Dennis Greenberg is the voice of reason that often rings in psychotherapist Hank Anderson’s ears, a counterpoint to Hank’s moth-to-the-flame attraction to complex, potentially lethal human puzzles. That is, until Hank’s business partner and mentor disappears – without a word.
When Dennis resurfaces as the alleged perpetrator of a far-reaching financial crime, Hank and his inner circle are thrust into a mind-bending jumble of anonymous threats, the city’s moneyed elite, outlaw bikers, and the mysterious brother whose appearance awakens demons from Dennis’ past.
Hank knows that Detective Phil Evans must dig through the morass and find the truth, whatever the cost to the friendship they both treasure. But, Hank will not stand by as Dennis is crushed under the weight of these accusations. Using his singular talents for seeing and hearing what others miss, he thrusts himself into the investigation, with one purpose in mind.
To prove Dennis’ innocence.
Then, the bodies start piling up…
Targeted Age Group:: Adolescent to Adult
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I have fallen in love with the process of writing a mystery/thriller series. The opportunity to build tension and create sharp turns in the narrative as the main characters struggle, change, and their relationships deepen, is thrilling for me. I'm particularly invested in Hank Anderson as a gifted everyman. He does not fit a typical profile of a person who throws himself into the fire. He is not a superhero. But, he does possess heightened observational powers. Add to this an interest I developed for understanding the ins and outs of a large scale financial crime, and the core of the story was born.
The premise of The Last Step also provided me with new challenges for the series. What if the villain was someone within Hank's inner circle? What if each of Hank's most important relationships were impacted by the crime? What if Hank's devotion to his mentor put him at odds with other key figures in his life? These questions pushed the book forward.
Finally, one of the problems that most intrigued me was the interplay of individuals who would ordinarily move is very different circles. As the pace of The Last Step accelerates, the collision of divergent characters drives Hank's choices.
I will say that I'm happy with the result.
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
I am a psychotherapist, educator, and nonfiction author. As I have turned to fiction, the clear choice was to develop an authentic central character who worked in a field familiar to me, with a personality unlike my own, informed by my travels through life.
I was certain of several things from the first word. The clash between Hank's gifts and flaws would push the story forward. Hank would be a man with complex relationships. And, a centerpoint of Hank's backstory would be his understanding of both urban and rural life. At the time I entered into writing the first novel, Overnight Delivery, I had no idea I would be drawn into creating a series. As other key characters (Dennis Greenberg, Belinda Clark, Detective Phil Evans, Hank's daughter Haley, Hank's father J.R.) appeared, drew me in, and attracted readers, I got excited about the creation of a series.
A central relationship in the series that has a specific genesis is the friendship between Hank and Phil Evans; inspired by Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons, the original sax player for Bruce's E Street Band, otherwise known as The Big Man. I read autobiographies by both men before Clarence's passing and was captured by the love, devotion, and conflict between two markedly different individuals.
As for villains, interesting people committing eye-catching crimes surround us. The world provides me with continual input on the commingling of mystery, tragedy, humor, and compassion, rich material for creating Hank's adversaries.
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