Sit Down with Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl

It's Kristen today, and I'm so honored for the chance to sit down with our very own Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl! Dark Design, the second book in her Erin Delaney Mysteries, releases on October 21, and Nancy is here to share with us about it. She's giving away an ebook copy of Dark Design, so be sure to read to the end to learn how to enter the giveaway.

Tell us about your upcoming release.

The second book in my Erin Delaney Mysteries releases in a few days. I’m excited about it and hope my readers will enjoy this new story. In Dark Design, Erin is contacted by her friend, Kaely Quinn Hunter. Someone is killing people based on the plots of successful mystery novels – and the third murder is modeled after Erin’s book. Kaely and Noah ask her to come to Virginia and stay with them. They’re not sure she’s safe living alone in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Kaely loads up her dog, Chester, and they head to Fredericksburg. What they don’t know is that this is exactly what the murderer is counting on. 

Now I've got goosebumps! What was your inspiration for this book?

I’ve always wanted to use a writer as a protagonist in a series. After Erin left the police department, I decided to let her write a book. I was finally able to live vicariously through her experiences. Although the idea of a serial killer copying the plot of a book was done in the TV show “Castle,” I felt enough time had passed so that I could use the idea in Dark Design. I do actually mention the “Castle” episode in the book. 

That is such an interesting concept. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Planning and plotting out a story. Creating characters. I love the experience of watching a book come to life. 

Your least favorite part? 

Editing. To be honest, at one time, I absolutely hated it. Thankfully, I’ve got a much better attitude now. I have the world’s best editors, and I trust them completely. That makes it so much easier – but I’m still waiting for the day when I get an editorial note back from my editors that says, “It’s perfect! Don’t change a thing!” (I’m not holding my breath, though. LOL!)

Isn't that every author's dream?! Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

• I once helped catch two murderers who killed a woman in Wichita, Kansas.  
• When I was younger, I owned horses and trained to be a barrel racer.
• I’m an introvert. Although I enjoy people, in large gatherings, I can feel uncomfortable.  

I can relate to you on being an introvert, not on catching murderers! What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

You mean there are times when I’m not writing??? LOL! I like to spend time with my family, watch TV, read, or chill out with my cat. 

What are you working on now?

I’m starting a new series about police detectives. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m thrilled to know a retired detective who’s helping me with these stories. 

I can't wait to hear more about that project one day (hopefully soon)! Where can your readers learn more about you?

They can visit my website at nancymehl.com where they can sign up for my newsletter. Also, of course, here on the Suspense Sisters. I’m also on Facebook and Instagram. I love to connect with readers!

Thank you for sharing with us today, Nancy! Keep reading to learn more about Nancy and Dark Design.

Nancy Mehl is the bestselling author of over 50 books. She’s won three Daphne Du Maurier Awards, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She’s also a two-time finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her at www.nancymehl.com and on her blog, the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.

Now, here's more about Dark Design.

As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . . She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.

There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

Dark Design is available online and in many bookstores. 

For a chance to win an ebook copy of Dark Design, leave a comment along with your email address. I'll choose a winner next week.