with M. E. May
We are delighted to welcome mystery author M. E. May to Omnimystery News today.
Michele's third entry in her series of Circle City mysteries is Ensconced (M&B Literary Creations; March 2014 trade paperback and ebook formats) and we recently had the opportunity to talk with her more about the book and its characters.
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Omnimystery News: Introduce us to the characters of your Circle City mysteries.
Photo provided courtesy of
M. E. May
M. E. May: The whole idea behind the Circle City mystery series was not to have one lead protagonist who continues throughout the series, but many. My objective in making a different police officer the lead in each novel was to keep it fresh for my readers as well as for myself.
In the first novel, Perfidy, the main character is Mandy Stevenson, who is the daughter of the head of homicide. In that novel, you meet Missing Persons Detectives Tyrone Mayhew and Ben Jacobs as well as Homicide Detectives Erica Barnes and Brent Freeman — Erica Barnes is the star of Inconspicuous and Tyrone Mayhew takes the lead in Ensconced.
Using my characters in this manner gives my readers a chance to get to know them as individuals with families, friends and problems. They can see how each character's life intertwines with the others personally as well as professionally.
OMN: How do you expect these characters to develop over the course of the series?
MEM: One of the best compliments I've received from readers is in regards to my character development. I am of the opinion that no human being stays the same. Our experiences affect us in ways that make us happy, sad, fearful, ambitious, spiteful, generous and more. The things my characters deal with as police officers can't help but change them. I don't believe readers would continue to read my series if my characters never changed.
OMN: With a different lead character for each book, do you have any difficulty finding the right voice for them?
MEM: In using a police department as my "main character," I'm challenged with writing lead characters, as well as minor characters, of both genders. In my latest novel it was a joy to write from my favorite character, Tyrone Mayhew's, point of view.
Tyrone was one of the missing persons detectives in the first novel, Perfidy, and as I continued to write his scenes, I found him lovable yet tough and determined. In him, I created a faithful family man who adores his wife, has a quick sense of humor and is dedicated to the job. Of course, I threw in a few flaws like his temper getting the better of him and his propensity to open his mouth when he should keep quiet.
Since I wrote Perfidy and Inconspicuous with female leads, I wasn't sure how Ensconced would be received when I switched genders. However, those who have commented have told me that this is "the best one so far," and that lets me know I'm on the right track.
OMN: The category "mystery" tends to encompass various subgenres. Into which of these might you place your books?
MEM: I hate that we have to categorize our books. That was one of the most difficult requests I had from my first publisher, because these novels are more than just police procedurals. Granted, I was very meticulous in researching police procedures by contacting the Indianapolis Police Department to verify what I wanted to do in a scene, so the series definitely falls within this category. However, it is full of suspense and thrills, so I often categorize these novels as crime thrillers.
One of the things I dislike about categorization is that a reader might miss a great suspense novel if they aren't that crazy about police procedurals. I had one reader comment in an Amazon review that she normally doesn't read police procedurals; however, the cover of Perfidy caught her attention. She lives in Indianapolis, so when she discovered Perfidy was set there she decided to purchase it. She was so glad she decided to read it, because she loved it. If this person had gone on category alone, she might have passed it by.
OMN: Give us a summary of Ensconced in a tweet.
MEM: Ensconced, a Circle City #Mystery-hidden #secrets bend the mind leading to desperation & destruction.
OMN: How much of your own personal or professional experience have you included in this series?
MEM: I don't think we do much of anything that isn't influenced by our experiences, but I wonder if other authors write a character or situation not realizing the extent of that influence. In Perfidy, I thought of my lead character, Mandy, as someone I wished I'd been when I was her age. After being asked to talk about Mandy on several occasions, I suddenly realized that Mandy is my daughter, Marie. They both have long, wavy auburn hair and green eyes. They are loyal, responsible, and sometimes naïve. Creating Mandy to be like Marie was purely accidental on a subconscious level.
None of my other characters jump out at me as being someone I know, or too much like me. My characters are probably a mixture of personalities with which I am familiar.
OMN: Tell us a little more about your writing process.
