Today I am very happy to welcome Amanda McKinney, author of The Woods, to talk a bit about herself and her latest book.
Tell us a little about your current novel, what readers can expect from it.
Readers can expect a suspenseful, page-turner! The Woods is a fast-paced read about murder, mystery, sex and seduction and offers the entanglement of Crime Fiction, Romance and Mystery. It’s a story about two strangers—Archaeologist Katie Somers and FBI trainee Jake Thomas—who find themselves thrown into a serial killers path, which unleashes a series of unexpected events, including a sizzling attraction to each other.
Where did you grow up and what was family life like?
I was born and raised in the small, southern town of Berryville, Arkansas. I grew up playing in the woods, shooting BB Guns and reading, of course. My family life was the best a gal could ask for—a wonderful dad, a brother who I still look up to, and an unbreakable bond with my mom, who is also my best friend.
Academic or creative at school?
Definitely creative. Math, Chemistry? Forget about it.
First job you *really* wanted to do?
A marine biologist or a veterinarian. I love dogs more than people. Seriously.
Do you remember the moment you first wanted to write?
My life had recently taken a pivot; I’d quit work to become a stay-at-home mom and didn’t realize what a personal and mental transition it was going to be. I knew pretty quickly that I needed to find something for myself, that I considered a job at least, or I was going to go nuts. I’d just finished a Nora Roberts book (during kids naptime), set it down, and said out loud, “I’m going to write a book.” And, thank God I did because I truly found my passion. I absolutely love crafting stories and creating characters. I go to sleep thinking about the current story that I’m working on, and wake up thinking about it. It’s the only thing where I can truly escape from everything around me . . . which every mommy needs! Hell, every woman needs!
Who are your real life heroes?
My mom. Hands down. Strongest human I’ll ever know.
DIY expert or phone a friend?
Phone my husband. He can fix anything.
Sun worshipper or night owl?
No night owl here, I love getting up before the sun. I’ve always been an early riser.
One piece of life advice you give everyone
Believe in yourself. Always.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Laura Griffin, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson, just to name a few.
About the Book:
A year after her sister’s death, Archeologist and part-time neurotic, Dr. Katie Somers returns to the sleepy, southern town of Berry Springs to sell her childhood home. She’d planned to be in and out in less than a week, but a chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns her perfectly crafted world upside down.
Army Ranger Jake Thomas only has one shot at a position with the FBI, even if that means concealing his true identity from those closest to him. As he tries to focus on the mission at hand, Berry Springs is rocked by two gruesome murders and it isn’t long before he and Katie become entangled in the killer’s web, while becoming suspects themselves by the prickly Chief of Police, David McCord.
As their attraction begins to sizzle, so does the danger when Katie stumbles onto new details about her sister’s death, leading her down a dangerous path.
A path she should’ve never stepped onto…
Happy Reading!
