Oct 18, 2013

Yolanda Renée's New Murderous Novel - and, sharing intimate words with her lead sleuth...

Today, as a celebration for Yolanda Renée's new release, Memories of Murder, I sit down and get all cosy with the charismatic sleuth, Detective Quaid, and leave with a bit of a crush...

An Interview with Hawk
Emma, the housekeeper, ushered me into the great room and wow, what an understatement, more like a magnificent room. A huge stone fireplace warmed the space, and the huge windows provided amazing views of the valley to Anchorage. The furnishings were obviously antiques, but the room was comfortable and the amount of art was breathtaking. 
Emma poured me a cup of coffee, and offered me a plate of cookies. I waved them off because Detective Quaid joined us. He shook my hand, and sat down opposite me in a wingback chair near the fire.
Quaid: I'm sorry, but I only have a few minutes, please proceed. 
He did not settle back but sat up straight, his hands on his knees. I sensed he was sizing me up. He looked so serious, not tense, but rushed, almost worried. I considered the bad press he'd had recently and understood his reluctance to talk.
Charmaine: Thank you for agreeing to see me, I understand you're a wealthy man, why did you choose to be a detective?
He seemed surprised by the question. 
Quaid: Money has nothing to do with it. I owe society my best skills, we all do. I believe that a job any job, well done, is a service to the spirit. 
Then he shrugged.
Quaid: I find the work challenging, and rewarding.
Charmaine: I understand the Raven is an important symbol of the Tlingit tribe and that you're from the Eagle Clan, but your nickname is Hawk. How did that happen?
He almost smiled.
Quaid: A nickname by coworkers, it holds no bearing on the spirit or my place in Tlingit Culture.
Charmaine: Can you share a secret with us that wasn't revealed in the book?
Quaid: I have no secrets. Secrets are destructive in the wrong hands.
A fluster of activity interrupts our session, as Sarah arrives and is immediately at Steven's side. 
Sarah: "I'm sorry, John was running late, forgive me. His arm went around her waist. He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. He whispered something in her ear. 
She smiled, and kissed his cheek.
He grinned. How handsome he was when he smiled. Not that he wasn't before, but wow, to have a man look at me like that, swooning would come back into vogue. 
She finally acknowledged me.
Sarah: I don't mean to interrupt. 
I stepped forward to shake her hand, but those two only had eyes for the other.
Charmaine: It's lovely to meet you. Why don't you join us?
Sarah: Oh, no. I'm really running behind, please excuse me. I am sorry for the interruption.
Steven walked her to the staircase, and watched as she ascended. I saw a changed man when he sat down. More relaxed, he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. I understood his earlier distraction.
Charmaine: What do you notice about a person first?
Quaid: Eyes, smile, ear lobes.
I knew he was thinking of Sarah.
Charmaine: What do people notice first about you?
Quaid: Most likely my race, but I hope the badge. 
I disagreed, the first thing I noticed was his ice blue eyes, his long dark hair, and muscular build, but I kept my observance to myself.
Charmaine: What's the most important thing in your life? What do you value most?
Quaid: Sarah.
Charmaine: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Quaid: Family.
Charmaine: What is your biggest fear? Who have you shared this with? Who would you never tell this to? Why?
Quaid: Losing Sarah.  
His smile disappeared. 
Charmaine: I understand you're engaged. Will it be a formal wedding? He grinned again, and looked upstairs to where Sarah had disappeared.
Quaid: We haven't decided."
Charmaine:  Well, congratulations. Can I ask a more serious question?
He nodded.
Charmaine: What is the one strong memory that has stuck with you since childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?"
His smile disappeared. He stood and walked to the windows. I followed; he turned to look at me. 
Quaid: I was fourteen when I found my uncle. He'd been murdered. It's an unsolved case, and very personal.
Charmaine: I'm sorry for your loss. Are you working the case?
Quaid: Always.
Charmaine: Which living person do you most despise? I was told Scott Chase is a rival.
Steven's entire body tensed. His jaw clenched. He looked at his watch, then me.
Quaid: I'm sorry, it's late. We have a dinner engagement. Thank you for your patience.
He shook my hand and then took the stairs two at a time. He disappeared behind the same door Sarah had.
I was speechless. 
Emma hurried over. She looked at me and shook her head.
Charmaine: What? What did I do, what did I say?
She pretended to zip her lips closed. She wasn't talking.
Charmaine: Off the record. Do you know what I had to do to get this interview, how far I've travelled? Tell me, what just happened?
Emma: Off the record?
I nod.
Emma: You mentioned Chase.
I was stunned. 
Charmaine: He's jealous of an ex-boyfriend?
Emma nodded.
Charmaine: I see. How does Sarah feel about that?
Emma once again sealed her lips. The interview was officially over, and she walked me to the door.
Detective Steven Quaid, is a talented sleuth, but so in love with Sarah that even the mention of Chase's name rises his ire.

