#Authorinterview with Tracy Carter

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with Tracy Carter, author of Can't Run with the Big Dogs.

FQ: What was it like bringing this long-running antagonist's storyline to a close after four books? 

CARTER: Unbelievably satisfying! Veronica, my main character, moved to Colorado far away from her past and a devastating workplace incident perpetrated by the savage defendant in a domestic violence case, Tommy Arnett. Veronica is traumatized, but tough, relying on the steadfast love and close bond she shares with her dog to forge a new career as a dog trainer despite repeated efforts by an incarcerated Tommy to seek revenge against her. Her testimony in court helped imprison him for life … until he escaped. The tension surrounding Tommy’s relentless pursuit of retribution against Veronica builds throughout the first four books in the series, culminating in an explosive final showdown which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. Veronica and Leda battle together to save each other from the evil which has shadowed them for years.

FQ: How did you balance multiple threat threads without losing the reader? 

CARTER: That was a challenge in this book as I wanted to escalate the anxiety over the possible threat from Veronica’s past, while additionally introducing new perils surrounding her in the present. Because Veronica and Leda are always on call for search and rescue situations, I wove in the stories of those searches with progress toward solving the central mystery at the thoroughbred racetrack—while also giving hints throughout the book about the danger that Veronica still faces from her long-time nemesis.

FQ: Which villain between Drake, Green and Tommy, was the most unsettling to write? 

CARTER: My initial reaction to this great question was to answer that Tommy was the most unsettling. After all, he has undertaken his ruthless vendetta against Veronica over the course of four books! But I actually find the notion of Drake Finnley the most disturbing in retrospect. A serial killer who has flown under the radar of law enforcement for years and snatches young women off the street with awful intentions is both alarming, and unfortunately, not unheard of. I really liked the idea of Leda saving that bad guy’s last and final target from certain death.

FQ: What kind of research did you do to accurately portray Veronica and Leda's work, from trailing scents to the logistics of mountain rescues? 

CARTER: In my 20s, I began working as an assistant trainer for a highly-respected dog obedience school, and then added training in rally and agility to the mix. My goal for the series expanded once I extensively researched the varied ways dogs can be of service to people. These are not simply mysteries in which the protagonist owns a dog. The featured dogs are never on the sidelines, but interwoven through every facet of their humans’ lives. In each book, Veronica trains several service dogs— from 911 call center support dogs to conservation canines. I do online research about each new dog “profession” and also speak with several accomplished dog trainers I know. I am also fortunate enough to have friends who are search and rescue team members, attorneys, magistrates, assistant prosecutors, medical professionals, environmental scientists, veterinarians, and are in law enforcement. Thus, I have beta readers—and handy resources whenever I have a procedural question! The answer is usually just a text or phone call away.

FQ: How did you approach balancing the romance with the high-stakes action and mystery elements? 

CARTER: Veronica and Ricardo have moved from friendship into a relationship gradually throughout the series and Can’t Run with the Big Dogs represents the organic next step in highlighting the strong bond they have developed with each other. Ricardo is ardently supportive of Veronica’s career, but does not (so far) participate in the high-stakes action she and Leda often face. I love the fact that he respects and admires her commitment to helping her community and her sense of girl power. He is a wonderful reflection of the healing and growth Veronica has attained since moving to Colorado.

FQ: You've trained dogs in real life and clearly have a deep understanding of canine behavior. How much of Leda's abilities and personality are based on real dogs you've known or maybe worked with?

CARTER: Like the fictional dog, my Leda was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever—an abuse and neglect case who had been seized by the county dog warden in horrible physical condition. I adopted her for a whopping $19 on the very day she was scheduled for euthanasia and set about restoring her to good health and building her confidence. Leda grew into a gorgeous, strapping, self-assured girl who repaid my devotion to her by saving me from an attempted middle of the night home invasion just weeks after I moved to a cabin in Colorado. Most of the dogs who appear in my books draw from personality traits and skills of dogs owned by my friends, my family, or me over the years—especially Leda.

FQ: What do you hope readers take away from this book, particularly regarding the themes of resilience and the bond between humans and dogs?

