Tom Threadgill writes “Smart Suspense” inspired by what if questions. The idea for his latest novel, Collision of Lies, happened when he observed a woman at a restaurant staring at her phone. “What if,” Tom wondered, “she got a phone call from someone she didn’t expect?”

That question led to another. “What if she got a text from her son . . . and he was dead?”

In addition to writing police procedurals, Tom sits on the thriller/suspense publishing board for Lighthouse of the Carolinas. We talk about current trends in the thriller/suspense market, including the move toward publishing books for what’s typically known as the “clean” market–engaging, compelling stories without offensive language, excessive gore and violence, and gratuitous sex.

Teaser Alert! The protagonist in Collision of Lies, San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez, has a very unusual pet named Larry. Listen to the interview to find out more about Larry!

Connect with Tom on his website and on Facebook.

Purchase Links: Collision of Lies and Coming of Winter

Collision of Lies

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she’s correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.

With time running out, Amara must convince others–and herself–that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy lives. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.

Coming of Winter

Catherine Mae Blackston is missing. She is not the first.

While investigating Blackston’s recent activities, FBI Agent Jeremy Winter stumbles upon a string of missing persons within state parks. Unable to convince his boss that Blackston’s disappearance is anything other than a lost hiker, Winter joins forces with a local police officer to continue the search.

As the clues mount, a dark figure from Jeremy’s past emerges with an ultimatum — one that could force him out of the Bureau. Afraid that his girlfriend, fellow agent Maggie Keeley, will be dragged into a high-stakes political game, he delays his decision. But as the tally of missing persons increases, Winter closes in on the unlikeliest of suspects.

The bodies are out there.

He just has to find them before his past catches up with him.