MEM: I know a few creative writer instructors who would probably have thumped me on the head for the processes I used when I started seriously writing a full-length novel. I was all over the place with Perfidy. I knew how I wanted it to start and how I wanted it to climax, but literally wasn't sure how to cement it all together.
Fortunately, I had the good sense to look to professionals for help. I took classes at the local college, joined organizations that not only promote writers but also educate them, and then took all of that information and created Perfidy, a novel that won the 2013 Lovey Award for Best First Novel.
Since then, I've become a smarter, happier writer. For some reason, Inconspicuous came to me in order. I wrote it from start to finish without the necessity to fill in a lot of details once the first draft was complete. Then, the idea for Ensconced was derived from a true story I read on the indy.gov website of a woman who has been missing since 1997. Neither she nor her car has been located. I wondered what would have happened if the car was located after years of being missing. What would happen if Tyrone Mayhew and his partner reinvestigated the case?
OMN: You mentioned researching police procedures as part of your story planning. How else do you go about researching the plot points of your books?
MEM: Since I am not, nor have I been, a police officer, I had no firsthand experience in police work. One of my goals was to create novels that would cause an Indianapolis police officer to say, "She hit the nail on the head." I've met so many police officers at conferences who get so irritated with novels, TV programs, and movies which do not "tell it like it is." Readers are becoming more perceptive about the facts, so I feel I need to make sure my novels are as accurate as possible without being too technical and boring.
The Internet has been a good source of information, particularly on the indy.gov website. They not only have information on how the police work, there is information on the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, Coroner's Office, the Courts, Prosecutor's Office, and Forensics. Of course, I would caution anyone using sites that aren't directly related as this site is, to approach with caution and don't take only one website's word as absolute fact.
I also purchased a reality series called "The Shift," which was filmed by the ID Discovery Channel in Indianapolis. They followed homicide detectives in Indianapolis as they investigated crime scenes, questioned witnesses, investigated, questioned suspects, and ultimately made an arrest. This was extremely helpful because I not only saw them performing their duties; I was able to see the office where they worked and the interrogation rooms.
OMN: Your books are set in Indianapolis, your hometown. How true are you to the setting?
MEM: I know the area very well, and although I know things have changed somewhat, I visit enough to be able to go to an area and study it before I write about it.
I have created names for hotels and restaurants which don't exist to simplify things in regards to liability. An author needs to be careful not to say something about a place or product that is derogatory. We don't want to offend anyone or for our readers to believe a real crime was committed in a place where no such crime actually occurred.
OMN: If you could travel — all expenses paid — anywhere in the world to research the setting for a book, where would it be?
MEM: Of course, you're asking about book research, not a place I want to see, so I'd have to say New England — in particular, Salem, Massachusetts. Although the next Circle City mystery is still set in Indianapolis, there is an element of witchcraft discussed as well as a lot about Wiccan. What better place to go to "feel the vibes" of what went on during the Witch Trials?
Besides my series, I've set forth to create a YA novel about a girl who has the ability to dream about things which come true. Her mother is an herbalist and her sister is quite good with crystals. They live in a make believe town, but I've indicated it's somewhere in New England. It would be great to hang out with New Englanders and get to know the culture of the area.
OMN: What are some of your outside interests?
MEM: I think cozy writers tend to bring their hobbies to the forefront in their mysteries more than crime writers do. However, I have always been interested in solving puzzles. I put together jigsaw puzzles, solve crosswords and other word games, and read books with an element of mystery.
I've also had a great interest in psychology, sociology, and criminology. I want to know the "why" when people commit crimes, especially those crimes against other human beings. When writing a novel, I not only get to create the puzzle, I get to decide the final solution. My hope is that my readers become invested in the characters and in discovering how the pieces of the puzzle come together so they can feel satisfied in the end.
OMN: What is the best advice — and harshest criticism — you've received as an author? And what might you say to aspiring writers?
MEM: The best advice I have received is to never give up. If you truly love it, keep writing. It may take years before you find a publisher, agent, or decide to publish on your own. Patience is the key.
Probably the harshest criticism I've received was from an Amazon review in which the reviewer said I used too many "he said, she saids" in Perfidy. I really see that more as constructive than harsh, because it made me take a hard look at future manuscripts and realize that she was right. Many of them weren't necessary. In my opinion, criticism such as this only helps me become a better writer.
My advice to aspiring writers would be to repeat what I was told. It's easy to get discouraged with the length of time it takes to "sell" your first manuscript. Always be open to suggestions for improvement. Attend writers' conferences and workshops or take a class to keep your skills sharp.
OMN: Complete this sentence for us: "I am a crime thriller writer and thus I am also …".
MEM: I am a crime thriller writer and thus I am also creative and a little crazy. Yes, I admit it. I've had many people ask me why I chose to write crime fiction, and again, it involves my interest in human behavior. When I write about these situations, I have the control of how the story ends. I choose for my "good guys" to win, but not always without a price. This genre must have elements of reality and facts or it doesn't work.
OMN: Is M. E. May a pen name?
MEM: I thought very seriously about using a pen name to keep some sense of anonymity. My maternal grandmother's ancestors who came over from France in the 1600s had the last name Perigeaux — pronounced "pair-go". When I thought it through, I decided that no one would know how to spell it and it would be a pain for me to write out when signing books.
Then, I got the notion in my head to use my initials M. E., because I'd always heard that women aren't taken seriously in the mystery genre and using my initials would keep readers from knowing my gender. Then my first publisher decided to put my photo on the cover along with my name as M. E. (Michele) May, and my cover was blown. It was a silly notion to begin with, however, on the positive side; using M. E. May has proven to be a quick and easy signature.
OMN: Tell us more about your cover designs? And how did you go about coming up with the titles?
MEM: I try to choose book cover designs and titles that give the reader a hint of the story. Perfidy has a photo of the Indianapolis Civil War Memorial which sits on the circle in the middle of the city and in the sky are my main character's green eyes, which are significant in the story. I needed a title that meant the ultimate betrayal, something different and unusual so I got out my Thesaurus and found the word perfidy.
Inconspicuous simply means that the serial killer in this novel is right under our lead detective, Erica Barnes' nose and unseen. Thus, I had my designer create a cover which depicts the detective and a shadow in the background with her looking in the wrong direction.
The latest novel, Ensconced, is a cold case involving missing persons detectives Tyrone Mayhew and Ben Jacobs, who appear at the top of the cover and the woods with the skull should give the reader a hint of what's to come. In the story, the youngest son of our victim, who was only nine when his mother disappeared, cannot remember what happened that night, but has been having nightmares ever since. This memory is well hidden (ensconced) in his subconscious, so Tyrone must do what he can to get the young man to remember.
OMN: What kinds of feedback have you received from your readers?
MEM: Thus far, I have received nothing but compliments from readers. Many have told me they couldn't put them down and that each one is better than the last. One of the best compliments I've ever received was from author JoBe Cerny who said I was a cross between Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchock.
I'm very excited that people are enjoying my stories. As long as the readers want more, I plan to continue to put out the best stories I can muster.
OMN: Suppose the Circle City mysteries were to be adapted for television or film. Who do you see playing the key roles?
MEM: Let's start with my favorite character, Tyrone Mayhew. I think Shemar Moore would be perfect as Tyrone. From watching Criminal Minds, I think he portrays the tough cop and loving family man we'd like to see. Homicide Captain Robert Stevenson would be played by Sean Connery; Detective Erica Barnes by Angie Harmon (she plays a great cop); Sergeant Ben Jacobs by Matt Damon; Detective Brent Freeman by Bradley Cooper; and Detective Chennelle Kendall (the star of book four) by Kerry Washington.
Of course, I'm not sure how they'd come up with the money to pay all of these fine actors, but I think this would be a great cast for any of my novels.
OMN: What kinds of books did you read when you were young? And do you think these may have influenced how and what you write today?
MEM: As a late in life baby for my parents, I had siblings who were teens when I arrived. My eldest sister's daughters and I were very close in age and my sister used to read Nancy Drew books to us. That was my first taste of the mystery genre. I can remember trying very hard to discover what was going to happen next and play the game with my nieces.
