WarZone by Amryn Cross

By Marcy G. Dyer

Back Cover Copy

Cade Blackwell never came home from the war, at least not the same version of himself everyone remembers. He'd like nothing more than to be that man again...to be normal, but with physical and mental scars, it may not be possible. At least he thinks he wants normalcy until he meets Alexandria Holst--cold, blunt, and an absolutely brilliant detective. What begins as nothing but a chance meeting soon rips him from civilian life and thrusts both of them into a murder investigation that has the police baffled and Alex thrilled at the prospect of the puzzle. He shouldn't tempt death, not after nearly dying in Afghanistan, but he's never felt more alive than when he's running through the streets of Washington D.C. Sometimes toward danger, sometimes away from it, but always with her--a woman who both intrigues and frightens him. The shadows they chase may be nothing compared to the darkness in her head. Cade knows one thing for certain. If he's a soldier, Alex Holst is definitely a warzone.

My Review:

Cade Blackwell is trying to adjust to "normal" life outside of the war when he meets Alex Holst. The quirky woman is far from normal and she throws his life into turmoil. A turmoil he loves and fears. Together they race to solve a murder that has stumped the police department. 

While there is no romantic thread between Cade and Alex, they do have a respect for each other. 

The spiritual thread is faintly interwoven in the story, and I suspect it will increase in intensity in future Alex Holst books. It will fun to see how these characters develop over time.

Cade's character was very likable. I've known men like him. Trying to adjust to civilian life, but not quite knowing how. He's structured and honorable, but doesn't know what to do with himself. When he meets Alex, her quirky, blunt style draws him in even though he's not quite sure about her.

Alex's character is a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory. She's engaging and intriguing in spite of her bluntness and lack of social skills. Alex's brilliant mind enjoys the puzzle of figuring out the solution to whatever crime she's solving.

The plot kept me turning page after page, and I would recommend this story to anyone who's a fan of suspense novels. Especially ones with unique, fun characters.

Author Bio:

A tomboy with southern belle roots, Amryn Cross was born and raised in Tennessee where she learned the importance of God, family, Southern hospitality, and football. She’s loved the written word from the time she was a child, convinced the squiggly lines on top of the Hostess cupcake really spelled out a secret message.

From an early age, she loved to write stories of heroines who entered a man’s world and excelled. Though she put writing on hold to pursue her love of science, the stories and characters she created were never far from her mind.

After obtaining degrees in biology, medical technology, and forensic DNA and serology, Amryn finally decided to attempt to marry her love of science and writing into something that would glorify God. Thus, her first completed novel, Breathing to Death– an inspirational romantic suspense–was born.

Working full-time as a forensic scientist, Amryn makes time for writing between spending time with friends and family and working in her church. She is also an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and My Book Therapy (MBT) and answers writers’ forensic questions at Jordyn Redwood’s Medical Edge blog.

Find Amryn at:

Amazon

Website

Desert Breeze

Goodreads

Interview with Amryn Cross

If you haven't read one of Amryn Cross' books yet, you're missing out. Her debut novel is a great read that I couldn't put down. I'm so excited to interview her about her latest project.

1. Tell us a little about Warzone.

Warzone is the first in a novella series. I've always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and the various incarnations of those stories. When you think of all that's packed into the cases, it's amazing that most of the stories are very short. I wanted to attempt something similar, and I wanted to explore the possibility of how the main characters would interact if Sherlock's personality were placed in a woman's body. Warzone teases at the answer to that question while throwing these two opposite characters into the middle of a murder investigation that operates largely outside of the police force. It's a wild ride for sure.

2. Your debut novel, Learning to Die, was traditionally published. You indie published Warzone. What made you decide to be a hybrid author?

My first novel, Learning to Die, fit into the nice neat category of Inspirational Romantic Suspense. Warzone doesn't fit into one specific genre. It's definitely a mystery, but since it leans more toward novella or serial novel than traditional novel, I thought it might be easier to test the waters if I published it myself. Though Warzone definitely has its own plot and resolution, it's also part of a much larger, overarching plot that will be continued in the next several novellas. 

3. How has indie publishing differed from traditional? Do you have a favorite?

I enjoy both indie and traditional publishing for different reasons. I loved having my first book traditionally published because it got my feet wet in the industry. It was great to have that support system and to be able to rely on other people for editing, cover art, and those sorts of things. Independent publishing gives you all the control, but you also have to do all the work and put up all the money. I was fortunate enough to have a graphic artist for a brother-in-law who worked with my on my covers. I also have a host of family and friends willing to beta read my work and catch many of the mistakes. Both indie and traditional publishing appeal to me, so it just depends on the type of book I'm writing as to which one I'll pursue.

4. What inspired the characters in Warzone?

As I mentioned, Warzone and the entire East Wind series is heavily based on Sherlock Holmes and his cases. More specifically, my Sherlock and Watson (Alex and Cade, respectively) borrow from the BBC adaptation of Sherlock, mostly because it's modernized. I wanted to explore Sherlock as a woman with all the brilliance and aloofness intact. I wanted to write a strong female character that broke the mold of typical expectations. Alex Holst certainly does that.