What do you think, is jealously a good thing, or a troublesome thing? What traits would you or have you overlooked for love?
***** *** *****

Memories of Murder
Yolanda Renèe

Decades ago, the seeds were planted …
Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction. 
A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body. 
A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold.
In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice? 
Only two things stand in his way ...
His greed ...
And ...
Detective Steven Quaid. 
***** *** *****
&
available at 
Amazon ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~

***** *** *****
Yolanda Renée:
An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renée to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.
She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.
Renée now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.
You can find Renée here: 

36 comments:

  1. Charmaine,
    Thank you! I'm sorry your interview was cut short, but I do hope you enjoyed the trip!
    LOL

    Really, thanks for allowing my and my characters to visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a hard job interviewing hunky, charismatic, wealthy men... but someone's got to do it!

      Delete
    2. What is it with me and my - every time I type them I get it back words or just wrong!

      I'm so glad you volunteered - and you're right someone has to do it! LOL

      This was truly fun, thank you for hosting me. I can't wait to see how your interview is received tomorrow. I think you'll like the look!

      Delete
  2. Oh my! I've never been a big fan of jealousy. I mean, it has its place, and sure, we all feel it, but I love when a character can rise above it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Crystal, I know jealousy is bad, and yes I agree we all feel it - but I'm thinking Quaid knows more than he's telling. LOL

      Delete
    2. I think I'd shy away from jealous men too Crystal, but it does add for some good tension in fiction ;)

      Delete
  3. Really enjoyed this interview, I just love Steven. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Julie, thanks, your comments are appreciated. I also know a few, who think highly of Chase!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for stopping by Julie, glad you enjoyed the interview :)

      Delete
  4. Go Yolanda! Great way to feature the book too. :) You're so creative.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jealousy is a destructive emotion all right. Loved this line. I have no secrets. Secrets are destructive in the wrong hands.

    Love, love, love romantic suspense so Yolanda's books speak to me. Now for the time to get there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks J.L. - it speaks to me too! And I know what you mean about time! I bought more books this week than last, but still haven't added any more time!

      Delete
    2. Joy, jealousy is certainly a powerful emotion, and one that you use well in your fiction as well.

      Delete
  6. That was an incredible interview and did more to encourage me to read this book than most book blurbs. What a wonderful way to handle a book tour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you farawayeyes!
      I was trying to come up with something original - something different from others I'd seen. So glad you enjoyed it!

      Delete
    2. farawayeyes - Yolanda has created such a successful book tour, I'm certainly taking notes for my next release :)

      Delete
  7. Hi, Yolanda, Hi, Charmaine,

    WHAT a FUN interview. Nice to get to know Quaid a bit better. I never seem to focus on him too much in the blurbs. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too many bad guys to focus on! LOL Thanks Michael!

      Delete
    2. Hi Michael! That's okay, I focused on Quaid enough for both of us ;)

      Delete
  8. Hi Charmaine. Great interview, hugely funny. That Steven Quaid has obviously won your heart. Quite the guy, isn't he? I'm powering through Memories of Murder and loving it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Denise, Charmaine, did seem to fall for him, or it could have just been altitude sickness, being in the mountains in Alaska you know! LOL I do hope you enjoy MM!

      Delete
  9. Gidday Charmaine and hey Yolanda,

    I loved this interview. It's also nice to see my human friend getting more awareness of her latest book. Being an internet sensation, I've been known to get some jealousy from my adoring fans. Which is kinda' weird. I also informed by human, Gary, that a "blurb" is not some sort of indigestion. "Blurb!" pardon me....

    Pawsitive wishes,

    Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Penny, and Gary - so appreciate the support. Patches says to say Hi for her and that she's looking forward to her upcoming interview!

      Delete
  10. What a great interview Charmaine! I have never heard of this book but I must say that Quaid is a character I'd love to meet better. Great job! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank Tanja, I hope you'll consider learning more!

      Delete
  11. haha one of the funniest interviews I've read in a while

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gotta ask the tough questions! Too bad you scared him away. Jealousy is an ugly thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jay, he did seem a bit distracted, and jealousy can be destructive.

      Delete
  13. Thanks for the interview. I do like mystery stories. And jealousy can be very bad if it's too strong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Shooting Stars, jealousy most definitely, can lead to problems!

      Delete
  14. Ha! Fun interview and you handled yourself better than me with the interruptions :)

    I think all women should overlook baldness... it's not a trait, it's a solar panel.... :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mark,

    You are a very handsome man, and I'm sure most women do overlook it! Solar panel, good one!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Casino Games - Mapyro
    The Casino Games in Arizona 인천광역 출장마사지 are now 안산 출장안마 open 경상남도 출장마사지 24 hours a day. · 1. Blackjack · 익산 출장샵 2. Roulette · 3. Slots · 서귀포 출장샵 4. Poker.

    ReplyDelete