My parents were big mystery readers and it didn't take long for my dad to get me hooked on John D. MacDonald's Travis Magee series. We also watched TV programs like the Alfred Hitchock Hour and Ellery Queen. We always had an "Ellery Queen Magazine" around as well.
I hadn't really thought about it influencing my writing, but how could it not. When you love a particular genre and are intrigued by the way it is structured, of course it would have much influence. As I said previously, a good mystery is a puzzle to be solved and I have found a lot of joy in creating these puzzles for others.
OMN: What do you read now for pleasure?
MEM: Besides mystery, I love to read Fantasy and some YA. I absolutely fell in love with Harry Potter as did so many. Of course, the author's struggle to find a publisher and her determination not to quit were inspiring. The Hobbit and "The Lord of the Rings" series by J. R. R. Tolkien have always been a favorite of mine. Tolkien's brilliant creation of the lands where this takes place, the languages and alphabets he created are genius.
There are others, but that would take up too much space.
OMN: Create a Top 5 list for us on any topic.
MEM: Top five favorite authors:
1. J. R. R. Tolkein – His magical world is brilliant.
2. J. K. Rowling – Her magical world is brilliant. It always fascinates me when someone can do a series of books and remember every character, every detail and pull it all together in the end.
3. Sue Grafton – I am very impressed at how she continues to write her character, Kinsey Milhone, and keep her stories fresh after more than twenty novels.
4. G. R. R. Martin – I love his writing and his fictional world in the Song of Ice and Fire series, but like many fans I'm a little upset that it takes so long for him to produce the next book in the series.
5. James Patterson – I really enjoy his Women's Murder Club series and Alex Cross. He very much influenced my style of using short chapters to give my readers the feeling they're making headway by finishing a chapter every night before bed.
OMN: What's next for you?
MEM: I will be continuing to write the Circle City mystery series. The fourth book in the series, Purged, is finished and will be released in late November of this year. It will feature Homicide Detective Chennelle Kendall as the lead character partnering with Erica Barnes again. Then, I plan to have a fifth book featuring Detective Brent Freeman ready to come out in late spring of 2015.
As I stated earlier, I am on the verge of finishing a YA novel called Dreaming of Justice, which is a paranormal mystery for ages twelve and older. Our "dreamer," Allison, will be helping to find the granddaughter of one of her grandmother's best friends.
No matter what else I may do, I will continue to write until I can do it no longer.
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Michele (M.E.) May attended Indiana University in Kokomo, Indiana, studying Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her interest in the psychology of humans sparked the curiosity to ask why they commit such heinous acts upon one another. Other interests in such areas as criminology and forensics have moved her to put her vast imagination to work writing crime fiction that is as accurate as possible. In doing so, she depicts societal struggles that pit those who understand humanity with those who are lost in a strange and dangerous world of their own making.
In creating the Circle City Mystery Series, she brings to life fictional characters who work diligently to bring justice to victims of crime in the city of Indianapolis. Michele also hopes her readers will witness through her eyes, the wonderful city she calls her hometown.
For more information about the author, please visit her website at MEMay-Mysteries.com or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Ensconced
M. E. May
A Circle City Mystery
Missing Person Detective and loving family man Tyrone Mayhew faces one of the toughest cases of his career — now a cold case he investigated ten years ago when Wendy Matherson and her vehicle vanished without a trace. New evidence has come to light and now Tyrone and his partner, Sergeant Benjamin Jacobs, must sort through years of old evidence and interview persons of interest and witnesses one more time.
They soon discover that Wendy's youngest son may be their best witness. After years of nightmares, this young man is ready to try anything to pull the memories so deeply ensconced in his subconscious to the surface so he can finally be at peace with what happened to his mother.
The more Tyrone digs, the more dangerous the investigation becomes. When Tyrone's family is placed in mortal danger, it sparks Tyrone to work more diligently to discover what really happened the night Wendy Matherson disappeared. He must find resolution before this case tears Tyrone's happy life completely apart.
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