Title: Killer Pursuit
Author: Jeff Gunhus
Series: Allison McNeil
Genre: Adult Thriller
Release Date: January 18, 2015
When a high-society call girl is murdered in her Georgetown home, investigators find two cameras hidden in the walls of her bedroom. One has its memory erased, presumably by the murderer. The second is connected to the Internet through an encrypted connection…and no-one knows who’s on the other end.
Special Agent Allison McNeil is asked by beleaguered FBI Director Clarence Mason to run an off-the-record investigation of the murder. The most direct path to apprehending the killer is to find the videos, but with rumors that the victim’s client list may have included Mason’s political enemies, Allison worries about the director’s motives. As she starts her investigation, she quickly discovers that she’s not the only one pursuing the videos. In fact, the most aggressive person racing against her might be the murderer himself.
I’ve always enjoyed the fast pace of a James Patterson novel, but it was Stephen King jumping into the crime genre with Mr. Mercedes that tipped me over. Prior to that, I was writing horror for adults and fantasy for kids. I had a idea for a character I wanted to write in the crime genre, but was concerned about bouncing to different genres. Finally, I decided to just write what I love and not overthink it. I’m glad I did.
2. When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process(outline, plot, character names, editing, etc)?
I love the first draft. I’m very tolerant of the quality in the first draft and allow myself to make mistakes, go down rabbit holes, indulge myself in the language and go over the top. Many of this thing need to be tempered in the next drafts when I writing for other people to read. The first draft is just for me.
3. When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing?
I read like a write, bouncing from genre to genre. I’ve read Dune 5-6 times, but I’ve read Wonder Boys by Chabon 5-6 times too. Great horror still gets me going. Anything that build a world where I can live for a few dozen hours gets me exciting. Hugh Howey’s Wool was like that.
4. If you could co-author with any author, past or present, who would you choose?
Stephen King. I love his voice. If I could work with him I would freak out.
5. Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you "later in life"?
Always. My parents recently sent me a box of stuff from the attic. In it were some old report cards from 5-8th grade. It was cool to see my English teachers all mention in the comments that I ought to be a writer. Then I took a break to built a national business and have five kids (not a really a break now that I think of it) so getting back to fiction has been a real joy.
Jeff Gunhus is the author of thriller and horror novels for adults and the middle grade/YA series, The Templar Chronicles. The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. His books for adults have reached the Top 100 on Amazon and have been Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalists.
After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
Thanks for being on the tour, Heather! :)
ReplyDeleteI think Jeff is a major talent, and very good looking.
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