Today I’m welcoming someone who I can relate to although not his location. Today’s guest is Valdez Alaska’s Chief of Police Jack O’Banion. He must solve the murder in RAVEN TALKS BACK by Beth Anderson. He’s a bit crusty and one of those old school police chiefs – a man of few words. I’m going to see if I can get him to open up a bit with my superior interview skills. He may be tough. I think I just heard him mutter: “Another reporter. Just what I need.” I’m sure he didn’t mean me. Let’s get to the details. Tell me about the murder you have to solve.
All I can tell you so far is that a female body was discovered in the back yard of a family here in Valdez while their yard was being dug up in preparation for an addition to their house. The medical examiner has confirmed that she was a murder victim. Her identity is not known as of yet and we have no missing persons reports to go on. I’m heading over to the M.E.’s office right now so I’m sorry, I can’t give you any more details at the moment.
Now I know from personal experience that cops aren't real fond of amateurs intruding on their investigations. How do you feel about that and what about that Raven Morressey. She is one crazy chick. You gonna lock her up?
Mrs. Morressey is understandably stressed due to the victim having been buried in her yard. When I have more information I’ll call a press conference.
How did you come to be in Alaska? You were in Texas weren’t you?
I was. I rode up here on my Harley from Dallas for a vacation, dropped in and chatted with the chief at the time, who was thinking about retirement. A few months later he did retire and I was offered the chief’s position here in Valdez. After giving it a whole lot of thought I decided to take it.
What about a love interest? Those Alaskan nights get awfully long, dark and cold. What do you do when you are not working? Or are you one of those cops that never aren’t on the job?
I am one of those cops that never isn’t on the job, yes. Every chief of police is.
I understand you have bunch of media breathing down your neck. I know those TV people can be really bad. I’m a newspaper reporter. How about giving me a little inside scoop?
I’ll hold a press conference whenever I have any more information. At the moment, I have none and I’ll have to cut this short now because I have work to do. Thank you.
Chief, it’s been enlightening. If I ever have some free time I might look you up in Alaska. To find out more about Jack and Raven, you have to pick up this Kindle bestseller. Check it out here: http://www.bethanderson-hotclue.com
Beth Anderson is a multi-published, award winning author in several genres including romance and mainstream crime fiction. A full time author, she now lives in Washington state. She has appeared on Chicago's WGN Morning Show, The ABC Evening News, as well as numerous other radio and cable television shows. She has guest lectured at Purdue University, Moraine Valley College, and many libraries and writers' conferences. She loves music, particularly jazz. Her website and blog are at http://www.bethanderson-hotclue.com
Note: Anyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win free books to be awarded at the end of the tour. Visit W.S. today at as she talks about setting at Marilyn Meredith's blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com
Welcome Beth. I love Jack's grit in the interview.
ReplyDeleteWendy
I really enjoyed RAVEN TALKS BACK. There's just enough intrigue and Alaskan atmosphere to make the book a real standout. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great interview! Thanks, Beth, and Wendy.
ReplyDeleteHi, Wendy, hi, Beth -- I love this format -- one character interviewing another. It's great fun, and Beth, you managed to get a lot of information across while withholding more -- gave some conflict to the interview, which I really liked.
ReplyDeleteDelightful interview! Well done, Wendy and Beth.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed RAVEN TALKS BACK, Beth. By the way, is Valdez pronounced Valdeez, as they pronounced it during that horrible oil spill? It sounded so odd to me back then, but what do I know?
ReplyDeleteThanks, y'all! I'm glad the hint of conflict came through because that was what I was aiming for. I didn't want to make him rude; he's not a rude guy. He's just your average run of the mill tough guy chief of police, just hit with the first ever serious murder case in his small town.
ReplyDeleteWendy, loving Mitch's interviews. I think Jack handled Mitch quite well indeed! (though I really do like Mitch!) Looking forward to meeting Jack when this tour is over! (great job, Beth)
ReplyDeleteMadeline
No doubt in my mind. Jack takes no guff from anyone. Not even Mitch Malone. Great exchange between two hard-nosed guys.
ReplyDeleteBeth: Jack's grit came through well and a bit of his angst. Well done. Thanks for stopping by everyone.
ReplyDeleteWendy
I'm looking forward to reading this series! Thanks for the giveaway!
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