CARTER: I sought to pull readers into the world of a relatable, tenacious female character—who has a heartwarming relationship with her father—and is bolstered at every turn by the love of a phenomenal dog. At its core, Can’t Run with the Big Dogs is the story of the powerful relationship and impressive teamwork between Leda, a mistreated former rescue dog, and her traumatized but healing owner. Leda gives Veronica affection, hope, courage, and sometimes—most importantly—back-up! And I hope readers see such a relationship is real and look at their own dogs with greater understanding for their potential.

FQ: Lastly, you mention that a portion of proceeds go to organizations like Red Rover and the Purple Leash Project. Why is this cause important to you? 

CARTER: Having worked as a legal assistant for two different county prosecutors, I have firsthand knowledge of the sad fact that many victims delay leaving their abusers because they cannot find a shelter that will accept them plus their pets. Many times they refuse to get themselves to safety if it means leaving their pets behind with the abusive member of their household. Red Rover and the Purple Leash Project have led the push to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly. This is a cause I feel quite strongly about and I am very pleased that Veronica and Leda can help in this mission.

Thank you very much for interviewing me!

 #Bookreview of Smiling Faceless Woman

By: Thomas J. Gebhardt III

Publisher: Publisher Ghoti

Publication Date: August 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8985716054

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 30, 2026

Smiling Faceless Woman by Thomas J. Gebhardt III presents a nostalgic, spooky ride through college life and the question of whether the dead are really gone, all wrapped up in a thriller that will make the reader sleep with the lights on.

At the start of the novel, we are taken two years back to meet Alex, a student who is about to graduate. He has his eyes on the prize and is willing to work for it. He gets tired but still pushes himself to the limit. Behind all that ambition and exhaustion, something is lurking. It waits for him to fall asleep, and just when he is conveniently vulnerable, it strikes, not with a bang but a whisper. It is smart: “almost with a certain level of intelligence… like a voice, a whisper or a mumble, a footstep…” His brain fights it. He begins to think he is paranoid. But the reader knows better; the darkness has already chosen him, and it is only getting started.

The darkness is not just something haunting but an entity that attaches itself to its victims, feeds on their fears and pain, growing stronger the more it stays. Alex has what it feeds on. It is patient and is willing to wait until he has everything to lose. In part two of the story, we see him thinking that his biggest problem is balancing school and his crush, April. She has become important to him, important enough that losing her would break him. But little does she know that he desperately needs help. When he finally finds the help, events will lead to April being unknowingly set up for a collision with something that will turn her world upside down.

Quill says: Smiling Faceless Woman is not a fast thriller but a “creeping” one, not like a shadow you can see but like a breath you feel but never really get to hear. Its suspense doesn’t come from what happens, but from the dread of when the next tragedy will happen. Its tension isn’t in its main protagonist’s entrapment but in the fact that he can’t escape even if he wants to. Gebhardt makes sure that every case is worse than the last and that the twists are not the “gasp-and-drop-the-book” kind, but those that make you go back and reread the earlier chapters only to realize that the story was giving you clues all along. Smiling Faceless Woman is one of those stories that takes the supernatural seriously, not by telling you that a place is haunted, but by showing you. The supernatural has its own headquarters, case files, protocol, and its elements are informed by real expertise. If you enjoy books that make you check your closet before bed or stories whose locations feel like silent characters with their own agendas, waiting for you to walk through the door, then you should consider yourself warned. This novel is already watching your back!

For more information about Smiling Faceless Woman, please visit the author's website at: tjgiii.com/

 #Bookreview of Callisto

By: Steve Niles

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: October 6, 2026

ISBN: 978-1964226255

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 29, 2026

Steve Niles’ Callisto is a gripping science fiction mystery that blends frontier survival, noir investigation, and unsettling horror into a compelling graphic novel.

Set in the year 2525, the story unfolds on Callisto, Jupiter’s second-largest moon, first discovered in 1610 and renowned for having the most heavily cratered surface in our solar system. For over a century, Callisto has been humanity’s industrial treasure trove, a world rich in minerals where generations of settlers have built lives around mining and commerce. The story begins when Aaron Santoro and a friend are driving across the bleak mining landscape beyond the industrial towers. In a remote clearing, they discover an ancient pilgrim ship that has lain untouched for nearly one hundred years. The pilgrims, who once journeyed from Earth carrying silver, gold, and hope for a new beginning, have long since vanished into history. Among the eerie relics is something Santoro has never seen before, a printed book bearing the pilgrims’ distinctive cross. After reporting what appears to be an accident, the discovery seems destined to become another footnote in Callisto’s history. However, one year later, in Elm City, the moon’s largest settlement, Detective Becca Ramos gives Rusty a lift as they search for Santoro, now wanted for kidnapping. As the investigation unfolds, they recover the mysterious pilgrim book alongside Santoro’s belongings and discover Dave Hollis imprisoned in a cage. Each new clue points back to Santoro, yet everyone connected to him is either dead or has disappeared, transforming the investigation into an increasingly sinister puzzle.

