BooksChatter: ℚ♫ No Stone Unturned: Forensic Instincts [8]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Andrea Kane to talk about No Stone Unturned (17 March 2020, Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC, 384 pages), a Suspense Thriller, book eight in the Forensic Instincts series.

"Another fascinating, interesting adventure with the Forensic Instincts group! I highly recommend Andrea Kane and all of her excellent work!" - dianeg, Amazon Reviewer

"This book twists and turns similar to the traditional knots in the jewelry designs of Fiona McKay. [...] The development of the characters makes the book even more attractive because I feel like these are people we could come across in a real-life situation." - Lynchburg Mama - Shelly, Amazon Reviewer

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

Hello Andrea, and welcome back to BooksChatter!

"Hi back! It’s a pleasure to be with you again."

Your latest release, No Stone Unturned is the eighth book in the Forensic Instincts (FI) series.
What compelled you to write this particular story?

"Actually, Ryan McKay’s little sister, Fiona, herself did. She’s been hammering at my brain for over a year now, and her story had to be told. I could visualize her physically and psychologically, and I knew her skills and her dilemma, as well.

After that, it was up to me. Oh, except for the scene where she meets Claire for the first time. That scene was alive and living in my brain until I typed it into the computer and gave it life. More about that below."

Where is it set, and how familiar are you with the location?

"The book is set in New York City (which is the home of the Forensic Instincts team), and, given that my home is in New Jersey, I’ve been to the city a gazillion times since I was born. In fact, I’ve practically camped out there during intervals when I’m researching a new book for the FI team.

The Big Apple is alive, vibrant, and so diverse that I discover new and inspiring things each time I’m there. And, just as I did when I was a little girl, I still stare at the Empire State Building with wonder and awe."

How have your characters developed in the series? Can you tell us about the main character in this instalment?

"The main characters are always the FI team members themselves. All seven of them (Hero included) have grown and matured as the number of books in the series has increased. Part of that is because I’ve gotten to know them so much better (they’re like family members to me now) and part of that is because they’ve all gone through so much, both separately and together, making them more full-bodied, complete people.

But if you’re asking which character, other than the Forensic Instincts team, is the focus of No Stone Unturned, it’s definitely Fiona. Even with her life on the line, she’s strong, independent, and stubborn (a lot like her big brother!). She’s a goldsmith and a jewelry-maker, and her Celtic works of art, steeped in her family’s Irish traditions, bring both beauty to the book and provide a reason for someone to want her dead."

How much of yourself is reflected in No Stone Unturned (for example, professional expertise, personality, or other), and how?

"Wow, that’s a tough one, since the Forensic Instincts team is such an eclectic group.

I’m definitely a strong personality and I like to run the show, so I share those traits with Casey. I’m insightful where it comes to people, as well as sensitive in dealing with them, so those traits I’d ascribe to Claire (although there’s not a metaphysical bone in my body!).

I’m super exuberant—I used to describe myself as a bounding cocker spaniel—which sums up Emma.

Forget tech expertise—I turn to my husband for that, and yet I’m often irreverent where it comes to authoritative figures I disagree with, so that’s the Ryan part of me. Despite that, I’m a rule follower, so there you have Patrick.

I share Marc’s quality of allegiance, although in every other way I’m in awe of him. And I’m loyal to those I love, so there you have Hero!"

Can you share with us a favorite passage / section?

"Absolutely the scene where Fiona and Claire first meet, coming face-to-face with each other at a most inopportune moment. As I said earlier, that scene was alive and kicking in my mind for months before I actually started writing the book. I still smile every time I read it, especially given the way it makes Ryan squirm!

I won’t ruin the story by providing an excerpt, but you’ll read it very soon after the book begins."

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

"I actually went through a few iterations before I fell in love with the cover of No Stone Unturned. It’s not only beautiful (in colors and contrasts), but it perfectly depicts the city of Manhattan and intertwines it with that shivery feeling of suspense and, of course, the stones.

My cover artist, Ekaterina Asparouhova, has designed many of my covers and I think she’s brilliant. I love working with her—she’s talented, creative, and open to new ideas, which she always implements like the pro she is."

If you could / wished to turn No Stone Unturned and the Forensic Instincts series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I’d like to hope you read my books, most currently the Forensic Instincts series, because I combine complex, relatable, empathetic characters you grow to care about with the kind of psychological suspense that keeps you reading far into the night. In short, I think you’ll love the FI team and you’ll keep turning pages to figure out how they solve the case they’re currently investigating and how they keep their clients safe from the danger they’re facing.

That combination of great characters and equally great suspense is what I love as a reader and what I try to create as a writer."

Can you tell us something quirky about No Stone Unturned, its story and characters?

"The best new and surprising thing to come out of this book is that Fiona’s jewelry line has now come to life!

Check out fionamckayjewelry.com and you’ll see (and can purchase) some of her fabulous pieces. There’s lots more to come, so keep checking back—Fiona McKay has morphed into a real person!"

Who would you recommend No Stone Unturned to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend No Stone Unturned to fans of the Forensic Instincts team and to new readers who love strong, exciting characters, suspenseful twists and turns, some life-threatening danger, and a satisfying resolution where the good guys come out on top!

As for disclaimers, the only thing I can think of is that the book does contain some “language”, but I don’t find many readers who are put off by that."

What has been your greatest challenge in writing the Forensic Instinct series?

"Keeping up with all the ideas that come from writing this vibrant team. Different personalities, with different interests, different skills, different egos, and yet the same end goal—protecting their clients, combatting the danger that threatens them (and winning in the process).

Writing the FI team is sometimes like riding a bucking bronco!"

What is in store next?

"I’m just starting the next Forensic Instincts book. It’s in its fledgling state so I can’t provide details—but all that will change as the story and the characters unfold."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... Can you tell us about your hero or main influence?

"You’re going to hate me on this one, but I never visualize an actual person when I’m creating my characters. In fact, I’ve been told that if any of my books were made into movies, the producers would have to duct-tape me and lock me in a closet. The characters are like real people to me, so there are no clones of them out there. But they are my main influence as I write. I guess you could say that each of them is my hero/heroine.

Other than my characters, I’m inspired by my consultants—the amazing FBI agents, NYPD detectives, and book-specific professionals who educate me in all the different avenues I pursue in my books. I’m so totally impressed by them I can’t begin to say."

It makes perfect sense to me :-D
Andrea, it's been a pleasure. We hope you are having a great tour!

WHAT IF YOU FOUND YOUR FRIEND DEAD AND FEARED YOU’D BE NEXT?