. Have you been on location to the Florida Everglades before?
A: I grew up in Miami and I love trips out to Shark Valley and other areas of the Everglades. I love visiting our Native American villages and information centers in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. We do have mosquitos, alligators, and now, of course, massive constrictors, but we also have amazing birds and incredible nature sites. We’re unique! Down at the tip of the state, we also have crocodiles. No, I don’t really want to play with them or get close to them! But the habitat, the hammocks, wetlands, and more are all uniquely beautiful.
Q: How much research do you do before beginning to write a book? Do you go to locations, ride with police, go to see an autopsy, etc.
A: It always depends on what I’m doing. I have friends who prefer their research online—when I can, I love to travel. There are certain cities and areas I love and return to, but bizarre stories can be found in tiny towns and almost anywhere. Fiction will never be stranger than truth! When I can, I go to locations and speak with law enforcement or those close to a situation. When I can’t... well, I have a massive library and thankfully, friends who have been police and medical examiners!
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: Reading! Diving and anything to do with the water, and ballroom dancing.
Q: Do you write under one name for all books across genres or do you have other AKA's?
A: I do have an AKA – Shannon Drake. At one time, I was writing historical novels under the name, and then doing a vampire series under it as well. Many of the publishers later reissued them under Heather Graham. (Went a little crazy a couple of months ago and wrote an historical, Arthurian fantasy, Daughter of Darkness and Light. Because it’s very different from contemporary thrillers, it’s up under Shannon Drake.) Years ago, I also used my full married name for a few books—Heather Graham Pozzessere. But Pozzessere is apparently hard to say, making it difficult for booksellers! But my dad was Graham, so writing as Graham is important to me!
Q: Do you have pets?
A: I do. A shy crazy cat and two pups, Rocket and Nimh.
Q: What’s your favorite part of writing suspense?
A: Taking a situation—and ending it the way I want it to end!
Q: Do you prefer reading and/or writing suspense with elements of romance? Why or why not?
A: I like relationships, I think they often define us. If not necessarily romance, I still like a story to contain friendships or other relationships.
Q: From the books you’ve written or read, who has been your favorite villain and why?
A: LOL – I don’t have a favorite child and I don’t have a favorite villain! That said, I have always loved Maleficent. She was my girl long before they cast Angelina Jolie as Maleficent in a movie. So evil and glamorous! And now, of course, we know she’s the classic, misunderstood villain—if only the world had treated her more kindly!
Avid
Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Mystery
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger
warnings.
Small town meets police and FBI. That is essentially what happens right away. A
ritualistic murder takes place and everyone in the small town becomes a
suspect. Then, when you have someone with a lot of money, that, especially in a
small town, equates to power.
Amy knows that she might be in over her head in this case, but she's determined
to figure it out. With the help of Hunter, an FBI agent who knows all about
cults, they have to trace the clues to find out how their victims are chosen
and why.
This is a twisty story about finding who is culpable, who is brainwashed, and
who is really the bad guy. Amy and Hunter know that the small town isn't going
to like what they find out about their fellow neighbor, but in order for the
people to stop dying in this tiny town, the mystery has to be solved.
This was a well-developed story, but it was almost too twisty. There are a lot
of characters and personalities that you have to figure through. Also, the
romance was not very successful for me. It felt forced.
This book doesn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger, but it definitely sets up
the next book. I'm cautiously optimistic about the next book.
HEATHER
GRAHAM is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author
has written over two hundred novels and novellas, has been published in
approximately twenty-five languages and with about 60 million books sold in
print in the categories of romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire
fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. For more information,
visit her on her website.
Connect with
Heather
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Website ~ Goodreads
Hosted by
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided
a free copy of Danger in Numbers by Heather Graham to read and review for this
tour.
