Welcome our latest guest blogger, Mary Burton!

Mary Burton captivates readers with stories of mystery, crime and relationships–destined to keep readers on the edge of their seats.  Her latest romantic suspense releases are SENSELESS (January 2011) and MERCILESS (February 2011).  When she’s not writing her latest novel, she is most definitely in the kitchen cooking, taking a yoga class or hiking. Visit Mary’s website!

Dear Detective Malcolm Kier,

Which of your heroes is your favorite?  The question came from a fan at a recent book signing and it took me a little by surprise.  A t first I simply couldn’t answer.  Then after a bit of thinking, I politely said I couldn’t possibly pick favorites when it came to my characters.  Choosing a favorite character is like picking a favorite book or a favorite child.  It’s just impossible.  But she kept pushing.  You must have a favorite?  Well, I said I’m really partial to your new partner, Homicide Detective Deacon Garrison, my hero of SENSELESS (January 2011).  And I still have a soft spot for Detective Jacob Warwick in DEAD RINGER and Detective Gage Hudson in DYING SCREAM.  I was able to stick to my guns and never admit what I already knew in my heart: Detective Malcolm Kier, you are my favorite character. 

I quickly justified the thought with a half dozen reason.   When I sat down to write MERCILESS you just kind of leapt off the page the instant I started typing.  I understood your goal, motivation and conflict.  Your forthright manner kept the dialogue snapping and the plot moving.  From the get go, Malcolm, you proved that you could not only be a direct guy who was quite wiling to share your opinion, but you were also there to help anyone in need.  And frankly when you cooked for MERCILESS’s heroine, Angie Carlson, my heart fluttered.  Did you know I dedicated a special recipe of mine to you?  The more I think about it, it makes sense that MERCILESS would be released in February just weeks before Valentine’s Day.

I think I’ve had a secret crush on you since you first burst onto the scene in I’M WATCHING YOU.  My plan was for you to linger in the back-story but even then you were proving to be a handful.  Your entire family had been tiptoeing around the fact that your brother, Detective Zack Kier was a recovering alcoholic.  But not you.  What did you say when you first saw his new house which really was a fixer-upper? “Were you sober when you bought this piece of sh##?” And then you gave him a hot meal because you knew Zack has been going nonstop, hadn’t had time to eat and you were worried.  I still smile when I remember that scene.

It’s important Malcolm that you keep this little confession of mine between us.  I don’t want the other characters becoming jealous.  So even though I may never admit it publically, you Malcolm are my favorite. 

I love you, Malcolm.  Happy Valentine’s Day!  

Mary Burton

P.S.  Enjoy this recipe dedicated just to you…

Malcolm’s Killer Marinara

Raised by parents who own an Italian restaurant, Malcolm grew up in the restaurant kitchens chopping, dicing and stirring.  He would never eat a frozen pizza and runs from any sauce that comes in a jar.  His specialty is marinara sauce on fresh pasta.  In case you want to try “Malcolm’s Killer Marinara” sauce (okay it’s really mine) I’m passing on the recipe.

The Sauce

 2 T Olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 – 16 oz cans of tomatoes
1 cup of red wine
1-2 cups of chicken stock
Salt
Oregano
Sugar to taste

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan and toss in diced onion and carrot.  Cook the carrot and onion until soft.  Add tomatoes, red wine and chicken stock.  Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.   Puree sauce with a hand blender.  Caution you can do this in a blender but just puree a little at a time.  Too much hot sauce in a blender can lead to hot marinara exploding all over you and your kitchen cabinets.   (Heed my warning…I learned this lesson the hard way.)  Once pureed add salt, oregano and sugar to taste.  Serve over fresh pasta.

Reviewed By:

I have been reviewing since 2001 and got started on it completely by accident. That accident turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I discovered a hobby I thoroughly enjoy and an outlet for my opinions about the books I love... or love to hate. Now I don't think I'll ever stop! I live in the DFW area with my three "children" of the four-footed and furry variety, Sheba, Aker, and Amun, affectionately known as cats. I work as an environmental contractor for the Army Reserves, a job I've had since 1997 in which there is never a dull moment and no two days are the same.

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