Page 49 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

What inspired you to transition from studying Marine Biology to becoming a bestselling author of romantic thrillers?
I’ve always been a voracious reader and was bitten by the urge to write while doing my se- cond post-doc. It took about a decade for me to learn my craft and to get traction in publishing, so I hope that gives any aspiring writers some encouragement. Not everyone is an overnight success.
As an author with a background in scien- ce, do you find yourself incorporating scientific elements or themes into your novels? If so, how does this influence your storytelling?
There was a horrible moment when an element I used in a story with snow leopards (The Killing Game) actually started to happen
Toni Anderson masterfully combines suspense and romance, creating compelling stories that captivate readers and earn critical acclaim worldwide.
with other endangered species. The telemetry devices used to study animals was being picked up by would-be poachers. Obviously, I wasn’t the cause but that was a moment where my science background and storytelling collided dramatically.
I’ve certainly had several STEM heroines working within the sciences as characters in my books. I like to think I’ve helped banish the myth of the cold, logical scientist that I’ve read way too often over the years. Scientists can
be messy and weird, grumpy and flawed, and beautiful and smart. Some of my earlier books had plots based on some of my own research projects but having moved onto the FBI there is less of that nowadays. I did use a poison dart frog and a frog biologist in one of my FBI bo- oks, so you never know when the science nerd will break through.
The Cold Justice series has been inc- redibly successful. What do you think draws readers to your brand of roman- tic thrillers, and how do you keep the series fresh and engaging with each new instalment?
I think it’s the fact readers get both a fully fleshed suspense/thriller story combined with an emotionally satisfying romantic relationship that keeps my very loyal readers coming back for more, which I appreciate greatly. Aside from the fact my stories follow genre expecta- tions (dangerous situations with characters in jeopardy, plus a romance) I try to write unique
plots (as much as any plot is unique, ha!) which keeps things fresh. Readers also tell me they come back for the recurring characters who pop up in various stories.
Could you tell us more about the research process behind your novels, particularly those involving law enforcement and FBI operations? How do you ensure accuracy while still crafting a compelling narrative?
When I started out there was very little infor- mation available on the FBI and I did the best
I could with the dearth of data I found in my small bedroom office back in Scotland. Since the internet exploded it’s been a lot easier. The FBI now has a wonderful website and YouTube is an endless source of everything you never knew you needed to know. I’ve also been lucky enough to be able to get a tour of FBI headqu- arters in Washington, D.C., including the Strate- gic Information and Operations Center which
is where all the James Bond type stuff happens. I also attended the Writers’ Police Academy several times and would love to go again. So much good stuff happens there. Informative workshops, interaction with former detecti-
ves, FBI, Secret Service, DEA agents. Hands
on experience with forensic anthropologists, psychologists, fingerprint, and blood collection evidence experts. I was thrilled to be allowed behind the wheel to perform a PIT maneuverer on a police patrol vehicle one year. Much of the research also comes from consuming autobi- ographies of former agents and watching docu- mentaries. I do reserve the right to use artistic license in the pursuit of good fiction. I think
the key to finding balance is only including the information pertinent to the story. No one wants to wade through an info dump of all the weird things you’ve been researching.
With the upcoming release of “Cold Fury,” what can readers expect from
this latest addition to the Cold Justice – Most Wanted series? Are there any new twists or characters we should be excited about?
COLD FURY is a pretty emotional book. It starts with a woman, an attorney, who has lost everything, so she obviously brings a lot of pain to the story. The hero is part of the FBI’s Hos- tage Rescue Team but I gave him a science ba- ckground that I borrowed from a friend to give him some extra special color. Cold Fury is a story about finding ways to forgive the mistakes of the past and move on. It’s also a novel about a strong female character who isn’t intimidated by the male dominated world of criminal justice system. In terms of characters, a reader favorite name of Lincoln Frazer, a profiler with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, decided he was going to have a lot to say in this book. I think that will make a lot of fans very happy.
COLD FURY
by Toni Anderson
Cold Fury is a thrilling masterpiece, blending intense suspense and heartfelt romance, kee- ping readers captivated from start to finish.
Cold Fury: A Romantic Thriller by Toni Anderson is a gripping addition to the Cold Justice® - Most Wanted series that masterful- ly blends suspense, romance, and relentless action. The story centers on Hope Harper, a former star defense attorney whose life was shattered when a wrongfully released defen- dant murdered her family. Now an Assistant District Attorney, Hope is driven by a singular mission: to ensure that no other family suffers as hers did.
The plot thickens when the same serial killer escapes from a maximum-security prison during a brutal winter storm, setting his sights on revenge. Enter Aaron Nash, an FBI Hostage Rescue Team operator assigned to protect Hope. Despite her refusal to go into protective custody, Aaron is determined to keep her safe. Their initial friction gradually gives way to mutual respect and a burgeoning attraction, adding a layer of emotional depth to the high-stakes narrative.
Anderson’s skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, weaving together intense action scenes with moments of poignant vulnerability. The chemistry between Hope and Aaron is palpable, and their evolving relationship adds a compelling di- mension to the thriller. As the killer’s rampage continues, the tension escalates, leading to a heart-pounding climax that will leave readers breathless.
Cold Fury is a must-read for fans of roman- tic thrillers, offering a perfect blend of danger, passion, and resilience. Toni Anderson deli- vers a powerful story of survival and second chances that will stay with you long after the final page.
NOVeLIST POST II 49
D