BooksChatter: ℚ A Fatal Obsession: McCabe and Savage Thrillers [6]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author James Hayman to talk about A Fatal Obsession (21 August 2018, Witness Impulse, 368 pages), a Mystery Thriller, book six in the McCabe and Savage Thrillers series.

"James Hayman’s edgy, ingenious novels rival the best of Lisa Gardner, Jeffery Deaver, and Kathy Reichs. A Fatal Obsession is his finest to date: a ferocious live-wire thriller starring two of the most appealing cops in contemporary fiction." —A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to James Hayman; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for A Fatal Obsession?

"The idea that inspired A Fatal Obsession is based on the simple truth that family relationships form the most powerful bonds for most people including both my heros, Maggie Savage and Michael McCabe.

My third book, Darkness First, dealt with Maggie’s strong relationships with her father, and her younger brother Harlan. A Fatal Obsession deals with McCabe’s relationships with his own family.

As the book starts, McCabe and Maggie learn that McCabe’s 83 year old mother is in a hospital in New York, dying from a bad fall. He and Maggie rush down to New York. On the way McCabe learns that his niece Zoe has disappeared and that the police believe she is the latest victim of a serial killer who preys on young actresses."

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

"There’s a lot me in McCabe’s personality in all six books. Devotion to his family and his job. And a love for old movies, good Scotch Whisky and the New York Giants football team."

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

"I think the cover is suitably creepy showing an old mansion on a foggy night. This is the house where the kidnapper keeps his victims."

Why should we read A Fatal Obsession and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"While all previous McCabe/Savage books were set in Maine, this one is set in Manhattan and in rural Connecticut. I always hesitate to say that the villain isn’t who most readers will think it is, but I think that that author’s slight of hand is especially true in A Fatal Obsession."

Who would you recommend A Fatal Obsession to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"This is an intense thriller with scenes of explicit violence and sex. There’s nothing “cozy” about it."

If you could / wished to turn A Fatal Obsession and the McCabe and Savage Thrillers series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"That’s easy: McCabe would be played by a young Harrison Ford.

The movie would be directed by Clint Eastwood and the primary locations would be the ones described in the book: New York City and rural Connecticut."

What do you like to write about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I try very hard to make each of my books different from the ones that went before. I also focus on fully developing each of the different characters. In my books character is every bit as important."

What is your writing process?

"I usually write in the quiet 7th floor reading room of my local university library. No talking allowed. No cell phones. Comfortable work spaces. And most days it’s open from 7AM-11PM. "

What is in store next?

"I’m just starting work on a standalone thriller that will be totally different from anything I’ve done before."

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?

"I do have a wonderful pet. A beautiful blonde cocker spaniel named Pippa.

Here’s a picture of her down by the river. I’m not in it because she’s way more attractive than I am."

Pippa is a beauty, I've seen many pictures of her on your Facebook page :-)

Hello Pippa! Lot's of head-scratches to you from all of us at BooksChatter!

James, Thank you for sharing her with us :-)

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