And our Sue's Clues Mystery Author is:

Our Mystery Author this round is Linda Conrad. Linda has written numerous books for Silhouette Romantic Suspense. She has taken time to tell us not only about herself but about her newest release.

When you are done, take a moment to visit her at her website. http://lindaconrad.com/

Thank you, Linda!

1. It sounds like the first years of your marriage were quite adventurous—five cities in seven years! Tell us about that time—was your husband in the military??

My husband wasn't in the military but was working for a
nationwide firm with outlets in twenty-five cities. They would send him to 'clean up' one and then on to the next—leaving me to pack and unpack and find a new job. But that wasn't the end of our traveling. After seven years, the company he worked for went bankrupt and he was out of work. Instead of rushing to a new job, we decided to sell all our possessions and travel the country in a RV, looking for a new place to settle. We took part time jobs and met lots of wonderful people all over the US until we finally settled in Texas almost a year later. It was very much a gypsy life and totally enthralling.

2. Tell us about your hobbies—what do you like to do when you are not writing?

I am very much an indoorsy kind of girl. I love to read and shop and visit arts and craft fairs. I do get out to walk the dog everyday and my hubby takes me out in the boat every now and then. Actually, to tell the truth, I'm almost always writing or plotting.

3. And most authors are big readers... when they have the time. What and who do you like to read?

Everything. I like most of the genres. Well, except I don't read any horror and not much of historical romance. But I love romantic suspense, straight mystery, cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, some chic lit and recently I have developed a fondness for thrillers. I also read selective non-fiction (biographies and historical time periods mostly) Some of my contemporary favorites at the moment are Janet Evanovitch, Cindy Gerard, Lisa Gardner, and Christina Dodd.

4. You've written quite a few books. Which is your favorite or holds a special place for you?

I can't pick just one! Most of my books have been written in mini-series, and I do have some series that are particularly memorable. My six-book Night Guardian series stands out as does the Gentry trilogy. Come to think of it, though, I believe the book I always like the best is the book I'm writing now.

5. How long did you teach kids in the first grade? Did you love it and do you ever miss it

I only taught for about a year, until I married and started moving. Yes, I dearly loved the little kids. But I also loved being a stockbroker and I miss that sometimes too. During those years the stories in my head kept begging to be told. Writing is what I think I was always meant to do.

6. Tell us about your new book, "SAFE BY HIS SIDE"?

SAFE BY HIS SIDE is the second book in my Safekeeper trilogy, the story of a Texas family (the Ryans: two brothers and a sister) cursed by a Mexican black witch. They come together and specialize in a business guarding children. In SAFE BY HIS SIDE, a series of threatening notes has been sent to a beloved child star. With the most recent one, the stalker is inside the house. Desperate to protect her young charge, guardian Blythe Cooper is grateful for the tall, strong bodyguard now standing sentinel at their door. Until, Ethan Ryan awakens feelings in Blythe she can't acknowledge.

The former secret service agent turned bodyguard makes it his mission to protect children. The rules: never make it personal, and everyone walks away alive. Amendment: somehow, someway, keep beautiful Blythe and the little girl out of his heart—and safe by his side.

7. What's next?

Out in April, the third book in the Safekeeper trilogy, IN SAFE HANDS. Where we find out whether the curse is finally broken. And—there is one last twist from the black witch. It's a fun ride and shouldn't be missed!