Jennifer Vido | Jen’s Jewels Interview: INTO THE FIRE by Irene Hannon

Jennifer Vido: What inspired INTO THE FIRE, the first book in your new Undaunted Courage series?

Irene Hannon: I decided to start this new series by focusing on a crime I’d never dealt with in any of my previous 18 suspense novels. Arson immediately came to mind. While researching firefighting, I came across a lot of information on smokejumpers. These are the men (and a few women) who parachute into the wilderness with only the equipment on their backs to fight wildfires, mostly in the western part of the U.S. I knew I had to give my arson investigator heroine that background. And who better to pair her with than an ATF agent? I also gave both of these characters backstories with significant trauma that they are still dealing with years later. So expect lots of drama and conflict in this book, not only in the mysterious fires they are investigating, but in their developing romance!

Jen: Why did you select St. Louis, Missouri, for the setting? And, what’s your favorite independent bookstore in the area?

Irene: St. Louis is the setting for all but one of my suspense novels for a simple reason—since I know the area well, I don’t have to research it. That frees my time up for research into other aspects of my story. And with a suspense book, there is LOTS of research. Even though my story and my characters are fictional, the professions, law enforcement protocols, and organizations and agencies I write about are real, and I’m a stickler for accuracy. Also, unlike many writers who use setting almost as a character, the specific location isn’t that important in my books. My stories could take place almost anywhere. I focus more on the geography of the mind. Think Hitchcock versus James Bond. As for local independent bookstores…there’s a Barnes and Noble almost within walking distance of my house, so that tends to be my go-to bookstore. But St. Louis is home to many wonderful independent bookstores!

Jen: How many books will be in the series, and can you give us a sneak peek into the storylines?

Irene: There will be three books in the series, and each will feature a different Tucker sibling. They were all foster kids with difficult backgrounds who were adopted by the same couple. In Book 2,  police detective Jack must determine whether a traumatized murder witness’ claim that she’s being targeted is true—and if it is, figure out who is behind the relentless campaign that seems designed to destroy her credibility…and perhaps her life. Book 3 features the youngest sister, Cara, an anthropologist-historian, who finds herself in the midst of murder while doing research on a remote estate as the local sheriff tries to track down a killer before more people die. Her story involves a century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, and a dying language. So lots of intrigue, chills, and romance ahead!

Jen: How much research was needed to portray your protagonists’ professions accurately?

Irene: Tons, as noted in a previous question. By the time I finish a suspense novel, I typically have a hundred pages of single-spaced typed research notes and citations.

Jen: How does Bri Tucker feel about working with Marc Davis to help solve the mysterious death of a former colleague?

Irene: Not receptive at first! She’s new in her job, and because of past trauma, she has self-esteem issues. So having her boss sic an ATF agent on her is unsettling. To be honest, he’s not too happy about it, either. He’s just transferred to the St. Louis office from Chicago to be closer to his ailing grandmother, giving up seniority and a position on the ATF National Response Team, so being assigned to assist in a house fire death is somewhat of a comedown. But as they work together to uncover the puzzle left by Bri’s retired colleague, the danger ratchets up—and sparks begin to fly on multiple levels.

Jen: Who is your favorite character in this book, and why?

Irene: Impossible to say! I love Bri’s strength and grit and determination, as well as Marc’s loyalty, professionalism, and dedication. There is much to admire in both of them. I also loved Marc’s grandmother. But all of the characters, good and bad, intrigue me. My background is in psychology, so I enjoy exploring what makes people tick—their motives, fears, insecurities, passions. The characters in this book kept me plenty busy on all of those fronts!

Jen: What do you hope readers learn from this book and the new series?

Irene:   My main goal with all my books is to entertain, encourage, and uplift. So I hope readers turn the last page satisfied on all those levels. All of these stories also feature people who’ve overcome tremendous obstacles. Who haven’t let the past dictate their future. Who learn to trust and to love and to live the rich, full lives God intended for them. I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us.

Jen: What’s on your TBR stack?

Irene: Identity by Nora Roberts, Memory Lane by Becky Wade, and On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni (a new author for me).

Jen: What’s your favorite fall tradition?

Irene: Taking a drive in the country to enjoy the fall foliage. If that includes a stop for lunch at one of the many wineries tucked into the hills, or a picnic, all the better.

Jen: What’s the best way for readers to stay connected with you?

Irene: Facebook, hands down. I’m also on Instagram (and once in great while on Twitter), but I’m on Facebook every day and I love to chat with readers there. I also have a newsletter, which readers can sign up for on my website.

Jen: Thank you for sharing a behind-the-scenes look into your new romantic suspense series. I can’t wait for book two!

Irene: I literally just turned in the manuscript for Book 2, which will be out next October. And for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, Book 10 in my Hope Harbor series, SANDCASTLE INN, will be out in April.

INTO THE FIRE by Irene Hannon

Undaunted Courage

Arson Investigative Suspense Thriller and Forced Proximity Romance

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn’t want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance–and maybe even their lives–go up in flames?

The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth.

Romance Suspense [Revell, On Sale: October 3, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800741884 / eISBN: 9781493443543]

About Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including One Perfect Spring and Hope Harbor, as well as the Private Justice and Men of Valor series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, two Booksellers’ Best Awards, and a National Readers’ Choice Award.

Men of Valor | Hope Harbor | Code of Honor | Triple Threat | Heroes of Quantico | Undaunted Courage

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About Jennifer Vido

Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry filled with southern charm and hospitality. In between chapters, she interviews authors for her bi-weekly Jen’s Jewels column on FreshFiction.com. Most mornings, she teaches an arthritis-friendly water exercise class for seniors before heading to the office to serve as the executive director of a legal non-profit. A New Jersey native, she currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two rescue dogs and is the proud parent of two sons who miss her home-cooked meals. To learn more, please visit her website.

Gull Island

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