Jake Hennessey is always on top of his game, anticipating the next big play… until Harmony Duprie changes everything.
When I decided to release “The Fall of Jake Hennessey,” one of the first things I did was to confer with my cover artist, K.M. Guth. I knew I didn’t want the book to look as if it was another Harmony Duprie Mystery because the story is crime/suspense. Still, I wanted to pay tribute to the series, which provided inspiration for this story.
We studied the covers of best sellers and drew ideas for what we wanted and what we didn’t want, and her marvelous brain went to work. Once she’d developed a general concept, it didn’t take her long to bring it to life.
She fiddled with the placement of the graphics and letters, decided what fonts looked the best, and how to pay homage to her earlier designs. I think she’s a genius, and I watched in awe as she pulled all the needed elements together until we were both happy with it.
But before we get to the cover—you haven’t peeked, have you?—here’s a short excerpt.
The flash of metal reflecting a blinking neon beer sign in the front window had Jake on his feet and halfway across the bar in a second.
“Settle down, Duane,” the bartender said, backing up a few feet.
Jake recognized Duane’s type. Too skinny, pockmarks in his face, scabs on his arms, shaking so hard Jake didn’t know how he remained standing. If Duane was crashing, he became doubly dangerous.
Chairs scraped as other customers moved out of reach of the steak knife Duane waved, aiming at everyone and no one. There’d be no happy ending to the situation, at least as far as Jake foresaw. He circled to get in behind Duane.
“Put down the knife,” said one of his friends from several feet away.
“Take it easy,” said the other.
Duane didn’t pay attention. The weapon traced aimless circles in the air. He advanced two steps closer towards the bartender. “Don,” he slurred. “Don cheat me.”
“Nobody’s cheating anybody,” the bartender said. “Put down your knife and go home and sleep it off.”
It was easy to predict Duane’s next move. Jake had seen it repeated too many times. The druggie lunged at the bartender, but Jake reacted first and grabbed his arm. A dangerous maneuver, because tweakers often found bonus strength out of nowhere. He’d been in fights where it took three bouncers to subdue one meth head. Fate was on his side this time. The knife clattered to the floor, and a kick to the back of his knee ensured Duane did, too.
While all hell broke loose, with everyone yelling at Duane and Duane’s friends yelling at everyone else, Jake slipped out the front.
The Fall of Jake Hennessey will be available on April 2nd at the usual retailers.
Now, on to the cover!
