A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5
A contemporary crime thriller perfect for Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni fans, Illusionist presents PI McPherson with an impossible dilemma: kill an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, or let a college student die.
Is there a message in your
novel that you want readers to grasp?
At the heart of every story I
tell is a through line of hope and resilience. I’m fascinated by the human
capacity for strength—the internal grit it takes to rise even when the odds are
stacked against you. That perspective doesn’t sit quietly in the background; it
shapes every character arc and plot twist I create.
Is there anything you find
particularly challenging in your writing?
The biggest challenge is also
my favorite part: research. Once I’ve gathered the facts, the real work
begins—finding a way to weave that knowledge into the story so it feels natural
and compelling. My goal is for readers to learn something new without ever
feeling like they’re being “taught.” It’s about moving past the “just the
facts, ma’am” approach and creating a world that feels well and truly lived in.
How many books have you
written, and which is your favorite?
I began my writing journey
with two nonfiction works: Note to Self (2016) and The Business of
Being (2018). From there, I dove into crime thrillers with the Sean
McPherson series. I’ve always been drawn to linguistic balance, so each title
is a four‑syllable word beginning with the letter “I”: Indelible,
Iconoclast, Impervious, Iniquity, and Illusionist. The next in the
series, Innocuous, hits shelves in April 2027.
If I had to pick a favorite,
it would be Illusionist. Growing up, I dreamed of being a magician, an
international spy, and a mad scientist. With the deep‑dive research I did for
this novel, I finally got to check “magician” off my childhood bucket list.
If you had the chance to
cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
I’ve always envisioned Henry
Cavill as Sean “Mick” McPherson and Amy Adams as Emma. They have that
“hand‑in‑glove” chemistry that mirrors Mick and Emma’s relationship perfectly.
Recently, a reader posted a
review with their own casting choices, and I have to admit—they make fantastic
sense, too:
“I purchased your book
because it features an Irish Wolfhound as one of the heroes. I enjoyed the
location (based on a real one) and a serial killer. This could be made into a
movie. I would cast Barry Sloane as Mick and Cassidy Freeman as Emma.” —Scott
Jones
When did you begin
writing?
It all started in the fifth
grade with a bit of “literary rebellion.” My teacher, Mrs. Kline, assigned Charlotte’s
Web, and when Charlotte died, I was so heartbroken that I did the only
thing I could think of: I sat down and rewrote the ending. I’ve been hooked on
the power of the pen ever since.
How long did it take to
complete your first book?
The initial draft of Note
to Self took about a year. But the “invisible” work of writing—the beta
readers, the deep edits, the endless revisions—took another year. All told, it
was a two‑year labor of love before it was ready to submit to a publisher.
Did you have an author who
inspired you to become a writer?
The late Maeve Binchy is my
guiding star. She had an incredible gift for making the reader feel as if they
were sitting across the kitchen table, listening to a friend tell a story. I
strive to emulate that warmth and intimacy in my own prose, even when the
subject matter gets dark.
What is your favorite part
of the writing process?
As mentioned earlier, I love
the research aspect of writing. Because I write gritty crime thrillers, I’ve
had the chance to interview some fascinating subject‑matter experts. My “office
hours” have included conversations with a medical examiner, forensic
psychiatrists, a death penalty public defender, a maximum‑security prison
warden, and even a SWAT team member. Stepping into their worlds is a thrill
that never gets old.
Describe your latest book
in 4 words.
Blackmail, murder, thrilling
illusions.
Can you share a little bit
about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
My upcoming release, Innocuous
(April 2027), is a story about someone who appears harmless when, in fact,
they’re anything but. It’s a harrowing high‑stakes race that sweeps readers
across the country—from the rugged Pacific Northwest all the way to the East
Coast.
About the Author
Growing up, she dreamed of being a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. There’s still time!
Her writing studio is the hayloft of a historic carriage house in the Pacific Northwest, where creativity thrives. Her husband, Len, a private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes, the best word choice is a picture.
A journey that left an indelible imprint on her was a 20-day, 211-mile trek across the majestic landscapes of Scotland. She, her husband, and their son hiked from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, with the pinnacle being the climb of Ben Nevis at the midpoint of their adventure, the highest point in the British Isles.
"My writing goal is simple: to leave you wanting more." —Laurie Buchanan
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1 Comments
Thank you so much for the interview opportunity!
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