She made it out alive. But is she out of the woods?
Desperate for a change of pace, therapist Abby Maguire took a short assignment at an equine-assisted therapy ranch. After decades spent in the trenches of other people’s trauma, she wanted to find some calm. When dead bodies started turning up, foul play evident, it seemed she couldn’t catch a break – but, she did catch a killer.
Investigation complete and assignment extended, Abby wants nothing more than to immerse herself in doing what she does best: helping people heal. Summer turns to autumn, and the days grow short in the woods of central Minnesota. But darkness grows as the seasons change, and death is once again close at hand. Abby’s surroundings may be beautiful, serene – but not everything that is quiet is safe.
Q: The Empty Dark, book two of the Maguire Mystery Series, is the sequel to Simply Dead. How is it different?
A: Abby Maguire, equine assisted therapist, spent most of Simply Dead learning the basics of EAP, and about horses in general. In The Empty Dark, she takes part in some (fictional) therapy sessions—while solving another murder. None of these client sessions really happened…but any equine therapist would know, they could have.
The mystery and murders are entirely different—also, The Empty Dark deals with a different presentation of PTSD than we saw in Simply Dead, and a slightly different approach to healing. It also takes on grief, anger and fear. Many people who are not ready to talk about their own struggles will talk about books, characters, stories. It’s a starting point for conversations that can really go anywhere.
Q: With a title like that, is this a darker book?
A: Like with Simply Dead, there is no creep factor in The Empty Dark. There is nothing graphic or brutal—it’s still a light traditional mystery. There is a little more cussing in book two, mainly in conversations between two veterans, but it’s still rated PG.
Q: Do we still hear the wisdom of Greg Kersten woven throughout?
A: Yes! The author is a clinical therapist certified in EAP through OK Corral Series. Abby’s (fictional) mentors and guides at the (fictional) ranch were obviously trained by Greg Kersten as well. Once again, Greg generously and graciously allowed the author to use his knowledge, and sometimes the characters directly quote him.
Q: What are reviewers saying?
A: Advanced copy readers have been very positive. One news editor said he laughed out loud, enjoying the story. An award-winning author reported unexpectedly “stalling out” for three days, while he processed a traumatic event he experienced decades ago. He had never dealt with it, until he walked through PTSD resolution with Abby and another character.
Both of these are desired responses. The Empty Dark is fun, and funny, and there is healing buried inside, like treasure. Some readers will find it.
Q: Will there be a book three?
A: Yes! In doing EAP, the adventures never end. If you have some great EAL or EAP stories that belong in a book, the author would love to hear from you! Drop a line at patarnesonauthor@yahoo.com.
Q: Where can I get The Empty Dark? And Simply Dead, if I haven’t read it yet?
A: Online at Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, and many other sites as well as Amazon. Or ask any local bookstore to order it, or ask your library to purchase it!
