Dear Readers:

March is the month that's supposed to come in like a lion, right? For me, it's January. After taking a week off at Christmas because all five of my kids were all in town, I jumped right back into writing the next Lucy Kincaid book COLD AS ICE (on sale in November!) It's due to my editor mid-February so I've been very focused. I have to be because I have several other deadlines. Revisions for the second MRT thriller are waiting for me, plus revisions for a Lucy novella that will be coming out early this summer. And if that's not all ... I'm writing another Lucy novella to come out early this fall. Whew!

I'm not complaining. I love writing. But sometimes, I wonder how I get months with no deadlines, then slammed with four in a row. Clearly, planning is not my strong suit.

On top of my writing schedule, THE THIRD TO DIE launches in TWO WEEKS! I am super excited about this book. Kirkus Reviews, which rarely likes my books, raved about Detective Kara Quinn, saying she is a “strong and damaged protagonist as compelling as Lisbeth Salander.”

I've been talking a lot about this book because for me, it's a super important book. Not just because I love the world I created and the characters who populate it, but because it's the first in a series. I get nervous about things like pre-orders and word-of-mouth. If you're planning on reading THE THIRD TO DIE, don't wait! Read it as soon as it comes out (February 4th!), tell a friend, and if you're so inclined, write a review on your favorite book site. And check out my signings below! I don't do many book signings, so this is a rare opportunity to come see me. (If you can't make one of the events, but want a signed book, contact the individual store. I'll sign the book when I get there and they'll ship it out to you!)

I very much appreciate the support of my readers. I write because you read, and I promise to always try to make the next book better than the last.

On the home front, the two youngest are settled back into their high school schedules. Mary starts softball in early February. (I am SO glad she has her driver's license!) Luke is back at college in Texas and my oldest daughter Katie is now in the police academy. I'm so proud of her, even though I'll worry. She's always been the type of kid to run toward danger and be the first to help, so I'm not surprised she's chosen a public service career.

I announced last newsletter that we uprooted our lives in California to move to Arizona. I'm a fifth generation Northern Californian, so the change was a bit of a jolt! Yet, it's been a great move for us. There are some things I'll always miss—redwood trees, big lawns (that aren't part of a golf course!), the Pacific Ocean, sourdough bread, Giants games at AT&T Park (whoops, Oracle Park!). Yet, I have embraced Arizona. There are lots of things to do—hiking, baseball spring training, swimming—and I love being surrounded by mountains. Right now I'm looking out my office window—the sky is an amazing blue. The sunrises and sunsets are vivid—brighter than anything I've seen. Dan is super-excited about taking photos here.

Ultimately, change is tough ... but change is part of life. And this change was much needed and long over-due.

I'll be sending one more reminder in early February about THE THIRD TO DIE. Then you'll probably not hear from me for a month or two as I focus on writing and meeting my deadlines for both the next Lucy Kincaid and MRT thrillers. Because the most important thing for writers is writing!

Have a wonderful winter!

~ Allison

Praise for THE THIRD TO DIE

“[A] tense series launch ... Fans of Jeff Abbott and Karin Slaughter will find this crime novel hard to put down.—
— Publishers Weekly

“Will scare you enough to leave all the lights on... Dive in and enjoy this nail-biter.”
— Catherine Coulter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Labyrinth

“Riveting, terrifying, and simply fantastic. Brennan ratchets up the tension to the breaking point. This is classic crime fiction at its best...from the queen of the thriller.”
— J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of Lie to Me

“Allison Brennan does it again! An edge of the seat, can't-put-it-down thrill ride of a story. ... once you start reading you won't be able to stop!”
— Marcia Clark, bestselling author of Snap Judgment

Book Signings & Events

Allison Brennan 2020 Book Release Schedule

February 4
THE THIRD TO DIE
Mobile Response Team Book 1
Pre-order Today!

March 31
CUT AND RUN
Lucy Kincaid Book 16
Pre-order Today!

Summer
FINAL WARNING
Lucy Kincaid novella

Fall
UNTITLED
Lucy Kincaid novella

October 27
COLD AS ICE
Lucy Kincaid Book 17

Want to make sure you've read all of my books? Check out my updated booklist!