I'm interviewing C. Hyytinen about her new book PATTERN OF VIOLENCE.

Carolyn: Tell me about your new mystery, where it's set, what it's
about, a little about the protagonist(s) and who's publishing it.

C: Pattern of Violence is set in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) and I tried to keep the geographic locations as correct as possible. Maria Sanchez is a top-notch homicide detective with the Minneapolis Police Department. A serial killer is wreaking havoc on her streets. Dubbed the River Rat by the media, his victims are always discovered floating in the Mississippi River. The dead bodies surrounding her ultimately determine Maria's fate, and that of her only child. There are several “Bad” guys in the story; however, the main protagonist is a drug-crazed maniac with ties to the Mafia. Echelon Press is the publisher.

Carolyn: What obstacles did you have to overcome to write this story and
how did you do it?

C: I did a lot of research before I wrote the story, because I wanted everything as factual as possible even though it is totally a work of fiction. For instance, did you know you can tell the time a person died by the temperature of the liver? Also evidence is never put in plastic bags, because plastic sweats and imprint evidence can become compromised.

Carolyn: How do you breathe life into your characters and make them seem
real for this book?

C: I really become involved when I’m writing a novel. I picture myself as the main character and move on from that perspective. When a story really takes me away, I don’t know how it’s going to end—I am surprised as much as the reader.

Carolyn: What about writing this mystery appeals to you?

C: It’s an upsetting subject matter—abduction…death—but it’s something that unfortunately happens on a daily basis. In the end poetic justice prevails…which I wish was that way in real life.

Carolyn: What else would you like to tell readers about your book?

C: I’ve been told if you like suspense authors James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Dean Koontz, you’ll enjoy Pattern of Violence. Please, please buy it!

Carolyn: Do you have a web site where readers can find out more about you
and your book?

C: Yes, http://www.chyytinen.com