Trace of Doubt is a gripping new thriller from one of the great romantic suspense authors of our time, Diann Mills. Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. The book starts as she’s released on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. Easier said than done. FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled $500,000 from her brother-in-law, so he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, and finally crack this case.

Just days before the book releases (Sept 7), DiAnn graciously spilled a few beans about her newest work.

Trace of Doubt has a different feel to it, perhaps because it begins when a felon is released and tries to start over. How did you go about achieving that uneasy atmosphere? 

My goal is to put my reader into my character’s shoes. That means I slip on those shoes first. To me, characterization is the most important aspect of creating a novel. For me to engage the reader, I must put myself in uncomfortable situations mentally to express the character.

With the creative process, what came first for this story – the characters, premise or the type of plot? 

Always what-if . . . What if a seventeen-year-old girl confessed to a murder she didn’t commit to protect her sister. 2) What character traits would the heroine need for her to have the most to lose and the most to gain by bringing the truth to surface? 3) Characterization 4) Plot.

I know you’ve done quite a bit with law enforcement in the past – how much research did this story need? 

Each state’s laws are different, and Texas included. I researched the crime, punishment, parole boards, and the heroine’s responsibilities after prison release. Another huge area of research came with Texas prisons for women.

And while this is typically explosive and keeps readers guessing, there’s also a lot of depth. Is there one main message you want readers to take away? 

God is in control, even when we are blind sighted and deceived by those we love.

Finally – what was the most satisfying scene to write, and why? 

The scene where the heroine confesses to the truth. Incredibly difficult for her.

I read an early copy of Trace of Doubt a couple of weeks ago. A burning need to know what was going on kept me up pretty late two nights in a row until I reached the end. Highly recommended.

About DiAnn…

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have 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 former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers.