ℚ Dead Gold: Moccasin Hollow Mysteries [4] - Hawk MacKinney

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with returning author Hawk MacKinney to talk about Dead Gold (3 February 2019, Sage Words Publishing, 213 pages), a Mystery Suspense, book four in the Moccasin Hollow Mysteries series.

"WOW! This book was full of excitement! I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of twists and turns and I was forever second-guessing the who-dun-it. [...] If you love a good mystery with a hint of thriller to it, this is definitely a good fit for you." - Amazon Reviewer

"I loved this book! I couldn't put it down and found myself enthralled with the characters, the sub-plots, the 'fictional' locale, which not specifically named happens to be the area in which I live. [...] Despite some gory, gruesome scenes relevant to the book's title, the characters, the theme, the setting, all came together to form a fast-paced, exciting read with plenty of surprises and twists. I would recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries and the bizarre psyche of a homicidal lunatic." - Susan Petrea, Amazon Reviewer

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

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A very warm welcome to Hawk MacKinney; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Dead Gold?

"During a Rocky Mountain ski vacation in Aspen, CO, I came across a documented killing of a wild-living hard-partying Olympic skier plus a wad of other underhanded goings-on for which no one went to jail.

Skin and money and payoffs, and all the inspirations of the slugs of humanity fell into my lap and onto my keyboard. Since my radar as a writer is permanently in RECORD mode, I wanted to make them IN-famous."

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

"One can only write about what one knows/lives…unless it is historical. In that case, reserve a long-term bungalow in the nearest library and use interlibrary loan.

Historical fiction, especially Southron history such as Moccasin Trace, must make certain of the historical or a multitude of gran’ma experts will appear to dispute what you have written."

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

"For the published titles on the HOME page of my website, I have never met the artist or artists responsible for the covers; the production/marketing team handles that.

The concept for Dead Gold is right-on for the initial inspiration of booze, sex, and good-times mentioned above."

Why should we read Dead Gold and what sets it apart from the rest? 

"Because I spun the tale of wickedness and betrayal…

oooo…how’s that for a quadruple-espresso ego non-answer?

The answer is more straightforward…I like to write, carrying on generations of bloodline traditions that stretch way back. Each title can be read as a stand-alone, but the tales/character development is more entertaining if read from earliest release to the latest.

The prequel romance Moccasin Trace is not part of the series, but it lays the ancestral bloodlines of the serial protagonist—Craige Ingram, former SEAL-turned private investigator, wealthy bachelor who inherited Moccasin Trace from his Grannie.

Set in South Carolina, there is a lot of Southron in these tales."

Can you tell us something quirky about Dead Gold, its story and characters?

"Absolutely all the characters are named/introduced from composites of many known to the face in the mirror, concealing the quirks until the twists are afoot."

Who would you recommend Dead Gold to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Anyone who likes thriller/suspense mysteries as well as readers of fantasy who like to be spooked would enjoy reading the Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series.

These readers know the tales are fiction…yet they’re not quite sure about this world brimming with deranged intents on their streets and in their neighbourhoods. They sense the undercurrent of criminals who have no motives, are usually highly intelligent and make their own rules—and are lethally dangerous if they feel even the perception of being cornered."

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

"Historical romance, science fiction, mystery and intrigue all have pitfalls of mind and motives. I write what’s fun, not what is considered hot on the market."

What is your writing process?

"Up early… 4-4:30am for two hours with a cup of hot raw quadruple steamed espresso black as Marine Corps bilge water.

Another hour+, then lunch and to-do lists that have nothing to do with writing…but I always keep eyes and ears on RECORD."

What is in store next?

"The rough draft on Book 5 in the MOCCASIN HOLLOW MYSTERY SERIES is done…not edited, but ready for the real word-work on 400-500 pages.

Volume 3 in the Cairns of Sainctuarie Science Fiction Series is going through a final edit now."

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?

"Large dogs and horses are special. My favourites are long gone and they are missed.

There are red tail hawks nesting/hunting nearby, and hungry alligators that sun on the dock or in the river-yard that I leave alone and enjoy at a distance. It’s their territory and only a fool would try to pet them—pets they ain’t.

The family aren’t picture takers and don’t own cameras. Very few of us use our smart phones for that…except in emergencies. Website photo and the “Hawk’s Hat” link are the only two in my files."

LOL Nevertheless, wholly understandable :-) I do like that hat with all of those pins - truly iconic ;-) Thank you for sharing!

"Thank you for inviting me to be your guest and for your interesting questions."

Dead Gold
Available NOW!

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