Steve Niles masterfully constructs a mystery in which every revelation deepens the intrigue instead of providing easy answers. Aaron Santoro serves as the enigmatic center of the narrative, shifting from an ordinary surveyor to the focal point of an investigation that raises more questions than it answers. Becca and Rusty become determined investigators whose persistence drives the story forward, while Dave Hollis’ shocking discovery adds urgency and emotional weight. The novel explores themes of greed, isolation, faith, and humanity’s relentless pursuit of wealth, suggesting that some discoveries are far more dangerous than the fortunes they promise. Callisto itself becomes more than a backdrop; its desolate mining colonies, abandoned relics, and endless craters create an atmosphere of loneliness and unease that perfectly complements the unfolding mystery. Niles balances science fiction with supernatural overtones, allowing suspense to build steadily without sacrificing character development or emotional investment.

Andrea Mutti’s artwork is exceptional, capturing both the immense scale of the moon’s harsh landscape and the intimate moments of fear and uncertainty experienced by the characters. The expressive illustrations lend cinematic intensity to every page, while Lee Loughridge’s color palette reinforces the cold, industrial environment through muted tones punctuated by moments of striking visual contrast. Marshall Dillon’s lettering deserves equal praise, guiding the reader effortlessly through dialogue, narration, and tense action sequences while enhancing the story’s rhythm. Together, the creative team crafts a visually immersive experience that perfectly complements Niles’ measured pacing. Although the mystery deliberately withholds many answers until later in the narrative, the gradual unveiling of secrets creates sustained tension that encourages readers to continue turning pages.

Quill says: Callisto is a haunting and beautifully crafted science fiction thriller that successfully combines space exploration, detective fiction, and horror into a richly atmospheric reading experience. Readers who appreciate slow-burning suspense, eerie science fiction, and mysteries where every discovery uncovers an even darker secret will find Callisto an engrossing and rewarding graphic novel well worth exploring.

For more information about Callisto, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be An Astronaut

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1972766019

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 29, 2026

Do you have dreams of becoming an astronaut? If you do, the career guide So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules is the perfect book for young readers to start learning what it takes to become an astronaut. Within these pages, you will learn all the steps a future astronaut needs to take to earn the opportunity to fly on a mission into outer space.

Linda Soules has penned another informative career guide that young readers will relish. This book is jammed packed with information that presents the pros and cons of training to become an astronaut. One thing that was interesting was the fact that astronauts do many years of study before even being considered to go on a space mission. I never knew they must learn to scuba dive, handle emergencies, or even learn Russian. This book explained all those and more. They go through rigorous training because if they are chosen to go on a space mission, it is only them and the crew that will handle any situation that presents itself. Their training and the training of the other astronauts could potentially save their lives while in outer space.

Another interesting fact this reviewer learned was that the International Space Station is the size of a football field and it orbits 250 miles above Earth. The ISS conducts hundreds of experiments there because of the microgravity needed to obtain the correct and accurate results they need. It’s fascinating to think that a laboratory the size of a football field is orbiting above us.

The illustrations were created by the author using AI, and it is clear that Soules worked painstakingly on them to ensure that each image accurately complemented the accompanying written words. The illustrations are superb enough that the book requires a second, or even a third, reading, just to fully appreciate all of them!

Before turning to writing and publishing for children, Linda Soules spent twenty-five years in law and finance. In devoting that time to those fields, she has mastered how to present intricate topics in language that anyone can understand. This experience has helped her create the “So You Want To Be A…” series, and there are over 50+ books in this series to date.

Quill says: So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules is a career manual that children will relish reading again and again. They will learn the pros and cons of what it takes to become an astronaut and they will be able to decide if this career choice is the right one for them as they get older. There are plenty of facts to learn, suggested books for further reading, and even potential valuable training that children can begin doing now if they want to become astronauts in their future.

