Today’s Author Spotlight is on Jeff Shelby, who wrote The Ninth Man in the thriller anthology, Make Them Pay!
Jeff is the author of over 50 mysteries and thrillers. A California native, he now divides his time between Texas and Minnesota.
Take it away Jeff.
Q: Tell us a little about your story in Make Them Pay!?
A: Joe Tyler is a character I created about ten years ago and he’s a guy who can find anyone…except for his own missing daughter. In The Ninth Man, he’s tasked with helping a woman find someone responsible for the death of the woman’s daughter.
Q: What was the inspiration for your story?
A: Joe typically searches for missing loved ones – children, spouses, etc. But I thought it might be interesting to have him hunt for someone who is not beloved in any way.
Q: When did you start writing and/or publishing?
A: I think I started writing in the 2nd grade when I wrote a story about Snoopy winning Wimbledon. I was first published in 2005 and have been at it ever since.
Q: Why thrillers?
A: Thrillers and mysteries have always been my favorites to read. I love the ticking clock, the suspense, the tension. I like the challenge of creating those things in my own writing.
Q: Who are your favorite thriller authors to read?
A: I try to read a ton, so just off the top of my head – Harlan Coben, Gillian Flynn, Mark Dawson, Lee Child, Attica Locke, Megan Abbott. Three amazing thrillers I’ve read recently: Freefall by Jessica Barry, Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby, Lola by Melissa Scrivener Love.
Q: Were your friends or family members nervous hanging around you once they read one of your books?
A: Ha! No, I think they were more surprised that I could write in complete sentences.
Q: What’s your favorite non-reading, non-writing activity?
A: Watching the San Diego Padres. Normally, this is where I mention that I’m a glutton for punishment, but this MIGHT be our (because, yes, I’m on the team) year!
If you want to check out Shelby’s story along with the other 21 top thriller authors, here’s where you can grab your copy of Make Them Pay!
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