Guest Post: Kylie Brant, Author of the MindHunter Series, With a Giveaway

Forensic linguist Macy Reid is an expert on kidnapping, having been abducted when she was a child. So, she is the perfect investigator to be called in when a Denver tycoon's eleven-year-old daughter is abducted-for the second time. But Macy's biggest stumbling block may be a member of her own team: Kellan Burke, the wise-cracking, rule- breaking investigator who relishes getting under Macy's skin-and who just may be the man to help her confront the demons from her past.

To a writer, people are endlessly fascinating. Every single one of us, no matter how mundane our lives or routines. Whether it be our utter predictability, our opinions, or experiences, each of us always has some trait or quality that could wind up in a book someday. Because people are unique,so must our characters be. What formed us, what shaped our attitudes and beliefs, what caused our fears, fed our flaws is infinitely intriguing. It’s been said that nothing bad ever happens to a writer—it’s all material :).

Reviewers often mention my characters when they summarize the plot, and I take pride in that. Because for me, the characters are the story. If I don’t care about the story people, a writer can’t get me to stick around for the twists and turns in even the most compelling plot. I want to invest in the story people. And I don’t want them thrown under a bus at the end.

It’s been said that my heroines are always a bit damaged, and I guess that’s true. Trauma shapes us, often dramatically. And what emerges in a person from a tragedy is what I find truly interesting. Regardless of how objective a character strives to be, he or she still sees the world through their own unique filter. And often responding to the events of the plot is made harder because of the personal obstacles the characters have to overcome.

That’s certainly the case in DEADLY INTENT. As a forensic linguist, Macy Reid is very familiar with the patterns and nuances of language. As a former kidnap victim, she’s all too aware of the tragic consequences of that experience. So she’s uniquely qualified to be placed on the team looking for an eleven-year-old girl who has been kidnapped—for the second time.

She and fellow Mindhunter consultant Kellan Burke work with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on a race against the clock to find Ellie Mulder before the madman holding her can carry out his threats. The case brings up uncomfortable memories of Macy’s own past. But it’s Kell who causes the most discomfort. After the one night they’d spent together months ago, she’s found him impossible to forget. Paired together on the investigation, he’s impossible to ignore. And so are the feelings he ignites inside her.

What are your favorite type of characters to read about? The kind who make you root for them to the bitter end? Is there any specific sort of character that you won't read?    

In 1990 I began writing out of sheer desperation. Always an avid reader, I’d found that my favorite authors just couldn’t write fast enough to keep me in reading material. Someday if you twist my arm and buy me very strong margaritas, I might be convinced to share my whole embarrassing road to publication story. The short version is that my second manuscript sold in 1992, and then a few months later my first manuscript was bought, too, after it had undergone several major surgeries. To date I’ve written twenty-five books for Silhouette Intimate Moments (Romantic Suspense), five dark romantic thrillers for Berkley, a short story for eharlequin.com and participated in an Iowa authors murder mystery.

I live a dual life. Believe me, that sounds much more glamorous than it is. By day I’m an elementary special education teacher, working with students who have learning and behavior problems. During the weekends and summers…well, I can be forgiven for needing a little relaxation, right? And if my idea of relaxation includes dreaming up new ways to kill and maim my characters, it seems a harmless enough hobby. Some people golf. Now there’s a dangerous pastime. All those swinging clubs and small speeding objects. Someone could lose an eye. When I’m not at the computer (always writing, never playing solitaire), I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, exercising, reading, flower gardening, and traveling.

Kylie has one copy of Deadly Intent to a lucky reader!! 

Simply answer one of her questions above (in red) 

and leave your email address!! 

International - if Book Depository will ship to you

Winner announced on November 21st.