For more information about So You Want To Be An Astronaut, please visit the author’s website at: lindasoules.com

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1972766040

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: July 27, 2026

In So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, author Linda Soules invites middle-grade readers into the creative, highly collaborative world behind the screens of their favorite digital adventures.

Moving past the common childhood misconception that game design is simply playing games all day, Soules unpacks the actual craft: asking foundational "What if?" questions, writing design documents, building prototypes, and tuning fine mechanics until an interactive experience feels completely natural. From the high-energy environment of a game studio to the subtle art of playtesting and sound design, the book offers a transparent, eye-opening tour of what it truly takes to build virtual worlds from scratch.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats game design as an accessible blend of logic, storytelling, and empathy. Soules’s approach shows children that great design isn't about having a single genius idea, but about understanding human psychology – anticipating how players feel, how they learn without explicit tutorials, and why they choose to keep playing. The book demystifies complex concepts like systems thinking and math-driven mechanics (such as probability and loot drop balancing) by linking them directly to player experience. This gives the guide real weight and makes it approachable for young readers who might be curious about how their own favorite games function under the hood.

The accompanying visual elements are a strong companion to the narrative. The detailed scenes – depicting vibrant development studios, focused playtest sessions, and playful representations of iconic mechanics – feel alive and colorful, keeping the layout inviting for young eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the details: cozy desk setups with multiple monitors, sound designers smashing watermelons to create impact audio, and creative teams brainstorming around whiteboards. It creates an inspiring, welcoming mood that reinforces the book's core message: game design is an art form rooted in community and human connection.

So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for independent readers or for family discussion, pacing its insights smoothly through structured sections like "A Day in the Life," "The Hardest Parts of the Job," and "Things You Might Not Expect To Need." The inclusion of a clear glossary, fun historical trivia (like how Pac-Man and Tetris were created), and practical steps kids can take right now – such as designing paper board games or trying Scratch – ensures the book stays actionable rather than purely theoretical.

The idea of career guides for kids is not new, as many books explore modern technology professions. But what sets this apart is Soules's candor about iteration and failure; she emphasizes that early game versions are often disasters and that "cut content" is a normal, necessary part of the creative process. That gives the book authenticity and makes it more likely that kids will feel empowered when their own early projects or paper prototypes don't turn out perfectly on the first try.

Quill says: So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is an encouraging, highly informative guide that reminds young readers that every game they love was built by curious minds who started just like them. With rich illustrations and an empowering message about the value of creativity and iteration, it’s a book young creators will want to return to again and again.

For more information about So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, please visit the author's website at: lindasoules.com/

 #Bookreview of Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky

By: Peaches Murphy

Publisher: Masked Bandit Press

Publication Date: June 20, 2022

ISBN: 978-1739628703

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 24, 2026

Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky by Peaches Murphy is a tender and endearing story about friendship, courage, and the power of faith when things seem impossible.

The story revolves around a young boy named Sammy, who lives with his mother at the foot of the Arctic mountains. One night, he notices that the sky is completely dark outside and wonders what happened to the Northern Lights. When he asks his mother about it, she explains that only foxes can create sparks against the sky with their tails, but during cold winters they often run away, taking all the light with them. Without foxes, there can be no “sky fires.”

Sammy loved the Northern Lights so much that he frequently dreamed of catching a fox and bringing back the sky fires. One day, he meets a small, injured fox in the wilderness, who has become separated from his family. Sammy befriends him and names him Comet. The two of them start playing together and as they help one another overcome fear and uncertainty, they discover that the brightest kind of light actually comes from within, in the form of kindness, hope, and friendship.

The story unfolds slowly, allowing young readers to fully immerse themselves in its beautiful, wintry setting. The author masterfully balances moments of quiet reflection with small enchanting events, creating an atmosphere that feels both comforting and magical. Rather than relying on fast-paced action, the narrative invites readers to appreciate compassion, patience, and the joy of helping others.

The illustrations are undoubtedly one of the book's greatest strengths. The glowing aurora stretching across the sky, the snow-covered forests, and the soft silhouette of characters create a visually captivating experience that perfectly complements the story's gentle tone. The vibrant colors of the Northern Lights contrast beautifully with the pale Arctic landscape, evoking a sense of wonder that mirrors Sammy's dream. Each page feels like a painting, encouraging children to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature alongside the unfolding narrative.

