BooksChatter: ℚ The Experiment: Kinship [3]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Robin Lamont to talk about The Experiment (16 May 2019, Grayling Press, 237 pages), a Suspense, book three in the Kinship series.

“A riveting thriller and a welcome third installment of a series; the author is definitely a writer to watch.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. I was running high on emotions and I loved it.” – Reader’s Favorite (5-star review)

“In Lamont’s enticing third mystery, [she] continues to deepen the characterization of her flawed lead in the service of an engrossing plot. Readers will look forward to Jude’s further adventures.” - Publisher’s Weekly

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

A very warm welcome to Robin Lamont; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for The Experiment?

"I read an article about a company that experimented with growing a pig vaccine in corn plants (yes, it’s a real thing).

Ultimately the vaccine wasn’t approved, and the corn was destroyed. But the farmer, paid by the company to grow the corn, planted soybeans in the same soil. This crop was found to contain the pig vaccine but not until the soybeans were en route to be processed for human consumption.

The shipment was halted and ultimately destroyed, but what if it hadn’t been? It seemed like the stuff of thrillers. What could possibly go wrong?"

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

"I have a background as a prosecutor, but before that, I was a private investigator and did years of undercover work.

Because many brave animal protection advocates go undercover to get footage or other evidence of mistreatment, I wanted to convey the tension and feelings you have when walking that undercover tightrope. It’s especially difficult and dangerous when you’re working far from home in a long-term situation. It’s gruelling and lonely. I think I’ve been able to bring out the conflict that creates in the characters here."

You have an interesting background. How has that impacted your writing?

"My first career was as a musical actress on Broadway and in film. I was in the original cast of Godspell and recorded the iconic song “Day by Day” on both the cast album and film album. I still hear from people for whom the song means a lot.

I also did Grease and Working on Broadway. From there, I began a day job doing undercover gigs for a private investigator in New York City, which ultimately turned into a full-time job. Then, I went to law school and became a county prosecutor.

I think what links all these careers together is an understanding that people are complex, and everyone has a story to tell."

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

"The artist is Meella with a website called 99Designs. She was extremely responsive and easy to work with.

I like to choose my own photos, so I sent her several that grabbed me – in particular, the photo of the beagle in a cage and the photo of the female silhouette.

Meella created the title font to reflect the scientific aspect, which I thought a very nice touch."

Why should we read The Experiment and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"The Kinship Series is quite different from other suspense novels. Although it stays true to genre in that there is a mystery to solve in each book, the main character is an investigator for an animal protection group.

Not only does this bring the reader into new worlds with which they may not be familiar, but Jude is a female protagonist for today’s readers who believe that nature and animals deserve our respect and must be protected. She’s brash, edgy, flawed, and passionate about calling out things she knows are wrong."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Experiment, its story and characters?

"Without giving anything away, there’s a character in the story who is a drug dealer. As I sat down to write, I imagined him a real lowlife. But as the writing continued and he began to interact with other characters, something of a better nature in him emerged. I found myself rather liking him, despite my initial intentions. And by the end, I had a warm spot in my heart for this guy.

Sometimes that happens … characters begin to define themselves and change without the writer having much input."

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

"This book is for anyone who loves animals or the environment. It’s also for the reader who wants to embark on a different kind of adventure in crime fiction. And although the story does touch on the testing of animals in a lab, there is no violence portrayed to the animals."

If you could / wished to turn The Experiment and the Kinship series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I am working on creating a TV series that centers around Jude and The Kinship – the organization she works for.

I could see an actress like Rooney Mara in the lead role, and my dream director would be James Cameron. I don’t really have a role for Colin Firth – but I would create one in a heartbeat since he adds elegance and class to every project he does."

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

"I do love suspense and thrillers and the page-turning rush. I’ve written five books and four of them are suspense novels. The only one that is not (Wright for America) has some suspense aspects but is a comedic satire about a vitriolic radio show host and an actress/private investigator who tries to bring him down.

Even though there is a real craft element to writing suspense, e.g. working out clues, who knows what, why and when, I’m most keen on writing about human emotion that touches us all. A parent’s love for their child and the fear of something bad happening; a teenager’s desire to break away from the restraints of family; suspicion in a marriage; things we hide from others and ourselves. For me, even the most creative twists and turns in a suspense novel fall flat if there’s no human emotion."

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 LOVE Golden Retrievers. They’re just the sweetest, most lovable dogs. Here’s a photo of our rescue Golden – Kaley. Thanks for letting me post this, Flora!"

Hello beautiful Kaley, lots of head-scratches and belly-rubs to you from all of us at BooksChatter!

Robin, thank you so much for sharing Kaley with us :-)