Nora Khalil, Book 1
Synopsis: The beginning of an engrossing new suspense series featuring Philadelphia policewoman Nora Khalil
Officer Nora Khalil is used to navigating different terrains. As part of a joint task force set up by the Philadelphia Police Department, the FBI, and the local sheriff’s offices, she works to keep Philly’s mean streets safe from gang violence, while trying to honor the expectations of her traditional Egyptian-American family. She can hold her own against hardened murderers and rapists, and her years as a competitive runner ensure that no suspect ever escapes on foot.
Nora tries to keep her professional and personal lives separate, but when a mutilated body is discovered in a tough section of town, Nora must rely on both her police training and her cultural background to find out whether this is another gang-related killing or the grisly evidence of something even darker and more disturbing.
“My mom has a t-shirt that says, ‘Careful or you’ll end up in my novel.’ That pretty much sums me up: a parasite. I feed off stories—stories, or settings, or even just an intriguing word uttered here or there. Additionally, I’ve spent twenty-five years acquiring ninja Arabic skills, and that ability has allowed me access to worlds not everyone gets to tread. I wanted to pay homage to some of the tough level-headedness I’ve found in so many of the women I’ve come to know, while yet writing some of my own story, while yet drawing attention to some social issues that are deeply important to me. I get to do all of that with the character of Nora Khalil.
After 9/11, my then-husband was one of many Arab-Americans rounded up in a fishing net of racial profiling. Upon his release and the government’s apology, a member of the Bureau suggested to me that I become an agent—put my Arabic skills to good use. Because I was the mother of a two-year- old, it didn’t seem the right path for me at the time, and I chose instead to pursue my PhD and become a college professor. But entertaining that fantasy is part of the Nora story. The journey of my daughter, growing up in the United States as the daughter of an Egyptian father, is also part of that story. Ten years of living in Philly also fed into that story, as well as my ongoing activism in raising awareness about human trafficking. So, many elements have come together… those who know me well have many moments of recognition as they read Quicksand. As such, the people in my life are getting very nervous as I write Book Two!”
Author’s website: http://www.carolynbaugh.com/
Tracy Terry
Intrigued by this. This sounded like many others of its type but I think the ‘cultural background’ element of the story may well be the thing that sets it apart.
LilyElement
While I don’t typically read suspense, Nora Khalil sounds like an interesting character. Thanks!
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
Ha! I like that t-shirt:) I have a couple writer friends so I’ll have to be careful because I’d probably end up a murder victim or something. Fail. This is right up my sister in law’s alley, so I’m definitely going to recommend it to her!
kindlemom1
Ha ha! I love the T-shirt because I think it is so true! You have to be careful around authors or you really will end up in one of their books one way or another. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Fascinating story. You have me curious about Quicksand. Love the t-shirt saying. I think books taken from real life situations are fascinating.
Joy (Joyousreads)
Thank you for sharing your personal background. I would love to read more. I’ll have to stalk GR for your book. 🙂
Heidi
Very interesting post. I like the t shirt. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ramona
T-shirt “speaks” the truth, lol. What an awesome post!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m sorry your family had to go through that. Repeating history. I guess the US gov’t hasn’t learned yet. However, glad you turned it into something interesting to read! Makes me curious… and nervous that I’ll meet you and end up in your novel. 😉 LOL
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Ah, this is a cool sounding book! Tor/Forge puts out so many interesting novels each year, it seems like every week I’m discovering a title I never knew about. I’d not heard of Quick Sand before today, and I thought I knew of most books coming out from the publisher. Gonna go look this up now, thanks for the intro to this book and author!
Christy
How interesting! I love discovering the origins of a book or tid bits like this, even the unfortunate ones.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
Wow, that is pretty interesting. Sucks about the racial profiling though. I want that shirt!
Carole Rae
This sounds really good. 🙂