BooksChatter: ℚ Detective Madison Knight Series [0-7]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Carolyn Arnold to talk about Detective Madison Knight (Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc.), a Police Procedural/ mystery/suspense series, and in particular about In The Line Of Duty, which is slated to be published on 29 September 2016.

“Fans of crime fiction will be moved and enthralled by In the Line of Duty, as much an action-packed mystery as it is a heartfelt tribute to police who give up their lives to protect others.” —Publishers Weekly

“You experience the emotions, distractions, frustrations, and successes of the characters in every chapter of In the Line of Duty. I found her heartfelt details to be spot on with a line-of-duty death. Being able to put such a tragic situation into words, is difficult in itself, but she does it with compassion, knowledge, and respect for those in uniform who know what it is like to lose a brother or sister in blue.” —Carl J. Harper, Training Officer, ERT (SWAT), Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania

Synopsis | The Series | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome back to Carolyn Arnold; thank you for joining us again!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used when writing the Detective Madison Knight Series?

"I usually prefer silence when I write."

What compelled you to write In the Line of Duty, the latest installment in the Detective Madison Knight series?

"I wanted a book that showed the human side of policing. I wanted to paint the vivid picture that police are people, and I wanted to show how the loss of a brother in blue affects them—not only on a professional level, but more importantly, on a personal one."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Madison Knight is a lot like me, and I love to see her growing with each book. She’s got a hunger for finding justice for murder victims and she’s hardheaded and tenacious. Nothing is going to detour her from finding out the truth and solving a case—not even a difficult superior.

My love for law enforcement is reflected in this book—and in all my books for that matter. During the revisions of In the Line of Duty, I took part in a local police department’s citizen’s academy and the firsthand experience I received there only served to make this book that much stronger."

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this book?

"I learned a lot about SWAT planning and tactics. Thankfully, I was blessed with a contact who works in that capacity and he generously answered any questions I had from weapons, to planning and approach."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for In the Line of Duty - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I wanted this cover to grip people’s emotions the second they looked at it. The badge with the mourning band is known in the law enforcement community as symbolizing the loss of a fellow officer. In some communities, it’s a simple black band and in others, it has a thin blue line in the middle. I had both elements incorporated in the cover. I wanted this cover to not only speak to mystery readers but those who serve in law enforcement."

Why should we read In the Line of Duty and the Detective Madison Knight series; what sets it apart from the rest?

"In the Line of Duty carries a message of love for those in law enforcement. Police officers and departments are especially hot topics right now, whether it be in regards to police brutality or the use of excessive force. It seems there is a clear line between people who respect them and people who despise them. I wanted to portray law enforcement officers as truthfully as possible, neither idealizing or vilifying them. I wanted to show the human side of policing.

My books come with praise from law enforcement. The latest testimonial came from a SWAT officer serving in Pennsylvania. He said, “You experience the emotions, distractions, frustrations, and successes of the characters in every chapter of In the Line of Duty. I found her heartfelt details to be spot on with a line-of-duty death. Being able to put such a tragic situation into words, is difficult in itself, but she does it with compassion, knowledge, and respect for those in uniform who know what it is like to lose a brother or sister in blue.”"

Can you tell us something quirky about Detective Madison Knight, its story and characters?

"The Detective Madison Knight series takes place in the fictional town of Stiles, but I base the names of streets and roads on the city in which I live."

Who would you recommend Detective Madison Knight to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries and those who worked—or who have worked—in law enforcement."

If you could / wished to turn In the Line of Duty and the Detective Madison Knight series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I would love for Maria Bello to play Madison Knight and Scott Caan to play her partner, Terry Grant."

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

"Finding a life balance. It’s so easy to let myself get carried away into the world of fiction and become obsessed with the story and getting it down that all other responsibilities are pushed aside. And it’s not just other responsibilities that can get pushed off, but socializing, as well. But, at this point in my career and life, I’m good about stepping back and seeing what is and what isn’t working in my schedule and making the necessary adjustments. It still is, however, a bit of a juggling act."

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

"My toughest criticism came from my mother-in-law, and it came before I published. She’d read an early copy manuscript and told me that while she enjoyed the story, the characters could be much stronger and feel more real. I took her feedback and became determined to improve in this area, and now I’m complimented on my relatable and engrossing characters.

“Arnold works hard not only at getting her policing facts and terms correct but at creating deep and believable characters…” – Publishers Weekly"

What is in store next?

"Madison Knight almost died at the hands of the Russian mafia. In the next book, they’re coming back, and I can guarantee you someone is going to end up dead. Will it be Madison, her boyfriend, her partner, or the Russian hitman? I’ll have to write it, and then you’ll have to read it, to find out."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?