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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Dgeadgmd@aol.com: Even though Alice was on my "short list" of possible culprits, I found it just a little incredible that this supposedly naive, protected child who is so brilliant couldn't think of another way to get out of the house. "Normal" kids do this all the time! Did you actually know of a case like this? If not, where did this character come from?

Erica Spindler: Alice's character was a work of fiction, though I read a number of nonfiction studies about brilliant kids. Apparently, genius is not always a gift, and many of these children are troubled. The thing about Alice was her arrogance. She didn't just want to "get out of the house," she wanted to get out with all the money. She felt she "deserved" it. That she was smarter than them all. (As I'm writing this I realize her character's a bit like Annakin Skywalker from this year's Star Wars pic!)

Brhanda@aol.com: I was just wondering where the idea for the White Rabbit came from.

Erica Spindler: None of the role playing games I read about fit all my needs, particularly the concept of KILLER TAKES ALL. So I created a game, turning to ALICE IN WONDERLAND because the story, with its dark and bizarre undertones, had always fascinated me.

MMarcia48@aol.com: Is anyone in particular the model or prototype for Stacy? Do you have personal experience in law enforcement? Were the descriptions of Stacy's feelings about carrying a gun (as well as being without one) based on feelings you have experienced?

Erica Spindler: Stacy was a work of my imagination. And no, I don't have personal experience in law enforcement, though I have done a tremendous amount of research in that area. What I find particularly fascinating is the psychology of a character, be they cops, serial killers, or genius kids. It's those little "state of mind" moments that really flesh out a character.

saccop@cox.net: New Orleans is such an exciting city. I see from the book jacket that you live there. Are all your books set there? Have you visited any other city that can compare to New Orleans? Will you pair up Spencer and Killian again in another novel? Not being a "gamer" myself, I was surprised to learn that people play in real time. Do you have experiences with this?

Erica Spindler: I do about every other book in New Orleans/south Louisiana. I love writing about the area because it is so complex and atmospheric. I look for other places that have the same quality --- for example, my book DEAD RUN was set in Key West, Florida.

As for the gaming angle, I had to totally research it because I had never played myself. Fascinating, a whole different world!

DELSTATE83@aol.com: The parents had nothing to do with any of this? The way people were killed, especially the father, was strange. Having the man who raped Kay living at her house and her not knowing or sensing anything was weird. She had a relationship with this man years later, but nothing stood out for her. There should have been signs that the daughter hated her parents. I didn't believe that the parents were trying to off each for money as believable. This could have been an awesome read.

Erica Spindler: Fiction is about suspending disbelief, and it doesn't sound as if I suspended yours. I'm so sorry. I hope you'll give another of my novels a try!

anneaustex@austin.rr.com: I get the feeling this is just the beginning for Stacy and Spencer. Will they be returning?

shirdickwald@comcast.net: Will Stacy and Spencer be in any of your future books?

Erica Spindler: Stacy and Spencer may very well appear in a future book. I created KILLER TAKES ALL with the idea of a continuing series, though one I would return to intermittently, say, every other book or two.

KennethRMartin@aol.com: What ideas do you have for new books?

Erica Spindler: I have several ideas cooking right now, but am actively working on COPYCAT, due out June 2006. The story stars two female homicide detectives, one an over-the-hill veteran, haunted by the case she never solved; the other a young hot shot, obsessed with a recent series of killings. They are forced to work together to stop a copycat child killer.

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