A Fatal Flaw

A Fatal Flaw is my most recent romantic suspense. Set in Tampa, Florida it tells the story of Kerensa Mawgan, who has come from her native Cornwall, to try and trace her father. The quest is full of danger, as Kerensa has discovered that her recently dead mother shot her father. When Ned Rochester steps into help she is doubtful about letting him be involved. Ned is a cop! However, reluctantly she accepts his offer of help but Ned opens a can of worms and brings danger to Kerensa and himself.

A Fatal Flaw has had some very good reviews, not least by Dee Dailey of the Romance studio and is currently the No. 3 best seller at Whiskey Creek Press.

"Margaret Blake pens a tale that shows a great contrast between people who have everything and those who make something of their lives the hard way. The Logan family may have everything money can buy but Kerensa, Ned, and others show grit and courage money can't buy. The good guys grow on us even with their quirks and idiosyncrasies. The villain is as despicable as they come, sometimes being vicious just because he can.
Throughout the book Ms. Blake weaves a sweet love story with the suspense even though it's probably doomed from the start. Ned and Kerensa are from two different worlds an ocean apart. That doesn't stop them from developing feeling for one another no matter how hard they fight it. Ned's Dad is a great contrast to Campbell Logan's father. He may be flawed but we keep hoping he may grow through it. I like this author's style. It seems like she's writing about real people in situations that could happen. Scenarios come alive as do the people with her use of dialogue and situations that help us know them better. This is well worth reading. Dee Dailey"

A Fatal Flaw is the second novel I have set in Florida. My first attempt at catching the essence of Florida was A Poisoned Legacy, published in hardback by British Publisher Robert Hale Limited.
www.halebooks.com
www.thebookdepository.com

You might wonder why I write about Florida, being a UK writer, however I come to Florida as frequently as I can my son, his lovely wife and my grandchildren live in the Tampa Bay area, and I have come to love Florida very much. I have been to Florida in spring, summer, autumn and winter and don’t have a favourite season; I love Florida in all its aspects. What’s not to love, laid back life style, generally lovely weather, and a beautiful lush landscape, and don’t get me started on those beaches.

Florida appeals to my senses, to be sight and to my hearing, I just love that Southern accent. Ooh it makes my toes curl, if you know what I mean.


Both my heroes, