Writing about crime and serial killers is challenging. I wrote Hunted by a Killer during a very happy time in my life—right after the birth of my granddaughter. It was tough to switch from adoring grandma to immersing myself in a story about a chasing a serial killer. What helped me and what I wish for the readers to take away from the story is hope the God’s will always prevails. Even in the darkest times, God is still there. 

The main characters of the story, Charlotte and Austin, struggle with the reality of witnessing bad things happen to good people. Charlotte not only experienced evil in her role as a police detective but more personally when her sister became a victim of the Presque Killer. Austin’s life revolves around chasing killers as an FBI Special Agent. Nothing about that job is easy.  

I’d like to share one of my favorite parts of Hunted by a Killer, from Austin’s point of view:

A while ago, Austin had confided in Caleb about his growing frustrations at his inability to stop evil from happening in the world. Leaving behind the murder cases in Presque had almost broken his will to continue in the FBI. Shortly after he returned, Caleb had sat him down and they’d spent time in prayer together. They studied God’s messages in the Bible about good and evil, justice and mercy. Austin had come to accept that many events that took place were out of his control. He couldn’t protect everyone. Serving God meant fulfilling His purpose to the best of his ability. But only God was perfect, and ultimately He was in control.

Yes, there is evil in the world around us. Not only evil but illness, financial strains, disappointment. We do our best to fight against the bad. We want the criminals brought to justice. We cheer when good prevails. But that doesn’t always happen in real life. The bad guy gets off without even a slap on the wrist. A missing person is never found. An unethical person prospers. It is frustrating. 

I write about dark issues in order to give a space for the good guys to always win. Unlike reality. Hopefully you won’t figure out too early in the book who is the Presque Killer but rest assured the killer doesn’t come out the winner. Why do you enjoy reading romantic suspense? There is comfort in the pages. Love and justice wins. What an uplifting thought! 

In Hunted by a Killer, I also wanted to give a voice to the victims, who often struggled when alive and forgotten by most after death. Killers often prey on those living at the edge of society. People who wouldn’t be missed. Thankfully there are those in real life like Charlotte and Austin who don’t give up the fight to bring them justice. Thinking about the victims of violent crime serves as a good reminder to help protect the vulnerable before a crime occurs. We can give our time and money to organizations that serve those most in need.

In closing, I’d like to share one more excerpt from Hunted by a Killer. I pray you enjoy the thrilling story and be encouraged by Charlotte and Austin’s faith and persistence.

Taking her by the shoulders, he turned her so she met his gaze. “We have four more days to catch this guy. After he’s locked away, you can give the press conference of a lifetime.”

“Are you confident he’ll be captured in time?” Fear dilated her dark pupils.

“I’m confident in you…and in me.” He paused. “And most importantly in God.” Failure was not an option. Four more days. If the killer continued to elude them, Charlotte could lose her life. Four more days to track a madman and take him into custody. Clues remained hidden. What had they missed during the initial investigation that kept the killer concealed? All they needed was one big break. One piece of evidence that connected the dots and revealed the killer’s identity. He had faith that a big break would come. But would it come in time to save Charlotte and the other kidnapping victim?