A Q&A with Janice Cantore, author of the new mystery novel ‘Cold Aim’
Hello readers! Unlike most days here, on this Tuesday we host author Janice Cantore, who today releases the final novel in her most recent series, Line of Duty. Cold Aim hits stores shelves today, and is also available on online retailers like Amazon.
In collaboration with its publisher, Tyndale, I’m sharing a little Q&A (from the publisher) with Janice, who by the way is impressively a former 22-year police officer veteran (bringing firsthand experience to her 
novels). Below you’ll learn more about this new novel, its characters and the reason behind this story. If you like some mystery suspense fiction (and I suspect a dash of romance!), you’re very likely to enjoy this novel.
BOOK REVIEW | Dead Drift – Readers will Love this New Mystery Novel
Before we jump ahead to the Q&A, here are all the details on Cold Aim.
COLD AIM SYNOPSIS:
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke’s small town is still reeling from a devastating fire when the FBI asks for help: Could she shelter a witness in a high-profile human trafficking case? Initially reluctant to put the townspeople of Rogue’s Hollow at risk, Tess is swayed after she sees Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s genuine conviction to rescue those in need, a trait in him she’s coming to love more each day.
Tess’s fledgling faith is tested when crews of workmen from out of town come in to assist with the fire cleanup and she worries that one of these strangers might shine a light on things best kept hidden. Neither she nor Oliver knows that Rogue’s Hollow is already home to a suspect from a twenty-five-year-old murder case . . . and someone is taking cold aim at those Tess is sworn to protect. – Goodreads
A Q&A with Janice Cantore
How do you expect Cold Aim, the final book in your Line of Duty series, to resonate with your readers?
Besides the spiritual message that God can be trusted even in the most difficult situations, one of the things I wanted to bring out had to do with human trafficking. Yes, the book is fiction, but the problem of human trafficking is very serious. Young girls in all walks of life are targeted, not unlike in the manner my bad guy Ice uses in the story. They seek to separate children from their parents, at first in an apparently nonthreatening way. When the threat arises, it’s too late for the child. Parents need to be vigilant. Keep your children close and your eyes open.
What are you most excited for your readers to experience through reading this novel?
The solution of the crime and the resolution of the romance. I hope they are happy with how things wrap up between Tess and Oliver and that it’s a satisfying ending.
Cold Aim delves into the mystery surrounding a twenty-five-year-old murder case. Can you share some of the real-life experience and research that went into crafting the plot of this novel?
I’ve always been fascinated by cold cases. In Long Beach, there were a couple of long-cold murder cases where officers were killed and their killers never caught. One was shot and killed in his driveway as he got home from work. My prayer is that the killer will be caught, someway, somehow. In my novels, my imagination can dream up ways for cold case killers to be brought to justice.
In what ways has your main character (police chief Tess O’Rourke) grown throughout this series?
Her faith has grown, and she has learned to trust again after being hurt badly by her ex-husband.
What lessons does the Line of Duty series teach about the importance of strong communities?
Disasters like fires can happen anywhere. Last year just about the whole town of Paradise, California, burned to the ground. It’s people pulling together in community that helps those suffering from great loss. Many people escaped the fire with only what they were wearing, and the community came together. People helping one another with the loss, with rebuilding, buffers the lost and helps everyone move forward.
What role does faith play in the plot of Cold Aim?
Tess and Oliver suffer through the same tragedy but from different perspectives as the fire rips through town. Tess is on the front lines, trying to save people in the path of the flames, but she starts out with shaky faith. Oliver is dealing with the aftermath, helping people pick up the pieces. It’s watching Oliver and his strong faith, no matter what life throws at him, that helps her grow.
How have you seen your own faith grow through writing this series?
Writing in general strengthens my faith. I start with a blank sheet of paper and pray the Lord will help me put together 85,000 words into an exciting, inspiring story that people want to read. It’s always a leap of faith!
Now that you’ve finished this series, can you tell us a bit about your upcoming projects?
I’m working on a new book with a new main character. It deals with trusting God when you don’t want to or when you don’t understand why you’re going through what you’re going through. The law enforcement topic is domestic abuse, and the police officer finds herself on the wrong side of the victim/protector wall.
Your books present strong female characters working seamlessly with strong male characters. Can you talk about why this is so important?
I really don’t like the war between the sexes which often seems to be perpetuated in the news. When I worked in uniform, I liked and appreciated the male officers I worked with and around. We might have had different ways of handling problems, but more often than not, we complemented each other. Some victims preferred talking to women while others were more comfortable with men. All in all, men and women working together, not competing, do the best job.
There’s a contrast between your two main characters, Tess and Oliver. How are they unique, and how do they complement each other?
God gives us all some measure of gifts. One theme working in my head was the contrast between Tess’s and Oliver’s giftings: she can see the need for swift justice—she is the law—while Oliver always looks at things with the heart of a pastor—he is grace. We all need a little bit of both.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visable Threat. Her latest series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and [Cold Aim].
Learn more about Janice on her website!
Thank you to Janice for sharing some in-depth thoughts on her new novel, and to Tyndale for the chance to feature this new suspense novel!
A Q&A with Janice Cantore, #author of the new #mystery novel ‘Cold Aim’ Share on XDo you read Janice’s novels? Do you have a favorite or any favorite suspense novel (by any author)? Comment down below with all of your thoughts!
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Would you say that the whole series is big on religion? From the answers that she gave at least this last one has a big message on God and trusting Him even though difficult situations, but does it push religion on to the reader? I don’t know if that made sense.
Hi, Leelynn! Thanks so much for stopping by. :)
Your question does make perfect sense. :) Unfortunately, I cannot be helpful. I haven’t read this series, and it’s been YEARS since last I read a novel by Janice. I’d say check on Goodreads or Amazon for others reviews; often you can find some really helpful ones, and you can also type in specific words you’re looking for. So, if you’re curious about certain content, you’d type in “religion” or “spiritual.” Let me know if you find anything to help. :)