We chat with author Amy Engel about I Did It For You, which is a new twisty thriller that follows a woman who returns to the town where her sister was murdered and finds a presumed copycat on the loose
Hi, Amy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m originally from Kansas and currently live in Missouri, although I’ve lived in other places around the United States and also in Iran and Taiwan. I worked as a criminal defense attorney for ten years before becoming a full-time writer. I’m married and have two kids and a very spoiled cat.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I started writing stories in fourth or fifth grade and never really stopped. I still have most of them and while the early ones are laughably bad, it’s nice to see the progression over the years.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first chapter book I ever remember reading on my own is JANE-EMILY by Patricia Clapp and it cemented my life-long love of a creepy mystery. I read THE SHINING at way too young of an age and it’s the book that made me want to be a writer. I’ll never stop thinking about IN THE CUT. Probably my favorite ending of a book ever.
Your latest novel, I Did It for You, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Mystery, small-town, family, grief, forgiveness
What can readers expect?
Readers can expects a character driven mystery set in small-town Kansas that explores the aftermath of a violent crime on both the family of the victim and the family of the perpetrator, as well as on the town itself.
Where did the inspiration for I Did It for You come from?
This book had several different inspirations. The town is based on the small town where my mother was born and grew up. Parts of the story were inspired by my time as a criminal defense attorney, specifically a death penalty case I helped defend and the way that experience has always stuck with me.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really enjoyed writing Dean’s character. He was complex, and I felt such empathy for him. As the brother of a murderer, he’s not the type of character that often gets a lot of attention in novels, so I enjoyed delving into how his life was impacted by his brother’s actions.
What do you love about the thriller genre?
I love a good mystery, and I love how within this genre you can explore everyday relationships and universal themes in a grittier, darker way.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a new book about a criminal defense attorney. It’s a return to my legal roots.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
I recently read and loved SMALL MERCIES by Dennis Lehane and ALL THE SINNERS BLEED by S.A. Cosby. Outside of the thriller/mystery genre, I recommend PINEAPPLE STREET by Jenny Jackson.
