Ambush: On the Streets of the Pacific Northwest
Release November 1st, 2024
Q: How did you get the idea for your new book, Ambush?
A: The idea for Ambush actually started with my first murder mystery, Aftermath, which begins with an inciting event: Maya and her team of first responders are ambushed by a right-wing militia group while responding to the execution of a police officer in the Pacific Northwest. That traumatic experience sets Maya, the main character, on a journey to Tahoe, where she tries to cope with PTSD. I won't spoil too much for those who haven’t read Aftermath: Murder • Adventure • Revenge in Lake Tahoe, but the story develops from there.
One day, a reader emailed me, asking, "What happened with the militia group?" This got me thinking about what happened to Maya and her team after Aftermath. That’s when the idea for Ambush was born—it picks up where Aftermath left off.
Q: Are you a “plotter” or a "pantser" when writing?
A: I’d say I’m mostly a "pantser," meaning I let my stories write themselves. I draw from my background—years of experience as a paramedic, my adventures, and my life as a woman and dog companion. These real-life elements give me plenty of material to work with in my murder mysteries, so I let the story take shape organically.
Q: How did you develop your characters in Ambush?
A: They really grew from the story itself. I’ve always had dogs, so it felt natural to make them a part of my stories. I also drew from both the positive and negative aspects of first responder culture, along with the impact of politics on these communities. Over time, each character evolved with their own unique lives, experiences, and motivations.
Q: Is there more to your stories than just the plot?
A: Absolutely. I like to explore deeper themes in my books. In Aftermath, for example, I touched on the complexities of living in a tourist town like South Lake Tahoe. As a local, I’ve seen how people come to Tahoe with different expectations, which can create tension—and in the spirit of a murder mystery, I took that tension to an extreme.
In Ambush, I explore how right-wing extremism and violence can impact first responders directly or indirectly, as we saw on January 6, 2021. The plot delves into the local politics that put first responders at risk. The story also examines how toxic individuals or work culture can intensify the stress first responders face on top of what they encounter in the field. This hit home for me when, earlier this year, a colleague I had tried to support tragically took her own life. Through this story, I hope to highlight the importance of seeking help before it's too late.
Q: How would you describe the plot of Ambush?
A: It’s a thrill ride. You’re right there with Maya Murphy as she navigates the streets of the Pacific Northwest in a medic unit. The story is packed with twists, outdoor adventures, and danger at every turn. Maya is trying to survive her PTSD while facing threats from right-wing extremists, making Ambush both a gripping thriller and a story of resilience.
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