Character Spotlight ~ Tamara Tilley's Michal Madigan & Tyler Mason

Today the spotlight shines on..................................... Michal Madigan and Tyler Mason

Tamara Tilley has three excellent romantic suspense novels to her name and her characters from her most recent novel, Criminal Obsession, are fleshed out below. You can now buy all three of Tamara's books for the great price of $30 from her website.

Enjoy:~

Michal "Mike" Madigan

Brief physical description

Blonde, blue-eyed looks like A. J. Cook from Criminal Minds. A forensic pathologist.

Strengths

Determined, passionate about her job, feisty

Weaknesses

Because of a tragic accident when she was a teen and poor judgment on her part, she closes herself off from others. She doesn’t make time for the opposite sex. She feels as if she’s married to her job and she’s all right with that.

Quirk

I don’t think she has any? Other than, maybe to say she loves dogs, but I don’t think that’s a quirk?

Your inspiration for the character

The story for Mike, just sort of came to me. I wanted reader’s first impression of her to be one of strength. She works in a somewhat male dominated environment so she feels as if she has to prove herself to those around her. But, her hard exterior really is a façade to hide the hurt and pain she has endured since she was a teenager. I wanted to portray a strong woman, who needed a special man to tear down the walls she erected around her.

Tyler Mason

Brief physical description

Police Detective, looks like Michael T. Weiss from the TV show, Pretender. He has strong masculine features, but is really soft-hearted inside.

Strengths

Very much like Mike. He’s strong, dedicated to his job, and knows what’s valuable in life.

Weaknesses

His biggest weakness is Mike. Though his head tells him she’s not worth the trouble, his heart tells him there is more to her story than meets the eye.

Quirk (if any)

Again, not very quirky.

Your inspiration for the character

The character that Michael T. Weiss played in the Pretender. He’s a great guy, wants to right the wrongs in the world, but behind his incredible good looks, and the confidence he exudes, he has a vulnerable heart.

In closing

Most of the characters in my books, are determined (obstinate if I am really being honest). They don’t like opening themselves up to situations where they can be hurt, but when they do, they reveal a more complex person. I love multi-layered characters. I love strength/vulnerability in my characters.

Thanks Tamara ~ I especially loved your choice of actors for Mike and Tyler :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Criminal Obsession, Abandoned Identity and Full Disclosure

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books

Criminal Obsession by Tamara Tilley

The tragic loss of Michal "Mike" Madigan's sister fueled her desire to become a forensic pathologist. Her job as Emerald Lake's Medical Examiner keeps the fire burning as she seeks some kind of justice for the victims of violence by finding the clues that lead to their killers.

After a failed romance, Mike has kept her focus on work and her beloved Labradors and away from men, that is until the arrival of Detective Tyler Mason, a man determined to ruffle her feathers beginning with their tumultuous first meeting.

After apologies are made, Mike is attracted to the depth and dedication that she sees in Tyler but his abiding commitment to the God whom she believes failed her, is a wedge that may forever doom their relationship.

Faith, love and fear collide as a cold hearted killer haunts Emerald Lake, focusing his rage on the ME, the woman with the power to expose him.

Criminal Obsession reads like a Dee Henderson novel with strong, engaging characters and knife edge suspense. Mike is as strong as she is vulnerable making her a fascinating character as she solves murders yet is burdened by the one she couldn't. Tyler has more layers than the usual male lead, devoted to God as he battles temptation and the pain of a wayward sister. There is plenty of back story and suspense to keep the pages turning at a great rate and while my initial guess of the killer's identity proved correct there were enough twists to keep me doubting. Tamara Tilley continues to sharpen her craft and carve herself a deserved place in the romantic suspense genre.

Available now from Evergreen Press

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Full Disclosure and Abandoned Identity

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books at Amazon

Coming soon from Tamara Tilley and Evergreen Press

Michal “Mike” Madigan has lived in Emerald Lake all her life. Her work as a forensic pathologist and county Medical Examiner is her passion, but few understand the pain that fuels her obsessive dedication.

After 20 years as a metro police officer, Detective Tyler Mason is looking forward to his new job in the small, rural town of Emerald Lake. Ready to leave big city crime behind, he looks forward to the slower, simpler pace of the quaint, lakeside community. He doesn’t realize he will soon be caught up in a terrifying whirlwind of danger and violence.

At first Tyler loves everything about his new job—that is until he meets Mike Madigan. Their first encounter is anything but friendly. While she questions his ability to do his job, he accuses her of being as cold as the victims she works on. When forced by his boss to make peace, Tyler decides to give friendship a try.

The sudden appearance of a copycat killer at Emerald Lake jars Mike and Tyler’s world. Terrifying clues are left at the murder scenes threatening Mike’s life. The pressures of the case force her to deal with the ghosts from her past and come to terms with a God she bitterly resents. Tyler’s faith is the one thing that holds him steady, but will it be strong enough to help him solve the case before it destroys the woman he’s falling in love with?

Available August, 2008 from Evergreen Press

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Full Disclosure and Abandoned Identity

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website (she has some great reviews of her own!)

Pre order Criminal Obsession at Amazon