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His mind is a steel trap. He didn’t know it could trap him.

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

I’m not one of those writers who writes because I must. I don’t process my thoughts through the act of writing, and while I have no shortage of story ideas, I’m not a writer who cannot rest until I put them down on the page. Perhaps as a result, I don’t often enjoy the writing process. Instead, I enjoy and love having written. One of my favorite moments is when I’ve finished a story, and my very favorite moment is when I hold the published print copy in my hands.

Funny thing, I’m the same way with baking. I don’t really enjoy baking, but I love having baked. Maybe that’s because I get to eat the results! 

What does a day in the life of your characters look like?

For the hero, Robert Weston, a usual day is filled with patient appointments. In these therapy sessions, the psychiatrist tries to help his patients achieve healthier, happier lives by treating their psychological problems. 

Like all people in medical fields, Robert also spends much of his time documenting his sessions and treatments for his patients.

As a malpractice defense attorney, Monty Montgomery also deals with a lot of paperwork, as she daily reviews case files, writes and proofs briefs, arguments, and the like. 

The more exciting part of Monty’s profession takes her into the courtroom where she presents oral arguments in defense of her clients, interviews witnesses, and tries to persuade judges and juries to agree that her clients are innocent.

Often, preparation for her cases also involves assigning investigative work and background checks to the private investigator who works for Montgomery Legal Services.

What unique research was required to write this story?

I had to do a deep dive into something I’d never expected to need to research—depositions. Monty Montgomery, the heroine of Watched, is a malpractice defense attorney representing the hero, psychiatrist Dr. Robert Weston. For the case, and also for their investigation into who is threatening their lives, Monty has Robert sit in on her depositions of witnesses. 

I’d never realized before that while some movies and books may show the setup to depositions, I’ve never actually seen the depositions themselves portrayed. I learned interesting legal parameters in my research, as well as unexpected elements regarding who can be present at depositions, the use of objections, witnesses’ rights, and more. 

But if that sounds a bit dry, don’t worry. In Watched, the deposition scenes read much like watching Perry Mason in action. Quick, intelligent, and fun as readers join Monty and Robert in trying to solve the mystery! (Yes, I’m a big Perry Mason fan.)

What did you learn while writing this story?

That airbags deflate almost instantly after deployment! Special thanks to a proofreader who told me that from her first-hand experience.

What encouragement do you hope readers will take away from your story?

God is greater than we can think or imagine. When we cannot depend on others or even ourselves, we can always, always depend on God. He is never-changing, always in control, ever faithful, and more than able to carry His children through any trials we face.

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.