The focus of the investigation shifts when Autumn is singled out and becomes the target of the Game Maker’s sick game. Through encrypted messages hidden in steganographs, Autumn must discover who the last kidnapping victim is if she hopes to save him in time.
Buy in Print
Author Interview
Hi! Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
First of all, thank you for having me on your blog. Uncovered is the sequel to Unraveled release in 2013. Last year, Autumn solved her sister’s murder, this year she is part of a high school forensic dream team that assists the police when teens are kidnapped. When it’s discovered the kidnappings are part of a secret online survivor game, the police and team focus on the game maker-the man behind the game. The focus of the investigation shifts when Autumn is singled out and becomes the target of the Game Maker’s sick game. Through encrypted messages hidden in steganographs, Autumn must discover who the last kidnapping victim is if she hopes to save him in time.
What inspired you to write it?
What inspired you to write it?
I was inspired by a program that I read about in the newspaper. It was being piloted here in Columbus which made it even more interesting. High school students were studying forensics with real hands-on learning. I took that, and began weaving the tale.
What is it about this genre that appeals to you so much?
What is it about this genre that appeals to you so much?
I love mysteries and really want to offer YA mysteries to that age group. There aren’t a whole lot of options for them, although I’m pleased to see the choices expanding. Reading meant so much to me as a teen, so I was to pass that on.
How do you come up with character names?
How do you come up with character names?
I just pay attention when I hear a name or read one. If I like it, then I tuck it away for future use. In the case of Autumn, she is a friend of my sister’s, and I really liked it. It suits the character.
Name one of your all-time favourite books?
Name one of your all-time favourite books?
Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. It’s such a great example of character development mixed in with mystery and thriller elements. The character of Hannibal Lecter is iconic and so well written.
Where is your favourite place to write?
Where is your favourite place to write?
I don’t have a favorite place to write because most of the time I just write when I can. Most of the time, it’s at my office desk during my lunch hour. I would love a gorgeous sunroom with lots of windows-that would be my dream space.
Name two of your favourite authors.
Name two of your favourite authors.
I have tons, but my all-time fave is Edgar Allan Poe. I’ll also read anything written by Lisa Gardner, Chelsea Cain, and Karin Slaughter.
If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
I’d totally pick Edgar Allan Poe-love to just see how his mind worked, Harper Lee-she’s brilliant, and I’d love to talk to her about How to Kill a Mockingbird, Thomas Harris-Hannibal Lector-enough said.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I just started knitting, and I’m totally addicted to it. Now, I understand how people get so excited about yarn.
Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.
Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.
I really want to go to Egypt. It’s been on my list since I was 14 years old. It’s a shame that it’s so dangerous to travel there.
Who did you want to be when you were a kid?
Who did you want to be when you were a kid?
Catwoman-still think she’s way cool.
Susan grew up in South Texas, about ten miles from the U.S.-Mexican border. As a child she spent the summers in Mexico with her grandparents and extended family. During these vacations, she frequently created mysteries for her siblings and cousins to solve. These mysteries were her first stories. Nancy Drew soon became her childhood hero and inspiration to write mysteries for young adults.
Her greatest joy is her daughter who is quite the storyteller and likes to come up with the characters’ names for mom’s stories.
When she’s not writing or studying, you can find her looking after her personal mini-zoo which consists of two fish, one thief of a dog, and some hermit crabs.
Susan loves estates sales, traveling, spending time with her family, and discovering new books at the Columbus Metropolitan library.
Susan graduated from the University of Texas, is currently pursuing an MFA from Seton Hill University, and dreams of one day owning a touch screen murder board like the one on her favorite TV show, Castle.
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Excerpt:
There was minimal blood spatter on the black and white checkered floor. Mainly small, spherical droplets. My hands trembled as I removed the ruler from my new black case. The numbered evidence markers outlined a crimson polka dot path. Squatting down, I held out the ruler, and it landed with a loud ping as the steel hit the tile. All eyes darted toward me. I shrugged an I’m sorry.
Everyone resumed their tasks, except for Minerva. She rolled her eyes at me, which was miraculous considering the spider-leg eyelashes she wore. I gave her a country-club smile, then refocused on the blood spatter.
I picked up my ruler and measured the diameter of several drops. Average was 6 mm. Low velocity. She could still be alive.
“Clear.” Shock , silence. “Sorry for your loss, miss.”
I shook my head, trying to clear the memory. This was different. Low velocity meant small force of impact. These types of droplets were caused by someone dripping blood, not by a blow or gunshot. Or by knife wounds. They could belong to the missing ice cream girl, or if we were lucky, the kidnapper. The Texas state crime lab would have to sort that out, and it could take forever.
I documented the results in my evidence log. My handwriting was shaky, but legible enough for my team.
It’s not her. This is different. This girl may still be alive. There’s hope.
I blew out the fear in one big breath and got back to work. I examined the pattern on the floor. The low blood volume found at the scene was a positive sign, but it wouldn’t matter to her family. They were being tormented every second she was gone. Right now, the tricks their minds were playing on them, the things their imaginations were conjuring, were sadistic. Panic loved to be a bitch like that.
I had to help her and her family. After all, it was why I’d accepted the offer to participate in the Science and Technology Associates in Forensics Foundation’s—or STAFFF’s—forensic training camp.
