I'm unique for a suspense author in that I don't have a specialty background. A lot of suspense writers used to be lawyers or crime beat reporters. I didn't even know a cop when I started out. I finally figured out that I could visit prisons - I just had to be willing to make the phone calls.

I like to believe my suspense novels marry the strong characters from my romance writing past, with the twisty, clever plots of my mystery writing present.

My mother would like me to start all interviews by stating that she and my father are perfectly normal. They are proud of me, and as perplexed as anyone by my novels.

My secret vice is Sudoku puzzles. Can't stop playing them. My parents are accountants. I blame them entirely.

You know what the difference between a cardiac surgeon and God is? God doesn't think he's a cardiac surgeon.

Mothers hold close, fathers let go. Maybe that’s the way of the world.

Men should spend less time with guns and more time in childbirth.