The author demonstrates how his years as a crime reporter in Florida and Los Angeles contributed to the creation of vivid details in his novels, of not only the villains and heroes, but of the investigations and stranger-than-fiction crime scenes.

"It all started when journalist Jillian Lauren asked LAPD Homicide Detective Mitzi Roberts about which case Roberts was most proud of closing. "Samuel Little," Roberts answered. The now 79-year-old Little had murdered approximately 90 women over six decades and repeatedly got away with the murders due to lack of evidence (or jurisdiction); Roberts finally brought him to justice by tying him to the murders of three Los Angeles women. Surprised she...