Apart from the engaging plot, the book also has some educational value, as it introduces young readers to the extraordinary phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis and helps them develop a sincere appreciation for wildlife, nurturing their sense of wonder, curiosity and interest about the natural world. More importantly, it highlights universal themes of empathy, faith, friendship, perseverance, and selflessness. Sammy's willingness to care for Comet despite his own disappointment teaches children that acts of kindness often lead to unexpected rewards. The story gently reminds readers that dreams may come true, but sometimes only after we choose to help someone else first.

Quill says: Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky is a beautifully illustrated and heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, kindness, and the quiet magic found in nature, leaving young readers with a lasting sense of wonder and hope.

For more information about Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky, please visit the author's website at: peachesmurphy.com/

 #Bookreview of Can't Run with the Big Dogs

By: Tracy Carter

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

ISBN: 979-8317843557

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 23, 2026

Can't Run with the Big Dogs by Tracy Carter follows Veronica Kildare, the owner of Dogged Pursuit K-9, a dog training facility on the outskirts of Boulder, Colorado, and Leda, her six-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and standout search and rescue/drug detection dog.

The reader meets Veronica and Leda as they try to trace a student from a local university who is seen being abducted while walking down a sidewalk on the outskirts of Boulder. The reader is introduced to a criminal named Finnley, who is playing mind games using riddles, while claiming to have hidden the victim in the wilderness. The reader is made to understand that the search is a battle of wits between a human monster and a canine's natural talent, the latter of whom is framed as an infallible sensor. The reader can't wait for Leda to hit the trail and prove that the kidnapper's arrogance is no match for her nose.

The story then introduces Tommy Arnett, Veronica's lethal antagonist and the cause of indescribable trauma and grief in her life. Veronica recalls her previous career as a legal assistant for a county prosecutor in Ohio. Tommy was served with a restraining order but chose to kill the prosecutor, several of Veronica's co-workers, and her fiancé. But thanks to Leda, Veronica survived a gunshot wound and became the principal witness against him in his trial. Tommy recently broke out of the Ohio State Penitentiary and has killed even more people along his path to Veronica. Unlike Finnley, Tommy is a mass murderer, and he is cunning to the level where he even stages his own death. The reader knows that every moment Veronica and Leda spend on a search or a rescue mission is borrowed time, and that when Tommy finally strikes, he will be aiming at her very soul.

Carter emerges as a master in foreshadowing. For example, she makes repeated references to Tommy's survival, planting seeds for a possible return in later chapters of the book. And by stating that Veronica felt her insides churning with "the same pent-up anxiety that comes right before the roller coaster car plunges from its lofty peak to the bottom of the sickeningly steep hill," she effectively transforms Veronica's dread into a universally recognized physical experience, making the reader feel her helplessness and stomach-dropping plunge. Carter's world is not small; rather, it encompasses multiple threats operating simultaneously. By so doing, she shows that the protagonist's work never ends, ensures that her professional reputation is established through action, and that her assistant, Michael's skills, like Leda's, are not limited to a single domain. Readers will appreciate the power, the detail, and the significance she gives to small moments, such as in a chase where she doesn't just mention the chase, but also the gravel, which scatters like buckshot from beneath speeding tires. This great storytelling aspect mirrors the difference between reading about a meal and tasting it. That detail, among others, pulls readers deeper into the emotional experience while making them feel they are in the able hands of a writer who knows exactly what she is doing.

It is remarkable how Veronica's world is populated with a rich cast of supporting characters--each of whom is carefully crafted with distinct personalities, motivations, and roles. They include the aforementioned Michael, whose criminal justice training makes him effective in crisis, and Bob, Veronica's father, a thinker whose methodical approach readers will appreciate. Others include Tim, Ricardo, and Jenna, who do not emerge as mere decoration but as able pillars upon which the novel's resolution rests.

Quill says: With this story, readers will understand that multiple plot lines, full character arcs, and thematic development need space. The book's length helps develop all of these elements, while allowing it to deliver everything it promised at the beginning, including compelling mystery and thrilling action. The words by the protagonist, "Good riddance and burn in hell," point to a story that leaves readers satisfied after a journey that ends with hard-earned peace for a heroine and well-deserved judgement for a villain. This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven mysteries, especially those who love stories about the unbreakable bond between humans and their dogs.

For more information about Can't Run with the Big Dogs, please visit the author's website at: tracycarterbooks.com/