Interview with Karen Robards, author of the Dr. Charlotte Stone Series

Tell us a little bit about your new release, THE LAST TIME I SAW HER.

THE LAST TIME I SAW HER is the fourth book in the Dr. Charlotte Stone series, and it concludes the original arc of the story. By that I mean we find out the ultimate fate of Charlie’s ghostly lover, convicted serial killer Michael Garland. if you’re not familiar with the books, “Charlie” Stone is a psychiatrist who skillfully probes the twisted minds of incarcerated serial killers to better understand what makes them tick, and to help nab those who remain at large. In this book, Michael is facing oblivion – the total destruction of his soul. He has vanished from Charlie’s world, and she is terrified that she will never see him again.

As she mourns Michael, a mysterious stranger turns up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and Charlie is shocked to realize he could be Michael’s identical twin. But she suspects the resemblance is only skin deep—and that behind the stranger’s handsome face may lurk the perverse mind of a killer. Using all her keen profiling gifts, Charlie risks her life to discover the shocking secret that might clear Michael’s name.

Then a breakout at Wallens Ridge State Prison forces Charlie to contend with a sudden swarm of psychopaths bent on spilling blood. No one has a better chance of tracking down the deadly fugitives than Charlie—unless the rampaging killers manage to find her first and make this case her last. But Michael will move heaven and hell—and even make a devil’s bargain—for the chance to save Charlie’s life, and feel her touch once more . . . if only for the final time.

Who are your literary heroes? Why do they inspire you?

I love the Brontes. WUTHERING HEIGHTS and JANE EYRE? Those sisters could write. The characters in those books are so rich and deep and real that they’ve far outlived their creators. That, to me, is inspiring.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Relax and have fun. Oh, and that whole writing thing you were afraid would never go anywhere? It works out.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

I just finished re-reading the Outlander series (great books!) I’m about halfway through Kristin Hannah’s THE NIGHTINGALE, which I’m really enjoying. Next up is Linwood Barclay’s NO TIME FOR GOODBYE. I’m always reading something.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

My favorite thing to do on a rainy day is read. Actually,my favorite thing to do on any day is read.

What’s on your writing desk?

On my writing desk, right now, is a stuffed monkey that plays IF YOU LIKE PIÑA COLADAS when you squeeze its paw. A couple of family photos. Notebooks, pens. The “Wally” award I won for bestselling debut hardcover of the year for NOBODY’S ANGEL. (It’s big, and heavy, and I use it to prop up the notebooks, which contain character photos, maps, timelines, etc., so I can see them as I work.) Oh, yeah, and my laptop is on there, too. And my cat, the Muse, who naps next to my laptop as I work.

What’s rocking your world this month?

Knowing that I’ll have an empty nest come the end of August is rocking my world, and not in a good way. My youngest heads off to college. On a happier note, I’m really excited to share this fourth Charlie Stone book with my readers. I think (hope) they’ll love it.

What’s your favorite line from THE LAST TIME I SAW HER?

Charlie to Michael: “You’re sporting horns and a tail here, baby.”

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Just write the book already.

Photo Credit: Ross Gordon

Karen Robards is the author of the new book The Last Time I Saw Her, part of the Dr. Charlotte Stone Series.

Connect with Karen
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