Susan Marlene
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FATAL STRIKE by DiAnn Mills

9/7/2019

4 Comments

 
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​DiAnn Mills use of deep characterization, thoughts, emotions, and motives of the main characters—Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert—securely pinned me to “Fatal Strike’s pages. I’ve raved about every one of DiAnn’s novels that I’ve read, but she has plunged into a new level that I appreciate and celebrate! Thank you, DiAnn, for offering this novel to me for my honest review. You wrote on the inside cover, “Expect an Adventure,” which you delivered with excellence.

I felt heat burdening Galveston and Houston Texas as descriptive local countryside and shoreline scenes aided the plot. Local restaurants and businesses etc. became realistic as the character’s sweating and or other reactions moved the suspense forward. DiAnn lead my imagination easily through the layers of conflict and anticipation. The support characters and antagonists were varied, mysterious, and kept me guessing until the very end. Okay, I’ll admit it, I did think the main bad person was a different character. What a fun puzzle of a story with characters I enjoyed getting to know. The preverbal feeling of being that fly-on-the-wall—observing interactions as the story progressed—followed me throughout this adventuresome read.

FBI agents have a difficult and dangerous occupation, and this novel helped me to become aware of their sacrifice and courage. They engage in emotionally charged emergencies and gang-related activities which I can’t imagine facing. Strong, dedicated, and focused agents are willing to put in long hours to conquer threatening situations. Yet, how many are appreciated for their full worth?

Known for rigorous research—DiAnn spends quality time with FBI, border control, or whatever occupation employs her heroine. Her stories shine with authenticity. Thank you, DiAnn, for taking the time to become familiar with those who serve our country with selfless tenacity. In my estimation, you exude that same tenaciousness with the written word, exploration of hot issues, as well as those who confront very real danger.
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“Fatal Strike” is a highly recommended suspense story because quality writing and interesting subject matter keep me intrigued. I suggest that you not wait for Christmas shopping to include this in your must-read list. “Fatal Strike” is an emotionally impacting and exhilarating tale of bravery, intelligence, and synergy that burned my midnight candle until the very last word was read.
 
Questions for DiAnn:

Bravo, DiAnn, for a perfect title for this unique story of a gang using venom to murder and spread fear. How did you come up with this idea?  I wanted a different method for the villain to eliminate victims—no fingerprints, bullets or a gun. Snake venom injected into the heart worked.

Did this story idea wake you, sending your active imagination soring in the middle of the night? Did you jot down story ideas by nightlight?  A number of factors played into the storyline for Fatal Strike. 1) The idea of using injections of rattlesnake venom. 2) A female sniper who longed for reconciliation with her family. 3) A hero who was running from guilt. 4) A setting that is normally seen as a peaceful, a vacation resort. Thoughts rolled through my mind until I had to write the story.

Do you have a theme message in this story especially crafted for your readers?  Yes! Adoption provides a sense of belonging, but we all choose our behavior. Throughout the story, adoption is a thread that binds the characters.

How much time did you spend with FBI agents to come up with these characters?  I interviewed a FBI SWAT member who was also a hostage negotiator. I also spent considerable time researching a sniper’s mindset, what skills are required, and how a sniper processes after a mission.

Can you tell us about your next story venture?  The title is Airborne. An FBI agent boards a plane for Salzburg, Austria for a much-needed vacation and to make decisions about her future. Her husband has asked for a divorce, and he doesn’t know she’s three months pregnant. Two hours into the flight, several people on board begin showing evidence of a deadly virus. 

How do you wish for your readers to contact you? 
My website has all my social media, contact, and blog sign up information. I love hearing from readers! https://diannmills.com/ [email protected]

Author Bio:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
 
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com


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4 Comments
DiAnn Mills link
9/21/2019 10:12:25 am

Thanks, Sue, for hosting me and featuring Fatal Strike.

Reply
Susan Marlene link
9/24/2019 08:27:09 pm

You are most welcome, DiAnn! I'm always excited to get to read another one of your novels! You challenge me and entertain and inspire me for sure!

Reply
Rebecca McLafferty link
9/24/2019 10:53:34 am

What a great post and interview! I am just finishing the book and will be writing my own review. Definitely 5 stars all the way! Way to spread the word, Sue. DiAnn Mills rocks all the way!

Reply
Susan Marlene link
9/24/2019 08:28:56 pm

Thank you for stopping by, Rebecca! I'm so glad that you are enjoying DiAnnn's novel! I'll be sure to stop in and read your review! Yes, DiAnn does rock! She is an amazing writer!

Reply



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    Susan Marlene is the author of Sisters & Friends, HEARTS FOREVER FAITHFUL and SHORT STORIES, Some Fanciful, Some True, A Collection from Various Time Periods & Adventurous Tales, as well as ​Splashes of Hope, A Trio of Short Stories.

    She has published in these venues also. 

    www.ChristianDevotions.us and in Splickety Love Magazine, The Novice, and  newspapers. She writes devotions, fiction, and nonfiction. She is a member and co-founder of Pens of Praise Christian Writers 
    Group.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

    ​She speaks at writers' groups and prepares devotions and teachings often for Pens of Praise Christian Writers,  and was a former member of Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves  antiques and misses  her Leonberger, but loves her Boxer who fills their lives with love and laughter. Her cat was the queen of the household and is also dearly missed. 

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"Hope" is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all,​  by Emily Dickinson


​Generative artificial intelligence technologies (AI) are forbidden to copy or use for training purposes and/or other purpose the writing, photography, or artwork of Susan Marlene.  No permission is granted to generate text, photography, and artwork in the same style or genre as Susan Marlene’s Work, unless express permission is granted by Susan Marlene. No permission is given to sublicense others to reproduce and/or use Susan Marlene’s writing, photography, or artwork without her permission. 

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  • Home
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