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Q: What inspired you to write this book? Is any of it true to life?

A: I came across the idea to write about a crime-scene cleaner while freelancing for a publication that profiles people in different careers. I never even knew crime scene cleaners existed! But I immediately knew that career would perfectly fit a protagonist for a mystery novel. I got the idea to write about Elvis after doing an interview with an Elvis impersonator. I had no idea what to expect before I went. After I finished the interview, the president of his fan club presented me with an autographed picture of the fake Elvis. I thought, this man has a fan club? The ideas spun from there.

Q: 2. What role does faith play in your book? How did your own faith influence your writing in Suspicious Minds?

A: One thing readers have told me about my books is that they’re not afraid to let their non-Christian friends borrow them. I love that readers say that because we’re called to be a light in the darkness. I don’t douse down the faith message—it’s definitely there, but it’s never preachy or heavy-handed. My own faith definitely influenced me in writing my books. I’ve always been the type of person who doesn’t believe something blindly. I want to research it for myself. I think you can see that in my books. I want to ask the hard, awkward questions.

Q: Who are your favorite authors and how have they influenced your writing?

A: I think Linda Hall is a brilliant writer. She always manages to surprise me, which is unusual. I also really enjoy Siri Mitchell—she’s got a great writing voice. I know those are two opposite genres—mystery/suspense and chick-lit, but my books are really, in many ways, a mix of those two genres.

Q: What is the one message you want readers to get from your book?

A: I want people to understand that they don’t have to be lonely. I think the problem of loneliness is only going to increase in the future as technology makes it easier and easier for people to live isolated lives. People are even “going” to church online now. It’s important for all of us to depend on both God and those around us. I hope to book conveys hope to lonely.


© Copyright 2009 by Christy Barritt. Reprinted with permission by Kregel Publications. All rights reserved.

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