Christina: I’m so excited to introduce you to author Deborah Sprinkle.
Deborah, can you tell us what your book is called?
Deborah: My latest book is called The Case of the Other Brother.
Christina: When was it released?
Deborah: March 17, 2026
Christina: Is it a series?
Deborah: Yes, it’s the fifth book in the Mac and Sam Mystery series.
Christina: Can you share your blurb with us?
Deborah: When the girlfriend of a half-brother Detective Jake Sanders and his sister, Samantha Majors, never knew they had shows up, she creates quite a stir. Especially since their unknown brother is missing. She seems determined to ingratiate herself into the family, and in the process, causes problems in Private Investigator Mackenzie Love’s relationships with both her fiancé and her best friend.
A bee sting and a stolen manuscript offer Mac a welcome chance to avoid her relationship issues. An eccentric author hires Mac to find the manuscript, but after people begin to die, it looks like her case and the search for the missing brother might be connected. And not in a good way.
Will Mac and Jake find the killer, and still remain a couple?
Christina: That sounds great! What inspired you to write this book?
Deborah: In this series, I found myself ending each book on somewhat of a cliffhanger—with something happening that leads into the next book. At the end of The Case of the Intentional Accident, the girlfriend shows up on Samantha’s doorstep.
After some thought, I realized that the arrival of the girlfriend and the missing half-brother could cause problems in Mac’s life. And, that determined how this book, The Case of the Other Brother, would begin.
I needed a second problem, something to require Mac’s expertise, that I could intersect with the missing brother issue. An author secluded nearby to finish her book and a stolen manuscript seemed like just the thing.
Christina: What’s your favorite part of your writing process?
Deborah: I love story plotting—although I’m very much a pantser. But, I’ve learned the hard way that I have to have a pretty good idea of where I’m going. With option for change. Weaving a convoluted plot line is fun! Working it so a chapter ends at a critical point and leaves my readers in suspense is how I measure success.
Christina: Can you share any challenges you faced during the research or writing process?
Deborah: My biggest challenge is taking the time to get to know my characters before beginning to write. I’m not by nature a character driven writer, but I’ve had to discipline myself to become more so.
Christina: How do you develop your characters? Do they come to you fully formed, or do they reveal themselves as you write?
Deborah: I used to write and let my characters reveal themselves to me along the way—which didn’t work so well for me. However, I’m not disciplined enough to know my character’s favorite color, favorite flavor of ice cream, etc. like some authors I know. I start filling out one of those question/answer things about a character and half-way through, I get antsy to start writing. So, now I just jot somethings down about each one that I think I may need and begin.
Christina: If you could give one piece of advice to budding creatives, what would it be?
Deborah: Only one? That’s hard. I guess my number one piece of advice would be learn the craft. A close second and third would be build relationships with other writers and remember where your creativity comes from. Pray.
Christina: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Deborah: I hope my readers will be entertained and possibly learn something as well. I also hope that they will see that my protagonists are ordinary people who rely on God for strength, guidance, and protection. That we all mess up and are in need of forgiveness. In need of a Savior.
Christina: So true!
Let’s talk workspace. Can you name something quirky in your workspace? And can you give a little backstory about said item?
Deborah: I have a lovely embroidery of my logo. My daughter-in-law, who is amazing in her own right, took up embroidery as a hobby and she made it for me for Christmas. The cool thing is my son, who is a graphic artist, drew it for me! It’s an ink pen nib with the inside of the nib shaped like a knife and a drop of blood below it. I love it!
Christina: That is great! I didn’t notice the knife at first!
What is your favorite snack to get your creative juices flowing?
Deborah: My favorite snack is M&Ms. I start by popping one at a time, but the more I get into my writing, the more of those little yummies I gobble at a time.
Christina: If you could have dinner with any author, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Deborah: That’s easy. Agatha Christie. The woman was phenomenal! I’d love to ask her where she came up with all her ideas!
Christina: What upcoming writing projects are you working on?
Deborah: Currently, I am working on the sixth Mac and Sam mystery, but it will be a little different. I’m merging my first series, Trouble in Pleasant Valley, with Mac and Sam.
Mac and Sam are working a case in Washington, Missouri, and Rafe and Claire O’Connell get pulled into a case in Pleasant Valley, Ohio.
The two cases seem to overlap in an obvious way, but you know how I love a good twist. The Case of the Lost, But Found comes out in September 2027.
Christina: Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Deborah! I’m looking forward to reading your mystery books!
Deborah Sprinkle is a retired chemistry teacher turned award-winning author with a modest number of books to her name and more on the way. All romantic suspense and mysteries. She lives in Memphis with her wonderful husband of more than 50 years.
Connect with Deborah at https://authordeborahsprinkle.com/