The latest novel from Laura Griffin’s Tracers series has all the chemistry and forensic detail to make it an easy choice for our Top Romance Pick for September 2011. After surviving a campus shooting, Sophie Barrett finds herself in over her head. With an irresistible homicide detective by her side and a killer on her tail, Sophie must reveal the truth about the shooting–or else. An “especially compelling” read, Snapped is romantic suspense at its best.
New York Times best-selling author and former journalist Laura Griffin chatted with BookPage about her newest book.
Describe your book in one sentence.
Snapped, the Twitter version: Girl Next Door gets caught in crossfire of deadly shooting & must convince Skeptical Detective that the random act of violence wasn’t random at all. (Did I stay under 140 characters?)
How has your background in journalism influenced your romantic suspense?
As a reporter, I always loved the hard news stories. I think that’s why my books tend to include lots of action. I like to throw the characters into a firestorm and see how they do!
What are the sexiest scenes to write?
The ones right AFTER everyone almost dies. Danger is a powerful aphrodisiac.
Of all the characters you’ve ever written, which is your favorite?
If I was going to hang out with someone, it would probably be Sophie from Snapped. She’s fun, opinionated and not afraid to stand up for herself. She’s the friend you call when you’ve had a lousy day and you want to go get TexMex and margaritas.
What was the proudest moment of your career so far?
Winning the RITA Award last summer was pretty mind-blowing for me. When they called my name, I was stunned. Cindy Gerard was presenting and she was kind enough to keep me from falling off the stage as I went up there on wobbly legs.
How do you conquer writer’s block?
Go jogging. Read a good book.
What is one book everyone must read?
Snapped by Laura Griffin. (Kidding! But please read it.) I have this tattered copy of The Catcher in the Rye that I re-read about once a year. Holden Caulfield’s voice is so clear, you feel like you’re having a conversation with him. I love books like that!
