We often describe our books as ‘factional fiction,’ or ‘high velocity suspense’. When asked, we tell readers that we try to write novels (especially the law enforcement and criminal justice aspects) so they will have a realistic picture of the dangers FBI, NCIS, and DEA agents face in their careers as well as an inside look at the function of prosecutors and judges. Many of you have shared through the years how you have enjoyed this aspect of our thrillers that we write based on our careers in the law. What we don’t often mention is how we, and other authors, also pay special attention to the reviews and ratings that readers post on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and GoodReads, which reflect on us as authors.

Having said that, we would accept a critical review if someone said we don’t have good writing skills, or that we failed to hold the reader’s interest, but when a reader criticizes the actions of Eva Montanna, the featured Federal agent in all our books, then we become like a mama bear protecting her cubs. Recently on Amazon, a reader was the only one who gave our second thriller, ‘Confirming Justice’ a rating of just ** stars. She stated “The heroine Eva Montanna consistently puts her family in second place to her job. So if you want your daughters to put their families before their jobs then I wouldn’t recommend this book for young girls. I think it sets an awful example of being a wife and mother.”

Yikes! Really? How could the reader say such a thing?

You might ask, why do the Munsons assume the reader is a she? Well, we could be wrong, but we think if the reviewer was a “He”, in the review, he may have criticized Eva’s husband for not keeping his wife from such dangerous situations.

A careful reading of this novel reveals that while Eva struggles to balance career with her family obligations, she is careful to put her family first when she can. We also strive to show readers the demands federal agents face. Too often, it is difficult. And we wonder if this reader doesn’t realize how in today’s economy, for many families, both spouses are required to work just to provide for their families? Those who have read most of our books would agree Eva does a good job of mixing her career with providing love and care for her husband Scott and their children. We can only hope this reviewer will read “Embers of Courage” where Eva’s daughter Kaley exemplifies her mom’s courage when Kaley defends herself and friends from their teacher who criticizes their Christian faith. Or maybe she will read “The Looming Storm” and see how much poise and character Kaley has learned from her mom, Federal Agent Eva Montanna, when on a class trip in the Black Sea Kaley’s and her classmates are seized by Russian troops.

We won’t pass up this opportunity to share our exciting news. Our latest inspirational romantic suspense, “North by Starlight” will be released on November 13th and is available for pre-release orders on our website and on Amazon for eBook versions. We are also hopeful that on that date, audio versions of both the new book and “Hero’s Ransom” will be available for the first time. Thanks for listening and have a wonderful Fall season!

Blessings,

Diane and David Munson