Astrid Fitzgerald Mystery Series. Hannah Vs Astrid; Rafael vs Thomas.
Hannah Walker. A dedicated student with sharp curiosity and a keen eye, she aspires to emulate Sherlock Holmes. Accused of a series of murders at her college, she endures a period of disorienting memory loss before gradually recovering fragmented recollections — and now faces an uncertain future as she is set to be married.
Astrid Fitzgerald. A no-nonsense detective with a steely demeanor, she is tough, cold-hearted, and shaped by a painful past that has left her largely alone and guarded. The only man she trusts is her former professor who trained her to be a dedicated detective and taught her how to read people.
She has bad blood with Erica, since Erica ruined her life in the worst possible way years earlier; nonetheless, Thomas will make sure she keeps a clear head when she is sent to speak with Erica after Erica suffered a break-in.
Rafael Walker-Smith. A former cop turned professor and the godfather to Hannah Walker, he is fiercely protective and determined to steer Hannah away from destructive choices and the metaphorical oncoming trains he fears for her.
Thomas. A former cop and current professor who serves as Astrid’s trusted confidant, offering calm counsel and steady support.
However, he is not like Rafael. While Rafael tries to make sure that he pulls Hannah away from the path of oncoming trains, Thomas does not act in the same overt manner. He trusts that Astrid is strong and resilient, yet when the murder of Erica occurs he quietly implores her to keep a steady mind and not let the loss consume her. As the story moves forward, we will gradually learn more about Thomas — the depth of his concern for Astrid and the careful ways he conceals his feelings while still supporting her.
These are the main differences between Hannah/Astrid and Rafael/Thomas. The Astrid Fitzgerald Series will begin with the murder of Erica and will include a wide array of suspects, each with plausible motives and hidden secrets that will keep readers guessing about the identity of the true killer.
Readers will also learn what unfolded between Erica and Astrid many years earlier, revealing long-buried tensions and secrets. As the author, I will scatter numerous red herrings throughout this series, and much like the Hannah Walker Mystery Series, it will be up to attentive readers to track the nuances of each character. Only I know who is truly responsible for Erica’s murder.
