Author K.D. Richards is back with the latest installment of her West Investigations series. I recently spoke with her about Shielding Her Son.
Tell me about your latest book.
Shielding Her Son features James West, the oldest West brother, who has recently left the military with an injury and is trying to figure out what’s next for him. He’s working for the family firm and has been sent to the small mountain town of Carling Lake to confirm that Erika Powell really is Erika Overholt for a client. Unfortunately, discovering Erika’s real identity brings trouble down on her. James isn’t about to let her or her son, Marcus, get hurt, so he throws himself into defending them.
Why did you decide to write it?
After writing the first book in the West Investigations series, Pursuit of the Truth, I knew I was going to write a book where each of the four brothers was the main male character. James was in the military in the first book, so we didn’t see much of him, but I knew he’d have to come home. I also wanted to get the brothers out of New York City a bit more, so expanding the series into the fictional New York mountain town of Carling Lake worked for that.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I really want them to have a good time and enjoy the read. I’m hoping they identify with James and Erika and the trouble they find themselves in at the moment.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Well, I have had other professions. I practiced law for fifteen years and then I went into the education field. I enjoyed both but being an author is what I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m so grateful that I can devote myself to it full time now.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve loved reading since I was young. My mother is a retired English teacher, and my father loved books. Our house was filled with them growing up, so it’s something that comes naturally. I wrote my first story at age eleven. A mystery that I really wish I’d kept! I’ve been writing ever since.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Oh, gosh. Something people always seem surprised about is that I don’t like sweets too much. I’d much rather have savory. Give me anything lemon flavored.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I love mystery, suspense and romance and read a lot of it. I recently read Denis N. Wheatley’s The Heart Shaped Murders and I love The Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan. I really enjoy series that feature familial relationships.
What books are you excited to read?
There really are so many. My TBR pile is way out of control. In the romance genre, coming out this summer, I’m looking forward to The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon and The House on Blueberry Lane by Brenda Jackson.
What’s next for you?
More books, always! The fifth book in the West Investigation series, Darkwater Disappearance, will be out in late December 2022. And I’m hard at work writing more books in the series.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
No. Thank you for the terrific interview.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Shielding Her Son.
To learn more about K.D. Richards, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.kdrichardsbooks.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kdrichardsauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kdrichardsauthor