Tatiana’s role in Shadows of the Past: A Deadly Riddle takes her from being attacked to becoming the hero.

Tatiana… the former illusionist whom Hannah met in Paris Noir: Deadly Obsession, now returns with a larger, more pivotal role in the upcoming fifth installment of the Hannah Walker Mystery Series. As Shayla’s godmother, Tatiana is the steady, level-headed presence who keeps her composure and takes charge whenever things begin to take a dark turn. With The Thirteenth Riddle: A Poisoned Silence, Tatiana’s role shifted from a quietly supportive guardian into a more assertive, strategic force — the kind of figure who not only steadies the frightened but also probes the shadows, making calculated moves to protect those she loves. Writing Tatiana’s Dilemma was perhaps one of my favorite moments to craft in TTRAPS, largely because of how dramatically she evolved and how she became the decisive hand that helped Hannah rescue Rafael when he was endangered.

Tatiana has taught Hannah how to be more confident and how to confront the shadows that haunt her. With Rafael, she feels protected and safe, but when it comes to Tatiana, Hannah will always have a soft spot—perhaps because they somehow find a way to truly connect. Through the recurring premonition dreams that continue to plague her, Tatiana will push Hannah to face the demons of both past and present, transforming Hannah’s fears into a renewed and steadier strength.

Will Tatiana find love? Maybe. In the Hannah Walker Mystery Series I want to ensure that not everyone gets a neat, tied-up happy ending; perhaps Tatiana will be the exception, and perhaps she will marry in the next book. One thing is certain… Hannah will be the one to set her up.

How has she evolved from PN to this new fifth series? She’s grown more complex: not only is she fiercely protective of Shayla, but she’s also carefully guarding Hannah’s well‑being and future. Not only will she face direct attacks, but she’ll be thrown into the heart of the action and share responsibility with Rafael as they learn to bring down the antagonist together. As with any superhero tale, an arch‑nemesis emerges. Echoing the third installment, only one character will suffer a devastating, potentially irreparable loss. Will it be Tatiana? Rafael again? Or Hannah? The answers lie in Shadows of the Past: A Deadly Riddle.