Q&A: Lisa Gardner, Author of ‘Kiss Her Goodbye’

We chat with author Lisa Gardner about Kiss Her Goodbye, which is the latest installment in the addictive Frankie Elkin series, in which Frankie is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, whose friend suspects she is in grave danger—before it is too late. 

Hi, Lisa! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I live in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire, with an office view of Mt. Washington.  When not glued to my computer, I love to roam the trails and enjoy the great outdoors.  I’m passionate about animal rescue, and currently have three dogs to assist with both writing and hiking.  Basically, they’ll do anything for a cookie.  I also have a thing for penguins, my favorite trip during my world travels having been to Antarctica.  And yes, I can’t wait to go again!

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I attempted my first book at 6.  Involved a lot of flying monkeys a la Wizard of Oz.  (For the longest time, they were the scariest creatures I could imagine!!!).  A gradeschool teacher commented that I had some talent for writing and recommended my parents get me a journal.  From then on I wrote constantly, tried everything from animal stories to terrible poetry to horror.  Mysteries were always my first love, however—all hail Nancy Drew!  Once I focused on how to get away with murder, things took off.  I sold my first book at 21 and have never looked back.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Dear lord that’s like tens of thousands of books ago, lol.  Let’s go with the first book that impacted my impressionable mind:  Where the Red Fern Grows
• The one that made you want to become an author: Cujo by Stephen King     
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Far Pavilions by M.M.Kaye  (I read it for the first time at 12, have re-read it every few years since. It’s that epic novel that has everything—sweeping setting, incredible characters, dramatic action sequences and beautiful romance.)

Kiss Her Goodbye is the fourth installment in your Frankie Elkin series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

High-stakes family drama.

What can readers expect?

I’ve always loved books that encourage the reader to walk in someone else’s shoes.  For me, that started immediately in the research process, interviewing Afghan refugees about their experiences.  Then talking to the resettlement agencies about their challenges trying to find housing and resources was equally enlightening.  From there, the book took shape—a recently relocated Afghan family doing everything they can to build a better future for their four-year old daughter.  The young mother, a gifted linguist, suddenly missing.  Frankie Elkin, on the case and determined the solve the puzzle—if she can survive her latest gig, babysitting lizards and snakes.  Let the adventures begin!

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Believe it or not, Petunia the green iguana!  Gonna confess, I share Frankie’s discomfort with reptiles.  Which, of course, made it an excellent challenge for both of us.  One of my friends used to have pet iguanas, so he shared fun stories, and yes, quality time with lizards.  Which led to the creation of Petunia, Frankie’s new, highly uncomfortable charge but maybe future bestie?

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I always struggle, lol.  I’m a “pantser” meaning I don’t write with an outline, but figure it out as I go along, or, as the saying goes, by the seat of my pants.  That’s a heavy mental load.  What is the young mother, Sabera, so afraid of?  Is her domineering husband the problem or the solution?  And what about little four-year old Zahra who I can already tell knows more than any four-year old should?  I draft a chapter, then hit the trails with my dogs to brainstorm the next.  Write, hike, write, hike, write.  Then suddenly one day, I hit the end and realize who did it.  Which is always a surprise to me, so hopefully also a surprise for you!

What’s next for you?

I’m happily returning to my gothic roots, working on a domestic thriller involving a mysterious couple who purchases a thirty-year old house with an infamous legacy.  Who what when where why how?  Yep, I’m hiking a lot.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

For thrillers, I was totally blown away by Noelle Ihli’s Ask for Andrea, a classic serial killer thriller told from the point of view of his three (dead) victims.  Absolutely ingenious and powerful.  Also, loved, loved, loved Saratoga Schaefer’s dark and twisted debut, Serial Killer Support Group.  For mystery fans, check out the Evander Mills series by Lev A.C. Rosen.  The latest, Mirage City, brings Evander to Hollywood in the ‘50s, combining a dangerous new case with a deliciously glam background.  Finally, I love a great cozy fantasy read.  My fav new series is the Tomes and Tea Quartet by Rebecca Thorne.  Fourth book comes out August 12, so you know what I’ll be doing that day (well, after launching my own novel, of course…maybe.).

Will you be picking up Kiss Her Goodbye? Tell us in the comments below!