We’ve been give the opportunity to interview author Thomas Collins, a talent that blossomed at the age of ten with his first book, The Adventures of Tom and Rom. Though now out of print, it remains a testament to his early creative spark and passion that has lived on throughout his life. Aside from the world of writing, Collins is also a seasoned corporate communications director for a Fortune 500 company. He brings a wealth of knowledge about big business to the pages of Crimeline Hollywood. This debut mystery of his introduces readers to a world where suspense, adventure, and corporate intrigue collide. In this interview we ask Thomas Collins some questions about his book, and learn some fun ways to dive deeper into Crimeline Hollywood.
If you had to invite one of your characters from Crimeline Hollywood to a real-life dinner party, who would it be and why?
Probably Otto because he is such a chatterbox and entertaining. Once he gets a few drinks in him he becomes hilarious as well as informative. He is in an investigative journalist who knows how to get inside information from people in power. This is a guest who would be anything but boring.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment or a funny anecdote from your writing process for Crimeline Hollywood that readers might find intriguing?
Rebecca’s name originated from a game called Your Fictional Name. To find out, you simply take your middle name and add the street you grew up on. That meant mine is Robert Westmoreland. Since I lived in a corner house, it could also be Bob Guernsey. Fun, right? Not so much for my own daughter whose fictional name is Rebecca Fairway. Since Rebecca can be quite difficult and irritable, my daughter wasn’t exactly pleased with the choice. Nonetheless, Rebecca is no one to mess with. I decided to switch gender stereotypes, so while Dash does the analytical work, Rebecca is one who can kick ass when things get physical. It is another fresh take on the typical adventure story or mystery/thriller. Dash got his name because I wanted to present him as a dashing hero.
If Crimeline Hollywood had a soundtrack, what songs or music genres do you think would capture the essence of the story?
Something with a strong beat and lots of brass instruments. I like the theme for the old TV show Hawaii Five-O with deep-sounding kettle drums. It really gets your attention and your heart pumping. As for a composer, I would chose Vangelis who is well known for his Hollywood music. The Batman theme by John Williams creates this kind of excitement.
If readers could step into the world of Crimeline Hollywood for a day, what kind of interactive experience or activity do you think they would most enjoy?
They would enjoy the famous spotlights raking the evening sky and filling it full of color. Or they could pick up a tabloid sold on one of the street corners and read about the latest scandal or catch up on the gossip about their favorite star. They could also visit Upper Coolidge for a change of pace. The author web page gives viewers a little tour of the little mountain town showing off the best places to eat and even a bumper sticker touting the town’s largest employer.
For readers who love solving mysteries, is there a puzzle or challenge within the book that you think would be particularly engaging for them?
To solve the mystery, answer this one crucial question: What do Jasper Turnaround, Spinel Coastal Properties, Beryl & Associates and The Larimar Agency have in common?
Here are some other test questions for the reader:
- What hidden information did Sparklynn send in the ransom message?
- Who is known as “The Spigot?
- How many wives did Captain Fin have?
- What famous author was Dash’s roommate at Gloryview named after?
Hollywood has a rich history. Were there any specific classic films or iconic Hollywood elements that influenced the creation of Crimeline Hollywood?
North By Northwest is my favorite adventure film. The action and suspense seemed to be relentless. It’s also my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie. The original Superman, as featured in Star comic books and a hit 1950’s TV show, was memorable for his double identity – Clark Kent and The Man of Steel just as Dash and Morty. Lois Lane thinks Clark is kind of a bore but worships Superman, never dreaming they are one and the same.
Imagine a book club discussing Crimeline Hollywood. What discussion questions or activities would you suggest to make the experience more interactive for the members?
A good private investigator has an eye for detail. Can you answer the following questions after reading the book? If you can get four or more of these right then you just might be PI material.
- What propels the plot all the way through to the very end of Crimeline?
- A number of characters aided Dash and Rebecca in their quest to find Sparklynn James. Who did you feel was the most helpful and why?
- Do you believe Dr. V willfully aided in Sparlynn’s kidnapping or was just a pawn. Why was Gloryview a useful location in carrying out the crime?
- How much of a hero is Thurman? Do think the romance of Thurmond and Rurthann will last?
- What hidden message did the kidnapped Sparklynn send in the ransom note?
- What makes Clinghouse a fitting setting for the climax of the book?
How do you envision readers engaging with Crimeline Hollywood beyond just reading the book? Are there any activities or discussions you hope it might spark?
Ideally readers will recommend this mystery to their friends and perhaps challenge them to figure out who kidnapped Sparklynn and why. Also crack the mystery of the related companies.
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Crimeline Hollywood
Whoever thought an astrologer’s life could be so dangerous? Especially when you’re “Hollywood’s Astrologer to the Stars.” Yet he once crawled out on a 20-story beam to talk down a suicidal celebrity. And when he gave a Vegas casino owner a costly piece of advice, he found himself the target of a hitman.
Fortunately he escaped only to face another crisis: the kidnapping of Sparklynn James, his most famous client. After the Feds falter on the case, the family asks him to assist Rebecca Fairway, a publicity-seeking P.I. (a.k.a. “The Glamorous Gumshoe) to find her. Not exactly the A Team.
But a coded ransom message from Sparklynn herself points them in the right direction…leading them straight into a web of corporate evil.
