Larissa Reinhart's Luke Harper

Today marks a third of the way through the Murder We Write Blog Tour and I’m being put through my paces. Someone sure has a sense of humor when they sent me to interview Luke Branson who plays a key character in PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY by Larissa Reinhart. He is quite the character and will take all of Mitch Malone’s interviewing expertise to get information out of this military hero who stays mum. Never let it be said that I don’t like a challenge. So Luke, err Mr. Branson, you don’t have to give me that evil eye. I only want to ask you a couple of questions. I’m a reporter and just want to get some facts. Can you tell me something about your stepbrother, Dustin?

Luke: First of all, get your facts straight. Dustin's last name may be Branson, but mine sure as hell isn't. It's Luke Harper. And seeing as how my stepbrother was a two-bit thug wannabe and a hundred percent sociopath, the last thing I want is for anyone to know we're related. And now he's been murdered, hardly surprising. He's mouthed off to me enough times that I've wanted to kill him. 

He’s dead huh? That all you have? Let’s try something else. You have served your country in the military for at least two terms. You are a hero. Can you tell us where you have been and what you have done?

Luke: I did a tour in Afghanistan and was proud to serve my country, but don't call me a hero. There are guys still out there who deserve that title a lot more than me. I ended up pushing papers more than anything else.

Some military men are so closed mouth. Tell me about Halo, GA. You grew up there and since have seen the world. What makes Halo unique? Any chance you will be spending a lot of time there renewing acquaintances?

  

Luke: God, I hope not. I got out of this podunk town as soon as I could. The last thing I want to do is move back here. Halo's not even big enough to have a Walmart. Nothing's changed here. Everybody still minds everybody else's business. Red's still serving hot wings and cheap beer at the County Line Tap. And Cherry's still here and still crazy as ever. You'd think someone with her kind of talent would have moved to Atlanta or stayed in Savannah, but she's as stubborn as always. Like I said, absolutely nothing changes here.

Let’s talk about sweet things. Cherry Tucker is quite a looker. Is she single?

Luke: Ha, Cherry sweet? That's a good one. You know that's a good question. She says she's single, but that idiot who's always hanging around her, Todd McIntosh, says they're married. But I think it's annulled or something. Man, that guy ticks me off. That's just like Cherry to get carried away on a trip to Vegas and marry some idiot. At least she realized her mistake before things went too far. Wait a minute, are you asking if she's single for yourself? What kind of show are you running here?

No show, the people just have a right to know, but I will move on.  I would like to live until tomorrow. I take it there is something personal between you two but I heard you left her without a word. I thought she was available?

 Luke: I was going to say 'no comment,' but I'd rather show you what I mean...

No need for violence. I’m not big into dating people out of town anyway. I was just asking. I’m thinking next time I’m going to interview Cherry. She seems like quite a talker. I’m sure Luke has some secrets that would make a great story. Let me know what you think after you read PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY. You can find it and other information at:  http://larissareinhart.com/

A note from Larissa: I’d like to encourage readers to enter my giveaway contest. Up for grabs is an e-copy of PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, book one of the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. Leave a comment and you're automatically entered. Include your email addy so I can get in touch with you should your name be selected at random. The winner will be announced on my blog (http://theexpatreturneth.blogspot.com/) on December 11, 2012. Good luck!

Larissa began her writing career in second grade when she sold her first publication to a neighbor for a nickel. After moving around the Midwest, Japan, and the South, she now lives in Georgia with her husband, daughters, and Biscuit, a Cairn Terrier. She loves small town characters with big attitudes, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, a 2012 The Emily finalist, and a 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #2, releases in May 2013. You can find Larissa chatting on Facebook; Twitter; and Goodreads. She loves pinning on Pinterest. Her character, Cherry Tucker has her own Pinterest site now, too, for her love of DIY clothing, art, and Southern food. You can also find more information on her website at larissareinhart.com.