Welcome Guest Author April Henry
April Henry is the newest addition to the Girlfriend’s Cyber Circuit, and is celebrating the launch of her latest novel (co-authored with Lisa Wiehl), Face of Betrayal, which is sure to keep you up reading and the lights on till dawn.
Here’s the story: When 17-year-old Senate page Katie Converse goes missing on her Christmas break near her parents’ white Victorian home in Portland, Ore., law enforcement and the media go into overdrive in a search for clues. Three friends at the pinnacle of their respective careers–Allison Pierce, a federal prosecutor; Cassidy Shaw, a crime reporter; and Nicole Hedges, an FBI special agent–soon discover that Katie wasn’t the picture of innocence painted by her parents. Did Katie run away to escape their stifling demands? Was she having an affair with the senator who sponsored her as a page? Has she been kidnapped? Is she the victim of a serial killer?
About the author
April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters. April had one detour on her path to destruction: when she was 12 she sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to noted children’s author Roald Dahl. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children’s magazine.
By the time she was in her 30s, April had come to terms with her childhood and started writing about hit men, drug dealers, and serial killers. She has published six mysteries and thrillers, with five more under contract. Her books have gotten starred reviews, been on Booksense (twice!), translated into four languages, short-listed for the Oregon Book Award, and chosen as a Quick Pick by the American Library Association.
April co-wrote Face of Betrayal with Lis Wiehl, a legal analyst on FOX. They have a contract for three more Triple Threat mysteries.
In March, April’s young adult thriller, Torched, came out from Putnam.
“A sizzling political thriller. … The seamless plot offers a plethora of twists and turns.”
–Publishers Weekly
4.5 stars [and they don’t give out five stars] “Wiehl and Henry have penned a winner that seems to come straight from the headlines. Captivating suspense, coupled with tightly written prose, will entertain and intrigue.”
–Romantic Times
Welcome, April!
JG: Tell me a little about your book.
AP: In Face of Betrayal, Katie, a 17 year old Senate page, disappears. The prime suspect: the Senator who may have been more than just a mentor. Three women – an FBI agent, a federal prosecutor, and a TV crime reporter – team up to find out what really happened.
JG: What got you writing in the genre in which you write.
AH: It was kind of accident. I wrote the book I wanted to write –Circles of Confusion – and my agent told me she thought it would sell well as a mystery. The idea of it selling was enough to sell – I had already written three other books that hadn’t sold. She was right – I had a two book deal in three days. I’ve since realized that the kind of books you right at first are like a brand. Readers expect you to continue to write in the same genre.
JG: Favorite thing about being a writer?
AH: When the words come so quickly it’s like I’m transcribing and grinning like a crazy person. That happens about once a year. Unfortunately.
JG: Least favorite thing about being a writer?
AH: The one time I couldn’t get on the same page as an editor. It was excruciating.
JG: What is the most interesting thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
AH: Watching a book come close to being made into a movie. It was a huge long shot that didn’t pan out, but it was fun while it lasted.
JG: What’s your favorite type of pie?
AH: Cherry, made with bright red pie (sour) cherries. Runner up: lemon meringue.
Categories: News, Parrothood: Twenty Years of Caring for a Vengeful Bird Determined to Kill Me, Sleeping with Ward Cleaver
Tags:
Suzanne says:
Hi Jenny! Love your blog! Great writing! I have nominated you for a Premio Dardos award! Not sure if this is something you would be interested in participating in, but I wanted to add you to my nominations to showcase your wonderful blog! Here’s the link to the award:
http://chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/2009/04/awards-awards.html
jennygardiner says:
hi! Thanks so much for the nice words! I’m really glad you enjoy the blog and thank you also for nominating me! Do I have to do anything for it?