Excerpts from BLOODLINE

One of the excerpts introduces a central character, Melinda Stern, and occurs very near the beginning of the book. I was a little concerned about whether or not I could sustain a convincing female character as a lead, but the feedback I've gotten so far has been positive.

I should learn not to sweat things like that. The characters will be what they have to be. If I believe them, my readers will too.

The other one is the first appearance of two minor characters. Their fate is, unfortunately, limited by the plot. I say "unfortunately," because I had a lot of fun writing the two of them in this and subsequent chapters. I shall have to revisit the essence of Ms. Vanderlindt's character in another work sometime. She fascinates me, and demands additional exposure.

-jkc