I stepped back and looked at the ice cream parlor from all angles the way I’d been taught this past summer.
Even though the parlor had a 1950s décor, it was a new addition to the city of Nogales. The overhead fans kept the space cool, and the clack, clack, clack rhythm echoed in the empty shop. The checkered floor was a nice contrast to the deep red booths and bar stools. The walls were adorned with vintage signage and photos of Nogales landmarks. A Wurlitzer jukebox stood proudly by the front entrance. On any other day, it would be a place I’d like to visit with my boyfriend, Caedon.
My four other STAFF teammates were walking around performing the various tasks assigned to them. It was our first case, and I prayed we’d do a kick-ass job, because there was still hope and a chance to impact her fate.
Today, we were at the ice cream shop to act as free consultants for the Nogales PD and to learn about forensics firsthand. Our first team objective was to form no judgments or conclusions before all the facts were in. We would then create a crime scene analysis and summary to forward on to the detective in charge of the investigation. He’d give us his feedback, and that would factor into our grade.
Objectivity was key. Quick-draw conclusions could lead you down the wrong path and to the home of…oh, I don’t know, let’s say…my high school principal. Principal Tamez still hadn’t forgiven me and never would. Ponzi Scheme Boy knew I was onto him, except there was this little thing called evidence that the police liked to have before arresting anyone for embezzling.
He reeked of dishonesty and was definitely hiding something underneath that greasy comb-over. One day, I’d find out exactly what he was up to and find the evidence I needed to put him away.
Giveaway: An eBook of Uncovered !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When she’s not writing or studying, you can find her looking after her personal mini-zoo which consists of two fish, one thief of a dog, and some hermit crabs.
Susan loves estates sales, traveling, spending time with her family, and discovering new books at the Columbus Metropolitan library.
Susan graduated from the University of Texas, is currently pursuing an MFA from Seton Hill University, and dreams of one day owning a touch screen murder board like the one on her favorite TV show, Castle.
Website
Blog
Excerpt:
There was minimal blood spatter on the black and white checkered floor. Mainly small, spherical droplets. My hands trembled as I removed the ruler from my new black case. The numbered evidence markers outlined a crimson polka dot path. Squatting down, I held out the ruler, and it landed with a loud ping as the steel hit the tile. All eyes darted toward me. I shrugged an I’m sorry.
Everyone resumed their tasks, except for Minerva. She rolled her eyes at me, which was miraculous considering the spider-leg eyelashes she wore. I gave her a country-club smile, then refocused on the blood spatter.
I picked up my ruler and measured the diameter of several drops. Average was 6 mm. Low velocity. She could still be alive.
“Clear.” Shock , silence. “Sorry for your loss, miss.”
I shook my head, trying to clear the memory. This was different. Low velocity meant small force of impact. These types of droplets were caused by someone dripping blood, not by a blow or gunshot. Or by knife wounds. They could belong to the missing ice cream girl, or if we were lucky, the kidnapper. The Texas state crime lab would have to sort that out, and it could take forever.
I documented the results in my evidence log. My handwriting was shaky, but legible enough for my team.
It’s not her. This is different. This girl may still be alive. There’s hope.
I blew out the fear in one big breath and got back to work. I examined the pattern on the floor. The low blood volume found at the scene was a positive sign, but it wouldn’t matter to her family. They were being tormented every second she was gone. Right now, the tricks their minds were playing on them, the things their imaginations were conjuring, were sadistic. Panic loved to be a bitch like that.
I had to help her and her family. After all, it was why I’d accepted the offer to participate in the Science and Technology Associates in Forensics Foundation’s—or STAFFF’s—forensic training camp.
I stepped back and looked at the ice cream parlor from all angles the way I’d been taught this past summer.
Even though the parlor had a 1950s décor, it was a new addition to the city of Nogales. The overhead fans kept the space cool, and the clack, clack, clack rhythm echoed in the empty shop. The checkered floor was a nice contrast to the deep red booths and bar stools. The walls were adorned with vintage signage and photos of Nogales landmarks. A Wurlitzer jukebox stood proudly by the front entrance. On any other day, it would be a place I’d like to visit with my boyfriend, Caedon.
My four other STAFF teammates were walking around performing the various tasks assigned to them. It was our first case, and I prayed we’d do a kick-ass job, because there was still hope and a chance to impact her fate.
Today, we were at the ice cream shop to act as free consultants for the Nogales PD and to learn about forensics firsthand. Our first team objective was to form no judgments or conclusions before all the facts were in. We would then create a crime scene analysis and summary to forward on to the detective in charge of the investigation. He’d give us his feedback, and that would factor into our grade.
Objectivity was key. Quick-draw conclusions could lead you down the wrong path and to the home of…oh, I don’t know, let’s say…my high school principal. Principal Tamez still hadn’t forgiven me and never would. Ponzi Scheme Boy knew I was onto him, except there was this little thing called evidence that the police liked to have before arresting anyone for embezzling.
He reeked of dishonesty and was definitely hiding something underneath that greasy comb-over. One day, I’d find out exactly what he was up to and find the evidence I needed to put him away.
Giveaway: An eBook of Uncovered !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you so much for hosting SX Bradley, what a gorgeous blog !!!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure, Krista! And thank you :) xx
ReplyDelete