The Trouble with Dad again demonstrates my conviction that a series has an arc that rises and comes to a logical conclusion. The story that began with KIDNAP.org and continued in Pharma Con has come to a point where two things can happen: I can keep making up capers for Robin and her amateur hoods, or I can end the series. As you can probably guess, I chose the latter.

Our parents define us in many ways. Some serve as examples, and we strive to be like them. (I was lucky enough to have two like that.) Others show us what we don't want our lives to look like, which is the case with Robin, the protagonist of the Kidnap Capers Series.

I have been accused of being an optimist in my writing, and I admit to it. I want stories to end neatly and, if not happily, at least in a satisfying way. I create main characters who are good people and opposing characters who deserve what they get. When I read or watch a story, I expect to find someone I can root for. If I don't, I lose interest and wander off to something else. 

While I like endings that tie up neatly, I sometimes get comments from readers that indicate a need for even more neatness. They want the main character to marry the local sheriff (Somebody Doesn't Like Sarah Leigh). They want people who clearly died to come back to life through some miraculous event (Deceiving Elvera). They want characters to have a complete change of heart and become good guys. Like Robin's dad? Not likely. I always tell them the same thing: Get busy and write your own book, and you can end it exactly the way you choose.

The Trouble With Dad ends the Kidnap Capers with Robin having to deal with her con man father along with all the other craziness that comes with leading a gang of criminals who prey on criminals. This book is available here for $2.99.