Did any particular event inspire you?

"Because my protagonist is a bookbinder, each of my books involves a particular book she's working on.  In If Books Could Kill, the story revolves around a secret book of poems written by the great Scottish poet Robert Burns.  Coincidentally, or not, the year I was writing the book, 2009, was the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns."

What are you doing to promote your book?

"Penguin has a wonderful in-house publicist, Megan Swartz, who works miracles.  I also work with the fabulous publicist, PJ Nunn of Breatkthrough Promotions, who arranges book signings, interviews, and all sorts of events for me.  I also use AuthorBuzz, and I'm doing a short blog tour.  I post events and hang out on Facebook, of course.  Additionally, I chant and howl at the moon on a regular basis, and that seems to work for me."

What's Next?

"I'm finishing book three in the series, The Lies that Bind.  Brooklyn is safe and sound, back in San Francisco, drinking wine, teaching bookbinding classes, and stumbling over bodies.  I'm also excited awaiting my first romance novel which comes out in 2010."

When you're not writing, what are you doing (hobbies, family, etc)?

"I'm always writing, but I also love to read.  I enjoy cooking and eating, plus spending time with family and friends.  I'm a news junkie and probably watch too much television.  I love to travel, and I take bookbinding classes whenever I can."

What didn't I ask you that I should have?

"Oh, dear.  Well, since the first book came out, everyone seems to want to know whether I was in a commune or not..  (Commune sounds so much better than cult, doesn't it)?"

I'll have to say that I've started reading, Homicide in Hardcover and it's fast moving and entertaining.  I look forward to If Books Could Kill.

There is no better way to end this interview than to highlight the following Jacket Blurb from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery: "Welcome Kate Carlisle, a fabulous new voice in the mystery market."    

During Don Helin's career in the military, he spent three tours in the Pentagon, then worked as a lobbyist for industry. These two "Washington Insider" careers have provided him ample material for his thriller novels.