Article and Interview by Elise Cooper
Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll takes readers on an action-packed roller coaster ride. In this book the protagonists have to worry about the dangerous elements, along with the murderer. The action sequences, as well the heroine’s fear of heights, make for riveting scenes.
Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate killings by bow and arrow of a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. With their dogs Hawk and Lacey, Meg and Brian are enlisted to follow the scent of a killer. As the body count rises, the “compound bow killer” becomes even more elusive, appearing and vanishing like a ghost. It becomes clear that there is a connection between the building of the Copperhill Dam, the subsequent loss of the surrounding land, and the killings.
Back to help in the investigation is reporter McCord, the boyfriend of Meg’s sister, Cara. Through his eyes and writings, readers are able to understand the history of the area and the background on the removal of the Cherokee people. The author also starts every chapter with a description that further helps set the history, time, and place.
Further contributing to the suspense is the setting. Bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and the river rapids along with the rough terrain make for nail-biting scenes.
The story delves into the heartwarming feelings both dog and handler have for each other. Along with a riveting murder mystery the plot has a fascinating look at the training of working dogs, who are depicted as uniformly brave and obedient. Also, adding depth is the relationship between Meg and her boyfriend Webb.
Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea for the story?
Sara Driscoll: The idea came from my son-in-law who helps me brainstorm. He made an off the cuff comment about writing a story with a bowhunter who picks off humans.
EC: Brian has a German Shepherd, Lacey and Meg has a black lab, Hawk. Is there a difference?
SD: I grew up with a black Lab, which is why Hawk is from that breed. German Shepherds are classically more of a canine dog used by police. This is because Labs are not known for their aggressiveness. But it really comes down to individual dogs and their own drive and personality. In my stories, Hawk is aggressive only when protecting Meg. Both Hawk and Lacey are trained to search for a suspect, using the same skills as they would to search for a child.
EC: Is the FBI Human Scent Evidence Team real?
SD: Yes, it is new and was started a few years ago. They are part of the forensic crime unit. Unlike the police units I contacted for my previous series, the FBI was very uncooperative. The police even invited me to observe and speak with the head homicide detective. The FBI slammed the door in my face. I was able to put things together by Internet research and what I knew about other law enforcement units.
EC: Did you shoot any compound bows and arrows?
SD: No. Funny story. Isaac, from the sporting goods store Bass Pro, worked in the archery department. I explained to him I was writing a book where someone with an arrow is a murderer. I questioned him about distances and the types of bows/arrows that would be needed. He answered my questions but was very hesitant. The next day I received an email from him saying ‘you were who you said you were. I looked you up.’ I giggled and thought, ‘no, I am not going to kill someone literally.’
EC: How would you describe Webb?
SD: He is resourceful, dependable, direct, and loyal.
EC: How would you describe the relationship between Webb and Meg?
SD: Webb is willing to give in more. Because they are both first responders, Webb is a dually trained firefighter and a paramedic, they have similar mindsets. They have a great interplay. Both want to develop a life partner relationship.
EC: What is Hawk’s backstory?
SD: Meg had a previous canine, a German Shepherd, killed in the line of duty. She retired and went home to her parents who had a dog rescue. Someone left a black Lab puppy on their doorstep. Meg found it and nurtured it back to health and then started training him for search and rescue. A couple of years later they joined the FBI unit.
EC: The plot goes into Eminent Domain?
SD: It is all based on truth. The land would be co-opted by the government. For those who lost their land, they also lost their livelihood. They never got what their land was worth.
EC: There is a great quote about dogs being a part of the family?
SD: You must be referring to this quote, “These aren’t just animals. In many ways, they’re the other half of you.” Dogs and handlers would do anything for each other. Anyone who has a pet as a companion would feel this way. The quote came from years of me loving animals.
EC: Can you give a heads up about your next book?
SD: It is titled Shot Caller and is out August 31st. It is the NYPD negotiator series. A riot takes place in Riker’s Prison and hostages are taken. Gemmo Capello is called in to help save the victims.
Out this time next year will be the next book in this series. It is titled Under Pressure and is set in Philadelphia. The plot deals with blood conflict diamonds and how they are dispersed throughout the US.
EC: THANK YOU!!
