I’ve Got Questions for Karen E. Osborne

Editor’s Note: This exchange is part of a series of brief interviews with emerging writers of recent or forthcoming books. If you enjoyed it, please visit other interviews in the I’ve Got Questions feature.

• What’s the title of your book? Fiction? Nonfiction? Poetry? Who is the publisher and what’s the publication date?

Justice For Emerson: A Murder Mystery; Black Rose Writing; March 13, 2025

• In a couple of sentences, what’s the book about?

A murdered vet. A buried past. A CEO marked for danger. When Aria Wright finds 77-year-old Vietnam vet Emerson murdered in her nonprofit’s basement, the killer threatens her—and vanishes. As she races to protect her family and uncover the truth, the story jumps between two murders, decades apart, and the haunted life of a man whose past may be the key to solving everything. Secrets unravel and threats close in as she trusts her instincts, confronts the past, and fights for her future—even if love is the riskiest move of all.

• What’s the book’s genre (for fiction and nonfiction) or primary style (for poetry)?

A dual timeline murder mystery with a dash of romance

• What’s the nicest thing anyone has said about the book so far?

I’m so grateful for the reviews of many readers. Here’s one of my favorites: “Set against the gritty backdrop of a non-profit serving the poor and unhoused, this is the story of Aria, working to uncover the truth behind the brutal murder of a much-loved volunteer, with the help of a possible love interest who is so wrong for her, he might just be right.” –Gail Ward Olmstead, author of the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series

• What book or books is yours comparable to or a cross between? [Is your book like Moby Dick or maybe it’s more like Frankenstein meets Peter Pan?]

Long Bright River by Liz Moore. It combines crime, addiction, family dynamics, and a determined female protagonist navigating a dangerous investigation. It’s especially relevant because of its themes of social justice, addiction, and redemption—core to the heart of Justice For Emerson. Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson–dark, and suspenseful, it focuses on a woman pulled into a dangerous mystery involving murder and secrets—paralleling Aria’s peril and pursuit of truth.

• Why this book? Why now?

Characters speak to me. Talk about distracted driving. When they start talking, I begin writing, no matter where I am. Characters come first, then the plot. My last novel, True Grace, the one right before Justice For Emerson, is historical fiction, set in 1924. I wanted to return to writing a murder mystery (Tangled Lies was my first), but keep my historical fiction chops sharp. Finally, all my stories include romance and my protagonist, Aria, a widow since age 48, deserves to be loved again.

• Other than writing this book, what’s the best job you’ve ever had?

I’ve had a storied career, invited to speak all over the world about leadership, management, board building, marketing and fundraising for nonprofits, colleges, and hospitals. I’ve visited 20 different countries and 48 US states, multiple times, helping good people do urgent work, all the while working for myself, and volunteering along the way. Blessed.

• What do you want readers to take away from the book?

My goal is to entertain–to write novels that keep readers turning pages, gripped by both the story and characters. In addition, I lift social issues. So many of our unhoused citizens are invisible. We walk by and don’t see them. Recovering from addiction is a crushing struggle. In Justice for Emerson, I wanted to shine a light on both these issues with grace and nuance.

• What food and/or music do you associate with the book?

I love this question. Music plays a role throughout the novel. The dual timeline historical portion starts in 1968, and rock and roll songs provide the soundtrack for Emerson. Aria, the present-day protagonist, and a child of the eighties and nineties, has a running playlist in her head. As she goes through her day situations inspire songs. Mariah Carey’s “Hero” is one that says a lot about both Aria and Emerson – “When you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong, and you’ll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you.”

• What book(s) are you reading currently?

I’m enjoying The Other Princess, by Denny S. Bryce, an ARC by Nancy Bilyeau, The Versailles Formula, out April 17 and an ARC of the latest from A. J. McCarthy, Smoke and Secrets, out July 3. All excellent.

Learn more about Karen on her website.

Follow her on Facebook, Linked-In, YouTube, BookBub, Instagram, and check out her Video Podcast.

Buy the book from the publisher, Black Rose Writing, Amazon, or Bookshop.org.