A.M. Holloway - Love, Bullets, and a Second Chance

A.M. Holloway is an author of clean murder mysteries where crime and suspense take hold. Her catalog spans five series. A.M., who is married, relies on her husband's expertise in the CSI field to ensure accuracy in her books. She was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in Central Florida. When not writing, you will find her with her family, enjoying the outdoors, or sitting in her favorite chair, daydreaming about her next book.  As our Author of the Day, she tells us all about her book, Revenge.REVENGE opens with a high-stakes cartel shootout—what drew you to combine FBI crime thriller elements with a romantic subplot? My love for Christian fiction suspense books. The characters rely on their faith to get through their crisis. The story spans from Mexico to Tampa, weaving danger and pursuit across multiple locations. How do you make these settings feel alive and authentic for readers?The FBI setting makes that easy with contacts all over the world.Your husband’s CSI expertise contributes to the accuracy of your crime scenes. Can you share an example where his input shaped a key moment in REVENGE?I lean on my husband for CSI evidence collection standards from fingerprinting to DNA from vehicle airbags. I use them all.Your books are known for being clean murder mysteries. How do you handle writing violence or danger in a way that’s thrilling but not gratuitous?I don't dwell on the violence. It happens to move the story, then we're are on to something else. We know that violence occurs in this world more often than we'd like so I don't eliminate it, instead I use the violence for the good. Like seeing your ex-girlfriend after a ten-year separation.The book explores second chances and buried feelings alongside life-threatening danger. How do you balance emotional depth with plot momentum?The emotional aspect is spread throughout the story so it doesn't overshadow the story.What role does trust play—not just in personal relationships, but in the professional bonds between Micah, his partner, and the team?Trust is huge. Law enforcement demands trust. They put their lives on the line daily trusting their partner is there. I've lived this with my husband. It takes a strong bond of trust in law enforcement to do what they do.Revenge is both the title and a driving force in the story. Did you aim to explore the morality of revenge beyond its surface as motivation for action?Yes, but I didn't want to go to deep into the morality because of the storyline. I wanted the story be about faith, and new beginnings.Many readers have described REVENGE as a “page-turner” with heart. What techniques do you use to keep readers hooked from start to finish?I write daily and I treat every writing session as a chapter. It helps me keep the action going.The book blends suspense, action, and romance. How do you ensure each element complements the others without overshadowing them?Sometimes that is difficult, but I try to have each element in every chapter.You were born in Georgia and now live in Central Florida. How has your background or environment influenced your writing style or story choices?I've written for decades, not necessarily novels. My grandfather and husband were in law enforcement and I gravitated to the 'whodunit' mysteries, even as a young girl.What’s your process for planning a series versus writing a standalone book?Series are more fun for me. The characters develop over time and new ones are brough into the fold. Once I have my series in mind, then I move to characters.How do you personally unwind after writing such intense, high-stakes stories?I play with my grandkids in the pool or at the beach. Then I read with my pup cuddled up beside me.What’s next for you—any hints about upcoming series or books fans should look forward to?Hideout is available for pre-sale as book 2 in FBI Tampa Series, but there is another new series coming shortly behind FBI Tampa.