Suspense at Readers 'n 'ritas

I was at one of the final meetings for the Readers ‘n ‘ritas 2010 planning committee. The issue of defining mission statements for the different genres came up and I, being a loyal reader of romantic suspense, blurted out “To scare the *&^% out of you while making you hot.” Needless to say, it took the table by surprise but I think it’s actually fairly accurate (if a little crude). How would you define the mission of romantic suspense? Why do you read romantic suspense?

The Readers ‘n ‘ritas panel on romantic suspense featuring Laura Griffin, Nikki Duncan, Dianna Love, and Tara Taylor Quinn was awesome. They each provided some great insight into their writing process, the sometimes grisly situations they encounter when researching a story, and the dangers they sometimes face as public figures. Tara talked about the challenges and dangers inherent in writing a book about white supremacy. We heard about the human skin glove that helped investigators identify a victim from Laura. Dianna talked about a former CIA assassin she knew who died under mysterious circumstances. Nikki talked about practicing killing techniques in her garage (and why her husband’s tools keep going missing). A truly amazing group of women, and we were thrilled they took the time to talk with us about a genre we all enjoy reading.

Readers ‘n ‘ritas authors have books coming out this month. Tara Taylor Quinn’s third book in the Chapman Files Series, THE 3rd SECRET, tells the story of Rick Thomas who has spent three years in a federal prison for stealing drug-cartel evidence from a government facility. Now, Ohio attorney Erin Morgan agrees to help him prove his innocence. Psychologist and expert witness Kelly Chapman sees below the surface and thinks Rick is hiding something. Can they trust that Rick is really a good guy?

UNFORGIVABLE, by Readers ‘n ‘ritas author Laura Griffin, is the third book in the Tracers series. Mia Voss tracks killers using DNA evidence. Suddenly, she becomes the target of a vicious killer and must risk everything, including her reputation, to protect the people she loves. To catch this madman, she needs the help of Detective Ric Santos, a man she once trusted until he let his past get between them. Can she trust him with her secrets and her life?

I’m a big fan of Eve Dallas and am looking forward to reading J.D. Robb’s latest book in the In Death series. INDULGENCE IN DEATH starts with the death by crossbow of a limo driver. A series of random hits, thrill kills, and murderers with a taste for the finer things in life follow. Can Eve use all her professional and personal resources to keep it from happening again?

DEADLY INTENT, Kylie Brant’s fourth book in the Mindhunters series, features forensic linguist Macy Reid. Macy is an expert on kidnapping, having been abducted when she was a child. When a tycoon’s young daughter is kidnapped, Macy is called in to investigate. Now, Macy finds herself searching for a kidnapper while dealing with Kellan Burke, a fellow investigator and the one man who may help her confront her past.

WORTH THE TRIP, by Penny McCall, introduces us to Norah MacArthur, as woman happy with her quiet, clinical life. That is, until her con-artist father is released from prison and she gets caught up in the search for hidden loot. FBI agent Trip Jones has been sent to protect her, and finds someone special.

Which books scare the @#(* out of you? Which books make you hot? Were you at Readers ‘n ritas?

Happy reading!

Maria