The Interview
In 140 characters or less, how would you describe Before They Find Us?
A bomb. A threatening text. Her best friend framed. Rebecca must find out who’s behind it before the cops (or the killer) finds her best friend.
"I'm going to make you wish you were dead." Ah, that's quite the text (and it would freak me out if I got it)! Does this text message play a big part in your book?
The text is sort of the inciting incident of the story. It sets the plot in motion.
What inspired you to write a story with a murder from the past, a bomb, and Vegas?
I was living in an apartment in Green River, Wyoming, and it had a funky attic door. I kept thinking up scenarios around that little door, and eventually the whole plot evolved.
I’m a fan of Harlan Coben, and he often uses what I call the boomerang plot—something that happened years ago and seems to have been forgotten comes back to create a new set of problems.
What are some fun facts about Before They Find Us?
I wrote the first draft while living in Green River, WY. I chose Las Vegas because my friend in Green River had just moved from there and her husband had taught at Cimarron-Memorial. He was also the wrestling coach. In the first draft, I planned to have them stay in Wyoming for the whole novel, but I soon realized it didn’t have enough action to carry the story, so I took my characters on the road, back to Vegas and into a new adventure.
Using the letters of THRILLER, how would you describe yourself?
Tenacious
Humorous (I have also been accused of being “high-strung.”)
Religious
Intelligent
Lively
Loud
Encouraging
Rational
If you had to hide from someone, where would be the best place to do so?
With technology what it is today, if you were serious about hiding, you’d probably have to go somewhere that is completely off the grid, where the terrain makes cell service and Internet access impossible—like the backcountry in Alaska or a high mountain village in South America.
What's the scariest text message you could receive?
Oh, that’s easy. “(Insert name of family member) has been in an accident.” My mind immediately jumps to worst case scenario.
Favorite movie with a character(s) on the run...
The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford. It has the classic ingredients for a good on-the-run story—murder, someone framed, smart and daring characters on both sides of the law, a big cover-up. And, you never forget that swan dive off the dam. It’s a classic nail-biter.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. It is a paranormal romance/murder mystery set in the middle of the 1918 Spanish Influenza outbreak. I. Loved. It. Stayed up all night to finish it.
You're stuck on an island and can bring one thing with you--except for books! (Ack, horrible island!) What do you bring?
Waterproof matches! I hate to be cold. No, seriously. If there were books I might be tempted to burn them, too. The Book
Author: Michelle A. Hansen
Publisher: Priest Rapids Press
Publishing Date: November 24, 2013
Pages: 334
| Barnes & Noble
I’m going to make you wish you were dead.
Just a text. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Hales tries not to worry. Probably a wrong number. Not really meant for her, and definitely not related to the crime she witnessed six years ago. Right?
Then two states away, a bomb goes off in her best friend's locker. Soon Ryan is labeled a terrorist and runs to the safest place he knows—Rebecca’s house in small-town Wyoming. It doesn’t take long for the FBI to show up asking questions. Rebecca lies, of course, and says she hasn’t seen him.
Now she's neck-deep in it with him, whatever "it" is. The only way out is to return to Vegas, where Ryan is a wanted man. The city of lies and illusion tests Rebecca’s wits as she struggles to find the person who framed Ryan and why.
Is Rebecca’s text linked to the bombing? And what does it have to do with a six year old murder? Rebecca needs to find out before she loses Ryan—and her own life.
I’m going to make you wish you were dead.
Just a text. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Hales tries not to worry. Probably a wrong number. Not really meant for her, and definitely not related to the crime she witnessed six years ago. Right?
Then two states away, a bomb goes off in her best friend's locker. Soon Ryan is labeled a terrorist and runs to the safest place he knows—Rebecca’s house in small-town Wyoming. It doesn’t take long for the FBI to show up asking questions. Rebecca lies, of course, and says she hasn’t seen him.
Now she's neck-deep in it with him, whatever "it" is. The only way out is to return to Vegas, where Ryan is a wanted man. The city of lies and illusion tests Rebecca’s wits as she struggles to find the person who framed Ryan and why.
Is Rebecca’s text linked to the bombing? And what does it have to do with a six year old murder? Rebecca needs to find out before she loses Ryan—and her own life.
Michelle A. Hansen was raised in southeastern Washington. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in English teaching from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and taught high school English for six years.Michelle loves Pepsi and Doritos more than chocolate. She loves summertime and hates to be cold. She has had three near-death experiences. She’s addicted to office supplies and has an irrationally large stash of pens and notebooks.
Bonus! If you subscribe to Michelle's newsletter, you'll get a copy of the Epilogue to Before They Find Us! (Note: It's not in the book, but you'll want to get this year-later wrap up!)
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Love the tweet description those are always so creative and this one makes me want to read it even more! Thanks for being on the tour, Rachel! :)
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