SRP Heroine Interview: Rose Strickland from Diners, Dives, and Dead Ends

Today, I’m talking with Rose Strickland from Diners, Dives and Dead Ends.

1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life?

I’m a struggling waitress and part-time student, but when my friend, Axton, goes missing, I have to find him.  Suddenly I’m hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save my friend before his time runs out.

With my anime-loving bestie, my septuagenarian boss, and a pair of IT wise men along for the ride, I uncover political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations.  I’ve gone from zero to sixty and quickly learn that when you’re speeding down the fast lane, it’s easy to crash and burn.

2. What made you decide to take on such a risky endeavor?

When my parents cut me off, Axton was my best friend.  I’d never felt so alone.  But Axton stood by me.  He’s always been there for me with a kind word or a bad sci-fi movie, so when he goes missing, I have to find him.  There’s no other alternative.

3. Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

No way.  Committing a crime?  That seems more likely.  And I had no idea that looking for Ax would take me down such a twisted path.

4. Who would you say is the least pleased about your additional career choice of amateur sleuthing? Or is detective work your only career?

My mother thinks I should finish my degree already and get a real job.  The way she sees it, hanging out with Axton, who likes a little too much doobage, is a waste of time.  And she wouldn’t be happy to know I put myself in danger for him either.  She’s convinced I should step back into the country club mold.  And rubbing elbows with illegal gamblers and sexy villains isn’t her idea of decorum.

5.  What are strengths and weaknesses?

I think I’m loyal to the people around me—my bestie, Roxy, my boss, Ma, and of course my bud, Ax.  But I have a wee bit of a temper.  Especially around one very hot criminal.  He tends to bring out the angry.

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

It means I don’t have to rely on my parents’ money or connections.  I can make it on my own.  And my life might not be a Ke$ha video, but it’s mine and I’ve worked hard for my independence.

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

Be true to yourself and learn a skill.  For example, picking locks might come in handy.  Just saying.

8. What was one lesson you learned during this challenging time in your life?

I’m a survivor.  And that a stun gun is my friend.  And to wear clean underwear.  Wait, I learned that last one a long time ago.

9.  If your story or life had a theme song, what would it be?

Me and My Friends—Red Hot Chili Peppers.  When they talk about being “freaks of a feather” I can relate.

10. Do you plan on dabbling in amateur sleuthing in the future, or have you hung up your detective hat?

I’m anti-dabbling.  I had no plans to stick my nose into anybody’s biz again, but my friend, Janelle, has found herself in a tight spot.  And when my friends need me…well, maybe one more time into the breach and all that.

Terri L. Austin lives in Missouri with her funny, handsome husband and a high maintenance peekapoo.  She’s the author of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends—a Rose Strickland Mystery.

Kirkus Review: “Austin’s debut kicks off her planned series by introducing a quirky, feisty heroine and a great supporting cast of characters and putting them through quite a number of interesting twists

Want to win a copy of DINERS, DIVES AND DEAD ENDS?  Leave a comment along with your email address, and Terri will enter you to win on of three copies.  Drawing takes place on August 31, 2012.  Continental US only.

The book is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  You can catch Terri at TerriLAustin.com, Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads.