JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Robert Dugoni, author of Murder One
(Touchstone/Simon and Schuster)
Murder One is the fourth novel in the David Sloane series. Thirteen months after the murder of his wife, Sloane makes an appearance at a legal event. He runs into a former adversary, Barclay Reid. Reid is suffering from her own tragedy, the loss of her daughter to a drug overdose. When the dealer responsible walks from a federal courtroom, Reid turns to Sloane to go after the dealer in a civil action.
Sloane is reluctant as he is developing feelings for Reid. Sloane takes on the case. Before it gets going, the dealer is found with a bullet in the back of his head and all the evidence points to Reid. Now Reid wants Sloane, the “lawyer who does not lose”, to defend her. Sloane reluctantly agrees but soon finds Reid to be a woman of many secrets.
Reviewers are calling the book a cross between Presumed Innocent and Basic Instinct.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Murder One?
Robert Dugoni: I sat in on a capital murder case in King County Washington for three months and was introduced to homicide detectives, forensic experts, CSI, trackers, dogs, etc. The whole world was pretty amazing, intense and suspenseful. Seemed the perfect place for David Sloane.
JP: What sets Murder One apart from other books in the same genre?
RD: What I’ve been told is that it is the character development and not just my protagonist, David Sloane. Reviews of Murder One have been outstanding, and all make mention of the great character development.
The best compliment I’ve received was from a reviewer in Chicago who said that David Sloane is the most well-rounded character since Rusty Savich in Presumed Innocent. High praise that was humbling.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Murder One getting out to the public?
RD: First, you have to write a great book. There are so many people getting books out now it’s tough to stand out. Your work has to be strong and stay strong. Then you need a lot of word-of-mouth, people getting on Facebook and Twitter and spreading the word. And, of course, nice comments from bloggers can also go a long way.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Murder One?
RD: It takes me about a year, start to finish including all the research. I treat writing like a job. I get to my desk, and I go to work usually from about 7 or 7:30 in the morning until about 3 or 3:30 when afterschool sports start. At night, I do the social networking and other promotional type material.
JP: What’s next for Robert Dugoni?
RD: David Sloane #5 next June 2012. When Jake goes down a dark path, Sloane struggles to save him before it is too late…
http://www.robertdugoni.com/
http://facebook.com/robertdugoni
http://twitter.com/robertdugoni
Love to hear from readers. Send me an email. I answer all my own.
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Thanks Joey, for the interview with Robert Dugoni.
The comparison of “Murder One” to “Presumed Innocent” (one of my favorite novels), caught my attention. After reading, and enjoying the interview, I immediately put “Murder One” on my summer to-read-list.
Looking forward to future reading suggestions.
Sincerely
Dee Marie
Author of the “Sons of Avalon” saga
I’m glad you had a chance to stop by, Dee. The fact you added this to your reading list after reading this interview give me the energy to continue the work that I do with this website.
Please, don’t be a stranger. Drop by anytime.
ONE of the first five people to comment on Robert Dugoni’s author interview will win a free copy of Murder One (hardback).
(Meaning, each different person who comments on the interview counts as one.)
Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of the book.
1) Dee Marie
2) joyce dickerson
3) Sophie Heng
4) Belinda Hercule
5) Kimani
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. ONE of the first FIVE people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.
(You must have a mailing addres in the U.S.)
This sounds like a good read and I really want this book and if I do not win this is gonna be a book I will purchase, basically for spouse and myself…We both are trying different genre now and this will be great.
I think this is a great book also, Joyce. Aside from the fact that it’s written by a New York Times Bestseller, the plot and characters and the serialization sounds so interesting.
I’m glad that you and your spouse are venturing out to other genres. I am doing that also. It’s hit or miss, but it will definitely be a hit with this book.
It’s always great to sit down with a good mystery/action novel, especially one that can beat the every day visuals of the great movie productions. I saw your tweet and I was drawn to the link. Mr. Dugoni gave some great advice about writing. I am glad I came across this link, very inspiring.
Thanks Joey.
Yes, Sophie. I think a lot of authors forget that books have to be top-notch to keep the readers after standing out in the crowd. It’s one thing to get a person to buy your book, it’s another beast to write something so compelling that they will tell family and friends. It is at that point where you have reached a plateau with your writing – when it sells itself.
I’m glad that you came across the link to this author interview through twitter. It shows that my book promoting efforts on twitter are working. Very good.
Good interview. This book peaked my interest and will be added to my must read list. I love reading new authors and the reviews on this book looks promising.
I’m glad you had a chance to stop by and find a new author and add Mr. Dugoni’s book to your reading list as a result of it. JoeyPinkney.com strikes again!
I love, respect, and admire all the research he mentioned that served as an inspiration for this book. This is a genre that I don’t read a lot of, but I am definitely interested in this series after reading this interview.
I think proper research can add a flavor and a flare to a book that would otherwise be hum-drum. I haven’t had a chance to check out his books, but he seems like such a solid person as an author, that I’m sure this book and his others are well-crafted. Legitimate Bestseller…
And the winner is…
Kimani!
Congratulations! I will email you for your mailing address.
Thank you for all of the insightful comments. Please, stop by through when you get a chance.