5. I know the next novel in your traditionally published U.S. Marshals series comes out later this year. What else do you have planned for 2015?

On top of book 2 in the US Marshals series, Between the Breaking, I'm planning to release the second book in the East Wind series, Smoke and Mirrors. And because I like to work myself to death, I'm also finishing up a young adult novel that I hope to independently publish by the end of the year as well, though I don't have a date for that one. Stay tune to amryncross.com for more details.

Interview With Author Amryn Cross

Interview With Author Amryn Cross

Please welcome Amryn Cross, author of the US Marshal's series of books. She has graciously agreed to answer a few questions about her debut novel, LEARNING TO DIE, and some personal questions about her as an author. 

In addition, she's giving away a copy of the ebook. All you have to do is comment, and leave your email address. You can spell it out if you prefer. For example: jane(underscore)doe(at)gmail(dot)com

Amryn,

Thank you so much for agreeing to join us on Sleuths and Suspects.

Where are you from?

I’ve lived in the Knoxville, TN area my entire life, and I wouldn't trade being a southern girl for anything. There’s something in the air around here, especially this time of year, that speaks to me. It’s where I learned, from an early age, to love God, SEC football, and sweet tea.

I hope to visit Tennessee someday. As a Texas girl, I understand the love of the south. Can you tell us your latest news?

I just released my debut novel, Learning to Die, from Desert Breeze Publishing. This book is near and dear to my heart because I’d never had a character speak to me quite as loudly as Kate James did in this book. It’s definitely a suspense novel, but it’s also Kate’s story, and I’m so excited to be able to share it.

Since I've had the privilege of being your critique partner, I love Kate, too. As soon as the book was released, I bought it and plan to start on it very soon. I'm so excited to read it. 

When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

This is a tough one to answer. Probably after I finished a draft of my first novel. Looking back on it now, I see all the problems with it, but it was the first thing I’d written with completely original characters that was of any substantial length. I tend to get bored with things easily, so when I disciplined myself enough to write a 100,000+ word manuscript, I knew I could do this. That’s when the hard work really began—learning the craft, researching new characters and locations, building a support community—but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I have to say, I love your writing style. Do you have a job other than writing? 

Very few people are fortunate enough to land their one dream job, while I’m blessed to have two. Writing has always been a dream for me—one I didn't take serious until the last five years—but I always planned on having a career outside of it. My day job is as a forensic scientist for a crime lab, and it really is just as cool as it sounds. Thank God he knew exactly what he was doing when he put me there.

Being a forensic scientist must help your writing, in addition to being an awesome job. Who do you credit with supporting you the most in your writing journey? 

There are so many people who've had a hand in this process that I couldn't list them all. However, my family has supported me since day one and made me laugh when I sorely needed it (when you come home from your job working criminal cases and write about murders and suspense, things can get a little dark). My mom and my sister have read everything I’ve written and provided valuable feedback and encouragement. I sat down with the two of them when I began to write Learning to Die, and we plotted out the whole thing at my parent’s kitchen table. They were tossing out ideas faster than I could write them down! And my dad, who really doesn't like to read, believed in me just as much. As far as I know, he’s never read my stories, but his support is just as precious because he believes in me anyway.

Sometimes, those non-readers can be our biggest cheerleaders. Any words of advice for novice writers? 

Keep writing. Seriously, it sounds obvious, but it really wasn't to me. I was so proud for having finished my first novel, I threw all my energy into editing, pitching, and querying that novel. Unfortunately, that didn't leave me much time for writing something new. When I gave myself permission to move on from that story, amazing things started to happen. The only way you’re going to grow and improve as a writer is to write. Learning to Die was the second novel I wrote, and the difference between it and the first is amazing. And when I read the two manuscripts I finished since then, I see even more improvement. Just know that you’re never going to be perfect, but always push to be a little better.

Great advice. The more we write, the better we become. Tell us a little bit about your debut novel. 

Learning to Die picks up with Miami criminalist Kate James who’s hiding a big secret from everyone around her, and it’s slowly killing her spirit. She’s been through something traumatic and never really dealt with it because she had no one to turn to. Instead of processing and grieving, she’s made some bad choices and has reached the point where she’s sure that even God couldn't love this person she’s become.

Back Cover Copy:

Graham Shepherd is a US Marshal who is keeping a secret or tow of his own--at least one of which involves Kate. He's on a mission to save her in every way possible, and she resents it more than a little. Not a great combination since Graham is the marshal in charge of escorting Kate back to her home town to testify in a high profile trial.

Kate and Graham have two separate missions, which don't exactly mesh. Graham just wants to her alive, but Kate will stop at nothing to get justice for her brother. They have to learn to trust each other while staying one step ahead of a man who may be closer than either of them realize.

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Desert Breeze Publishing