In one month, my new novel, Accidental Allies, will hit book sellers. As I’ve done with my past works, I’m using Behind the Pages to introduce readers to the main characters, their storylines, and a little about what inspires them.
To start this series, let’s talk about Minka Avery, the book’s protagonist. Accidental Allies is the third story that revolves around the deaf detective, with the past installments showcasing her attempts to uncover the truth amidst adversity. In last year’s Brother of Interest, she’d stepped away from the police force to be a stay-at-home mom to her daughter, Caela, but her persistence in getting to the bottom of the investigation into her brother proved she was still a detective at heart.
Not surprisingly, Accidental Allies finds her taking up her shield again for the Orlando PD. After a six-year hiatus, she deals with some apprehension about her skills and feels a lot of pressure to prove herself to the city, especially her new partner, Renee Hart. (See Character Spotlight: Renee Hart) And when the courthouse is bombed the night before her official return to law enforcement, the literal and figurative heat intensifies.
Also woven into the plot is Minka’s past and present battle against the stereotypes others place on her due to her deafness. Back when I wrote the first draft of this in 2016, Husband in Hiding, the opening novel of the series, had just been published, and my editor for that encouraged me to highlight some of the prejudices Minka faced that contributed to her insecurities. With that in mind, I implemented a few of those experiences in this, and unfortunately, I ended up with a glut of inspiration from my own life.
At the time, my spirits were soaring high because I’d accomplished my dream of becoming a published author. I thought my success would overturn the stigmas attached to me on a daily basis because of my Cerebral Palsy, such as that I’m mentally challenged and/or a couch potato. To my disappointment, however, I continued to encounter people treating me that way, even with a guy who purchased my book at a signing. As he paid, he had the audacity to imply that my mom wrote the book but gave me the credit!
Thus, Accidental Allies carries the message not to underestimate—and outright demean—people who have limitations…as well as carrying a mind-twisting mystery!
To catch you up further on Minka’s journey back to crime-fighting below is a news article that doesn’t appear in the book but is referenced in chapter one.
OPD Welcomes Back Renowned Deaf Detective
By Doreen Packard
On Monday, a familiar face will be entering the Orlando Police Department, when Detective Minka Avery reports for duty.
Seven years ago, Avery was at the top of her game. Promoted after just three years with the Orlando Police Department, she seemed to have a long, prestigious career ahead of her. And she achieved all of this despite being deaf from infancy.
“I had serious doubts about how I’d be received in law enforcement,” Avery admits. “Just the same, I had to try, so I enrolled in the academy. It took some perseverance and a stiff upper lip, but I made it.”
At the height of her success, a series of bizarre circumstances befell Avery. While investigating the DeSoto crime family and their illegal gambling ring, her husband, Wes, interfered in the case and ended up being targeted by the mafia. The Witness Protection Program stepped in and whisked him out of the Desoto’s clutches, leaving Minka to take on the façade of widow after Wes faked his death.
“It wasn’t a hard role to play, since I didn’t know his whereabouts and had no contact with him,” Avery says. “Then, I learned I was pregnant, so that thrilled me and broke my heart all at the same time.”
The life-changing events led her to another life-changing decision—resigning from the job she loved.
“Wes and I had always agreed I’d continue working even after we started a family, but with him gone, everything shifted. Although he was safe to come home before our daughter was born, my priorities remained permanently altered and made me stick by my plan to leave the force.”
Thus, she turned in her shield and traded in her gun for a baby bottle. Maternity never dampened her drive to carry out justice. That came to the forefront when her brother, Robin Parker, stood accused of assaulting business tycoon Perry Hamilton, and she unofficially assisted in exposing Hamilton’s financial crimes and his actual assailant.
Five years later, Lieutenant Gus Channing gave her the opportunity she didn’t anticipate garnering. In light of Detective Robert Stratford’s recent retirement, Channing offered her the chance to interview to be his replacement. With her daughter now in school, she jumped at the prospect.
“His invitation flattered me, but I didn’t deem it a given that the department would select me. The other candidates were very qualified and have been out there every day, so I’m honored beyond words to be chosen and excited to do my part in keeping Orlando safe.”
Find out the lengths Minka goes to in efforts to keep Orlando safe.
Preorder Accidental Allies Now!
Also See
Character Spotlight: Gus Channing
Character Spotlight: Dawson Michaels
KarinaBartow.com 
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