How would you describe your protagonist, Detective Koa Kane, in DEATH OF A MESSENGER to readers? Koa Kāne is a cop with a dark past. As a teenager, he accidentally killed the sugar mill owner who tormented Koa’s father. After Koa covered up the killing as a suicide, Koaʻs remorse and guilt drove him to become a detective and embued him with a powerful empathy for victims and uncanny abilities to pursue criminals. As a native Hawaiian, Koa is also my readers’ window into the unique geography, history, culture, and language of the Hawaiian islands.   There are some ritualistic elements to the crimes in DEATH OF A MESSENGER. What about that attracted you as an author to put something like that in your story? Hawaii itself is a character in all four of the Koa Kāne mysteries. The human characters interact with and are shaped by the Big Island’s landscape, speak its lyrical language, relate its past, and celebrate its myths. The ritual elements in the crime at the heart of Death of a Messenger provide a mechanism to explore the cultural history of the islands. Thus, the crime scene at the beginning of the book offers a platform…

Audio books have become my favorite way to continue a story while keeping up with my busy schedule. It’s not like my husband is talking to me while reading his email on his phone, or the kid cares what’s on the car radio while watching YouTube on our commute. And don’t get me started about how tedious laundry, vacuuming, or steaming the floors can be! Audio books are a life saver! However, I must confess that I can be rather picky when it comes to the actor who presents the author’s characters. Finding the perfect marriage of mystery and voice can be difficult—but I discovered it in Elle Cosimano’s collaboration with Angela Dawe in FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD, and naturally I had to get Elle here for just deeper look into her story!   Kym: Hi Elle, welcome to the Cozy Corner! Elle:  Thank you for inviting me, Kym! Kym: First off, I loved the audio version of FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD which released 2/1/22. Angela Dawe brought all of the characters to life with amazingly different voices. What is your favorite thing about having your books in audio format? Elle: Angela is AMAZING! She is the perfect…

I admit that I usually go for cozy mysteries rather psychological thriller – when it comes to books. But your latest book, THE OTHER FAMILY, sounds like some of my favorite horror films. What draws you to writing thrillers? I’m a Type A personality, so I think it’s likely about control. Psychological suspense novels are driven by fear of the unknown–for the characters, and for readers. But as the author, I know what’s going to happen–I’m the one who’s making it happen. In real life, there are so few things we can control, and there’s always going to be a measure of uncertainty and fear–unnerving for someone who likes to be in charge. In my fictional world, I truly am! The book description for THE OTHER FAMILY describes a sinister “watcher”. In some suspense or thrillers, the perspective alternates between a few of the main characters, along with an unknown killer playing the role of voyeur. Does your book jump perspectives as well? Or do your characters just get an eerie feeling of being watched, without confirming it for the readers throughout the story? My novel unfolds from three perspectives. Nora Howell is a mother of two who’s recently moved…

1–What is the title of your latest release? MALICIOUS INTENT   2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company’s cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose—and how far will they go to get what they want? Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can’t believe he’s finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he’s found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy’s life’s work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.   3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? The entire series takes place in Raleigh, NC. I wanted it to be in North Carolina, not far from a fictional town I created in my previous series, and in a location where there is a Secret…