1–What is the title of your latest release?
2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A serial killer, a woman on the run, and an obsessive parole officer tangle in a psychological net of death and secrets.
3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
In college, I worked a summer in northwest Montana and got to know the area. When it came time to write a setting for The Killer’s Wife, I knew I needed a small, isolated town with a lot of places for a killer to hide. I thought of Eureka, Montana, located on the backside of Glacier Park, surrounded by the Kootenai Forest, and the last stop before crossing into Canada. It’s a perfect place for a serial killer to go off grid and wait for his next victim, so I made it the model for my fictional town of Joy, Montana.
4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
I would definitely hang out with Kerry Grey, my main protagonist. She’s a woman who’s been delt a bad hand in life and spent time in prison but is trying to make a fresh start for herself and her young son. She’s determined, indomitable, and although she’s rough around the edges, her heart is in the right place.
5–What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Maternal, loyal, fierce
6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I was able to interview a woman who had served as a parole/probation officer her whole career. She was generous with her time and gave me a new perspective on the level of compassion it requires to serve as a parole officer. I was inspired by how invested these officers are in their work and how dedicated they are to helping former convicts build a better future.
7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
At the start of each writing day, I read and lightly edit my previous chapter and then start my next scene. It’s sort of like keeping a wet edge when painting. I have to constantly be reading my prior scenes to keep my head in the story.
8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Ice cream of any flavor. It’s my go-to food when I’m stuck on a scene or need something to push me through a grueling deadline.
9–Describe your writing space/office!
I have a small office in our basement where I write. There are no windows, but I have a comfy chair, my son’s old desk, and a couple shelves crammed with my favorite books. To me, it’s perfect.
10–Who is an author you admire?
Flannery O’Connor because she was a fearless writer and a master of descriptive language and symbolism.
11–Is there a book that changed your life?
The Bible.
12–Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
Waiting for an offer is a nail-biting experience! Seventh Street/Start Publishing had already published one of my books, and I was hopeful that they’d publish The Killer’s Wife. But it seemed like the manuscript had been on submission forever and I hadn’t heard anything. I’d convinced myself that they were going to reject it, so when the acceptance call came, I was elated. I did a happy dance, told the family, and we went to Culvers to celebrate with butter burgers (they’re amazing) and milkshakes.
13–What’s your favorite genre to read?
crime fiction.
14–What’s your favorite movie?
Oh … hmm? There are so many great movies. I’d have to say The Breakfast Club is one that I come back to time and again. And each time I watch it, I find myself relating to a different character.
15–What is your favorite season?
fall.
16–How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Quietly, with family, steak on the grill, and ice cream sundaes instead of cake.
17–What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I’m currently reading “One Little Lie” by Christopher Greyson. It’s an excellent read.
18–What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Mexican – especially street tacos.
19–What do you do when you have free time?
I spend free time with my family hiking, fishing, or just hanging out. In the winter, we play board games and put together a lot of puzzles.
20–What can readers expect from you next?
More books like The Killer’s Wife, which readers can expect to be an edgy, thrilling, twisty, entertaining read with characters who will continue to resonate long after the last page.
THE KILLER’S WIFE by Susan Furlong
A serial killer, a woman on the run, and an obsessive parole officer tangle in a psychological net of death and secrets. . .
When a severed finger was found in her car four years ago, Kerry Grey was arrested as an accomplice to the brutal slayings of three young women. Unbeknownst to Kerry, her husband Lucas was not only missing, but a deranged serial killer. Finally out on parole, she is ready to start anew and reunite with her young son. However, when a vigilante group inflamed by fear and motivated by reward money sparks a fevered hunt for Lucas, the nightmares of her past return.
Only one person can help Kerry evade the hysteria of the media—her parole officer, Adam Nash. But can she trust him? Was his move to the backwoods town of Joy, Montana coincidental or does Nash have his own obsessive hidden agenda involving the Hatchet Killer mystery, her husband and sweet justice?
It is not long before Kerry’s new life turns dark when she discovers that Lucas has been secretly giving their son carvings made of bone. And when a freshly dismembered victim is uncovered in the forest, the law is after her once again. Left with nowhere else to run, Kerry escapes up a mountainous trail to find Lucas and, one way or another, put an end to the real-life nightmare.
In a final twist of lies and betrayal, Kerry finds Lucas and the truth that will change everything.
Thriller Psychological [Seventh Street Books, On Sale: July 18, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781645060574 / ]
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About Susan Furlong
During her writing career, Susan has worked as a freelance writer, academic writer, and novelist. Her short work has appeared in several national publications including Woman’s World magazine. Currently she’s busy working on The Georgia Peach Mysteries, soon to be released from Berkley Prime Crime. She has also continued the New York Times bestselling Novel Idea Mysteries, starting with the fourth book in the series, under the pen name Lucy Arlington.
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