Abandoned by MHR Geer
Setting someone up for murder is a complicated way to get revenge — no matter what the circumstances. But is that what’s happening in the second book of author MHR Geer’s Anne Wilson Thriller Series, Abandoned?
It’s an understatement to say that Anne Wilson has a complicated relationship with her old friend Sandy Brown. But when Sandy sends over a test saying “Trouble. Can you come?” Anne leaps into action — only to discover that a man has been strangled with a rope from Sandy’s boat, and that Sandy’s been arrested for the crime. Has Sandy been framed, or did her and Anne’s friendship just fracture for good?
MHR Geer sat down with us to talk all things Abandoned — her focus on Anne and Sandy’s relationship, what she hopes readers will take away from the book and what might be in store for Anne Wilson this year.
Q: Congratulations on the release of Abandoned! What first inspired you to pen a sequel to Assumed?
A: The story of Anne and Sandy’s complex friendship couldn’t be told in one book. Sandy has more secrets to share, and Anne is once again stuck cleaning up the mess Sandy leaves behind.
Q: You made quite the leap from studying Physics to becoming an author. What drew you to the writing world? And do you find that your past studies influence your work?
A: While I enjoy the structure and rules of physics, I relish the creativity of writing. I’ve always written. I journaled for years before I began to write Anne’s story. After doing math all day (my day job), all I want to do is create something. I knit and macrame and garden, and I write. I feel like it keeps me balanced.
Q: Let’s talk about your main character, Anne Wilson. How is she dealing with the events of the previous book?
A: Anne is still struggling to come to terms with Sandy’s secret. I enjoy writing Anne’s character so much. She’s damaged and self-conscious, but she also has a strong, stubborn streak.
Q: What’s your writing process like? And did you notice any differences between writing a first book versus a second?
A: I’m not sure I have a writing process. With a more than full time job and two kids, I write wherever I am. In the car (when I’m not driving) or at soccer practice. Some days I write five thousand words, and some days I write three! The biggest difference between writing Assumed and writing the sequel was that I already knew Anne’s character while I was writing Abandoned. I didn’t have to spend as much time getting to know her – although she still surprises me with her impulsive decisions!
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Abandoned?
A: The main theme of the series is the friendship between Anne and Sandy. After everything Sandy has done in the past, Anne still tries to find a way to forgive her. That idea of loyalty in the face of so much pain and loss is fascinating. I never formed strong friendships until college because we moved so much when I was a child. Since then, I’ve learned to value friendships. They’re precious.
Q: Is there another book planned for the Anne Wilson Thriller series?
A: Yes! The third book in the series is coming out in 2024.
About MHR Geer:
MHR Geer was born in California but raised in the Midwest. After studying physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she started a bookkeeping business. MHR enjoys reading suspense and is always delighted with an unexpected twist. Assumed was her debut novel. She lives in Ventura, CA, with her two sons and her unicorn husband (because he’s a magical creature.) Visit www.mhrgeer.com.
