I’m hosting a guest post today for “Broken Family”, a crime / mystery novel by Kevin Hopson. Enjoy!
An interview with the cast of Broken Family
Interviewer: We’re here today with three of the main characters from Broken Family, a short story that was written by Kevin Hopson and released by MuseItUp Publishing on March 21. Welcome to all of you. I’d like to start with you, Joe. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Joe Mauro: I’m the Sheriff of Stone County, North Carolina, which is a position I’ve held for nearly nine years now. We’re elected to four-year terms, and I’m closing in on the first year of my third term.
Interviewer: Is there much crime in Stone County?
Joe Mauro: We get our fair share of misdemeanors and even some felonies every now and then, but murder cases tend to be rare. That’s what drew me to Kevin’s story. Not only are we given a murder case to solve, but the facts of the case are somewhat unusual, too.
Interviewer: Can you discuss specifics?
Joe Mauro: I’m afraid not (laughs). I don’t want to give too much away.
Interviewer: Fair enough. Let me shift my focus to your two full-time deputies. Ms. Bowden, how long have you worked with Sheriff Mauro?
Janelle Bowden: Five years.
Interviewer: So it’s safe to say you have some valuable experience under your belt, no pun intended?
Janelle Bowden: Certainly (nods).
Interviewer: Have you ever thought about running for Sheriff yourself?
Janelle Bowden: Of course, but I’ll only consider pursuing this position when Joe decides to step away from it. I still have a lot to learn. Plus, being a female African-American has its challenges, so I want to make sure I’m ready when the time comes.
Interviewer: I understand. Ms. Batista, you’re the youngest of the group. In fact, you’re still in your probationary period as a deputy. Correct?
Ira Batista: Yes (nods). I’m just about done. I’ll receive my certification in a few weeks.
Interviewer: Congratulations. Despite your lack of time on the job, what do you feel you bring to the table?
Ira Batista: An eagerness to learn and a strong work ethic. I obviously don’t have the experience that Sheriff Mauro and Deputy Bowden both possess. That’s why I focus on things I can control, such as working hard and gaining as much knowledge as I can.
Interviewer: That’s very admirable. I can’t help but ask Sheriff Mauro something, though (turns attention to Joe). You have two female deputies, both of whom are minorities. I have to commend you for that, but do you ever feel any pressure for the decisions you make?
Joe Mauro: Sure. I face pressure in all aspects of the job, including the deputies I hire. However, I don’t let people sway me. I take on the most qualified candidates regardless of race or gender. Getting the job done, which Ira and Janelle both do, is all that matters to me.
Interviewer: A great answer. I’ll leave all of you with one last question. If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be? You first, Joe.
Joe Mauro: Understanding.
Interviewer: Ms. Bowden?
Janelle Bowden: Aggressive (laughs).
Interviewer: And you, Ms. Batista?
Ira Batista: Energetic.
Interviewer: Excellent (smiles). Thanks again for dropping by (turns attention to audience). I hope you’ll check out Broken Family by Kevin Hopson to learn more about my three guests. See you next time.
About the Author
Prior to hitting the fiction scene in 2009, Kevin Hopson was a freelance writer for several years, covering everything from finance to sports. His debut work, World of Ash, was released by MuseItUp Publishing in the fall of 2010. Kevin has released several other books through MuseItUp since then, and he has also been published in various magazines and anthology books. Kevin’s writing covers many genres, including dark fiction and horror, science fiction, and crime fiction.
His latest book is the crime/mystery, Broken Family.
You can visit Kevin’s blog at www.kevin-hopson.blogspot.com.
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About the Book
Sheriff Joseph Mauro is summoned to a local lake in Stone County, having received a report of a dead woman along the water’s shore. With foul play a possibility, he utilizes the help of his two female deputies in questioning family members and friends. As the three of them search for clues and possible motives, the case takes an unexpected turn, and Sheriff Mauro must rely on his instincts if he is going to weed out the killer.
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Thank you for hosting me, Majanka!