Today I welcome Jane Isaac to the blog.
Jane is a crime writer and has always been fascinated by what happens when extraordinary events touch the lives of ordinary people. For the most part, lives are relatively untouched by law enforcement. But she asks what happens if we are forced into such a situation? How would we react?
Her novels are psychological thriller/police procedural crossovers born out of this fascination. She tries to make her characters real; they could just as easily be one of us, so that we feel their journey.
I love the cover, Jane. Were you able to have any input in the design and if not, are you happy with the results?
Hi, Rebecca. Thanks! I love it too. This book is a re-release, it was my debut and originally published by Rainstorm Press in 2012. I regained the rights last summer and decided to self-publish which gave me carte blanche to decide on the cover art – a first for me. It was exciting to trawl the internet, looking at different designs until I found one that would fit, but also quite challenging. I’m not an artistic person when it comes to colours and layout and it made me realise how difficult it is for designers to come up with a cover that reflects the storyline and also sits alongside the author’s other books.
The colours work really well. It’s moody and atmospheric. What are you allowed to say about the book right now?
Thanks. I can’t claim any credit, I’m afraid, I have Debbie at The Cover Collection to thank for the beautiful colours. She sent me about seven different colouration ideas to choose from and I went with her recommendation.
This story is about people really, on many different levels, of family secrets and betrayal. I’m fascinated by people and have always been a bit nosey(!), so I really enjoyed writing it.
An Unfamiliar Murder? That’s interesting and makes you wonder about the murder inside the pages. I’m rubbish with titles. At what point did the title come to you?
I’m rubbish with titles too. This was actually the working title and my publisher liked it because it was unique. I’ve struggled with titles for every book I’ve written since though – my last book was untitled for months before I could come up with something that would work.
When is the publication date?
I’m hoping to have both the paperback and the ebook ready for 1st March 2016.
And without giving anything away, if you could be one of the characters, who would you be and why?
I think it would be Ross, Anna’s boyfriend. I know it sounds odd, picking a guy, but he is such a fun-loving, laid back character with a real zest for life.
Thanks for talking to me Jane, it’s been great having you.
Thanks so much for inviting me – I really enjoyed answering your questions!
You can find Jane on her website, Twitter and Amazon.
An Unfamiliar Murder
Arriving home from a routine day at work, Anna Cottrell has no idea that her life is about to change forever. But discovering the stabbed body of a stranger in her flat, then becoming prime suspect in a murder enquiry is only the beginning. Her persistent claims of innocence start to crumble when new evidence links her irrevocably with the victim… Leading her first murder enquiry, DCI Helen Lavery unravels a trail of deception, family secrets and betrayal. When people close to the Cottrell family start to disappear, Lavery is forced into a race against time. Can she catch the killer before he executes his ultimate victim?
readingwritingandriesling says
One to watch out for – I have read one or two of Jane’s worked and loved each one.
Jane Isaac says
Thanks so much, Carol 🙂
Jane Isaac says
Thanks for hosting my new cover art Rebecca. So lovely to be hosted on your blog 🙂
Margot Kinberg says
That is a really compelling cover. And the book sounds intriguing, too. Thanks for sharing, both. Wishing you much success.
Jane Isaac says
Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes, Margot. It’s reassuring to hear I made a good choice.
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) says
I think you chose well! Very atmospheric cover,
Jane Isaac says
Thanks Alex. It was much harder to chose than I thought it would be:)
Sue Coletta says
I love the cover too. And the title. Best of luck with the re-release.
Jane Isaac says
Thanks so much, Sue. Really glad you like it, and thanks for your kind wishes.
orangepekoereviews says
Oh, sounds like an author I must try. Thanks for your post – I’ve never heard of her before!