Discover more about
Carrie Stuart Parkes
and her suspense thriller
The Bones Will Speak
Thomas Nelson
********
A book character that sticks in my mind is…
Mandy, from Frank Peretti’s book “Illusion,” was a wonderful character. Lost, alone, yet plucky, with great depth. I kept seeing his wife, Barb, (and my dear friend,) in that role.
The last book that made me cry was…
I tend to read suspense and crime books, so I don’t do a lot of crying but do double check the locks on the doors and windows…
The last book that made me laugh out loud was…
Can I say my own? I stuck a funny line in “When Death Draws Near,” then had to laugh out loud at it.
I’m completely immersed in their storytelling, whenever I read a book by…
Dick Francis. God rest his soul.
The first person who encouraged me to pursue my writing was…
Frank Peretti, who became my mentor.
If I wasn’t a writer, I would be…
A fine and forensic artist and law enforcement instructor. Which I am!
I write stories because…
They’re yammering in my head and need to get out.
The Bones Will Speak
A forensic artist becomes the target of a serial killer who believes he’s God’s anointed executioner.
In present day Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim’s grave, Gwen has a chance to use her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.
What she soon learns is the murderer is a ‘lone wolf,’ a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood—and he has a score to settle with her. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race, not grace, provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy herself and everyone she loves.
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives…
Suspenseful, page-turning, unexpected, riveting, satisfying
My main character is…
Gwen Marcey is in her mid-thirties, slender, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is trying to get her life into some kind of order after divorce and a bout with breast cancer. She HATES spiders, drinks gallons of coffee, and has a mysterious background (to be revealed in a future book.)
My main character resembles….
A short haired, blonde Sandra Bullock. J
My story’s spiritual theme is…
Forgiveness.
The most recent movie or tv show I loved was…
I just watched a PBS special on Glen Campbell, taking me back to 1969-74 with my family.
The story I’m currently working on is…
Just now getting outlined and will be about the Nez Perce and Gwen’s background.
You may not know this about me, but I…
I’m an AKC Junior Showmanship judge and former president of the Great Pyrenees Club of America.
I might go all fan girl if I met…
Carol Burnett
If I could travel back in time, I’d go to…
Sometime in the 1950s so I could once again see my whole family.
I get lost in the music when I listen to…
Most soft rock.
A long held dream of mine is…
To actually have a vacation!!
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity.
Animals have always been a large part of her life. Her parents, Ned and Evelyn Stuart, started Skeel Kennel Great Pyrenees in 1960. Carrie inherited the kennel and continues with her beloved dogs as both an AKC judge and former president of the Great Pyrenees Club of America. She lives on the same ranch she grew up on in Northern Idaho.
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Carrie’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: The Bones Will Speak or Koorong
August 18, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Thanks so much for this interview of Carrie Stuart Parks. I just finished A Cry from The Dust — a un-put-downable book! I do not draw or color. Alas, I am without artistic ability or inclination. My daughter, however, is an artist and is pursuing a Masters in Art Therapy.
August 19, 2015 at 1:50 am
I am no artist, at least not of people/faces, but I can do buildings and wildlife–but I’m really into art therapy (adult coloring) right now. It’s soooooo relaxing! And I’m also doing Bible journaling.
August 19, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Thanks Rel for inviting Carrie to RR.
I have ‘A Cry from the Dust’ starring down at me from my bookshelf, saying ‘Read Me, Read Me’ and then Carrie’s second is launched. I must speed up my reading.
Fabulous that Mr Peretti encouraged Carrie to write. I can only imagine the many real stories from her forensic art career that she is able to utilise for Gwen’s series. I too loved Mandy in ‘Illusion’ – such a wonderful love story in that novel.
August 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm
I used to be fascinated by serial killer stories and movie/tv. Unfortunately (or not, I’m not sure in this case,) I cannot stomach anything about serial killers. So I won’t be entering the giveaway, but I just wanted to tell Carrie how much I enjoyed reading her interview answers. They were so quick, concise and witty. I found myself smiling and giggling a few times. I, especially, found her answer to “The last book that made me laugh out loud was…” entertaining. I pictured you sitting alone, writing your funny line, laughing at your wit, and then calling your husband in to share the funny. And then I was smiling. 🙂 It makes sense that Carol Burnett is your fan girl moment.
August 19, 2015 at 9:27 pm
I like to sit and color with my kids. It can be pretty relaxing. I am feeling the need to do that now :o) Carrie is a new-to-me author and this suspense books sounds like a good read. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
August 20, 2015 at 7:34 am
Um, no. I have zero artistic abilities. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!
August 20, 2015 at 2:26 pm
I used to draw as a kid & even took drawing classes in High School which vastly improved my skills! Unfortunatly, I haven’t picked up a drawing pencil in many years & I do miss it a lot! I started out drawing from the Sunday comics as a kid & then into animals. I never got how to draw someone’s face down very well. I had so much fun with it….I need to get back into it. It was always relaxing!
August 21, 2015 at 3:08 am
I have always wished I could draw but I have no talent, so drawing is frustrating to me. Coloring is enjoyable and can be very relaxing and a satisfactory experience!
August 21, 2015 at 5:40 am
I’m not artistic by any means (sad, because my Mother is a great artist!) but I do like to color! When I work in the nursery at church I often color with the kids.
August 21, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Great interview with Carrie. Coloring is so relaxing. I enjoy coloring with my neighbor’s kids. They are so fun.
The Bones Will Speak sounds like a EPIC page turner. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
August 25, 2015 at 3:50 am
Sounds like a good read.
August 25, 2015 at 11:42 pm
The title alone would be enough to make me pick this up. Sounds fascinating. 🙂
August 25, 2015 at 11:44 pm
Oh-and I love coloring and drawing.