BooksChatter: ℚ Strands of Truth

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Colleen Coble to talk about Strands of Truth (10 September 2019, Thomas Nelson, 336 pages), a Romantic Suspense.

“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” --DiAnn Mills, bestselling author

“I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don't be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” --Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series

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A very warm welcome to Colleen Coble; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Strands of Truth?

"I stumbled across an article about sea silk, an ancient textile method said to be used for Jason of the Argonauts. I was fascinated by it and knew I wanted to incorporate it into a novel.

Showcase with noble pen shell, byssus and gauntlets of sea-silk (Musée Zoologique de Strasbourg)

Then my daughter-in-law had her DNA done and discovered family members she didn’t know about. The possible abuses of DNA inspired the murder plot in Strands of Truth."

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

"I know nothing about making sea silk other than what I’ve read, and I don’t dive.

I DO snorkel though and love sea life so there’s a bit of me in that part of Harper."

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

"My publisher is the one to thank for my cover. They go through tons of design ideas before I get a list of several to pick and choose.

I loved the pop of red on Strands of Truth and the way the girl is running. It’s very different from my other covers, and I knew it was right the moment I saw it."

Why should we read Strands of Truth and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"DNA is all the rage right now. You can’t look on Facebook or any other social media site without seeing an ad for it. But no one stops to think of how the technology might be abused.

It’s the perfect backdrop for a crime novel, and I believe readers will enjoy the intricate plot and compelling characters."

Can you tell us something quirky about Strands of Truth, its story and characters?

"I wanted to have a manatee. 😀 Crazy reason to set it in Florida at the Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction, I know, but there it is! And who doesn’t love mermaids?! So it was perfect."

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

"Any reader who likes a thrilling ride to the finish line.

No warnings or disclaimers. I write clean novels without offensive language or graphic sex scenes."

If you could / wished to turn Strands of Truth into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Alfred Hitchcock would be the director. He did such atmospheric movies, and I loved every single one.

And one of the settings would just have to be Crystal Springs at the mermaid attraction. Have you ever been? I went in its heyday in the early 70s and it’s so much fun!

A younger Julia Roberts would play Harper, and Harrison Ford would play Ridge."

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 only write romantic mysteries because I love suspense. I grew up reading Nancy Drew, and I still love everything about the pulse-pounding a good suspense produces!"

What is your writing process?

"I start off with the setting first. Weird I know. But I can’t even visual the characters until I know where they live. Then I figure out my characters and come up with an interesting premise.

I usually don’t know who the killer is so I lay down several red herrings and see where the story takes me. I like to be surprised along with my readers!"

What is in store next?

"My Pelican Harbor series is set in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area.

My protagonist, Jane Hardy, takes over her father’s job of chief of police in a small town. She and her father escaped from a survivalist cult when she was in her teens, but her mother refused to come with them.

When a shrimp boat brings up a torso in a wedding dress, Jane’s investigation leads her to an unexpected plot against her father."

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?

"My grandkids!"

What a lovely Christmas picture! Thank you for sharing, Colleen!

When a DNA test leads to the discovery of Harper's half sister, it opens a Pandora's box of murder and deceit. Now Harper's in the killer's sights.