I often have reporters ask me which of my books I like best. Most of the time they realize how difficult of a question this is so they follow it up with something like, “if you had a gun to your head.” This phrase always confuses me though, because I often have guns to my head and they never inspire clarity. But I see what they’re trying to say - if my back was against the wall, if my life depended on it, what book would I choose? Well, if a gunman ever had me in that position, and instead of asking for money, or a helicopter or the release of political prisoners, he asked me which of my books I like best – I may have to answer Frozen Heat.

Even as I commit that to paper it hurts me to admit - I don’t like playing favorites and it makes me sound like I’m just trying to sell books - but this one truly does have a special place in my heart. I think that’s because the case holds a special place in Nikki’s heart. For Nikki, every case is personal; she refuses to ever let the numbers get to her and she remembers each body used to be a person, with dreams, desires, fears and loved ones. But that doesn’t mean she can’t come across a case once in awhile that hits her harder. This is one of those cases.

While investigating a crime scene, Nikki runs across a piece of evidence that inextricably links this murder to the death of her mother. What follows (I hope) is an emotional and thrilling story that exceeds good old-fashioned crime solving, and hits on something deeper – the inexhaustible human drive to find the truth.

This story is very important to me. Over the past few years I’ve watched as someone very close to me has dealt with the immense pressure of a case that hits close to home. The wrestling match between personal and professional responsibilities is enough to destroy most people. Only exceedingly strong ones are capable of persevering through it. That courage needs to be broadcast. People need to know that heroes like that exist. I can only hope that Nikki lives up to her inspiration’s inimitable model.

If you haven’t read any of the Nikki Heat books yet, this is actually a great place to start. If you’re a veteran of the series I think you’ll find it to be a fulfilling continuation. If you already read it and you’re hankering for more? Well, give me a break I can only write so fast.

Thank you all for your support, and enjoy Frozen Heat!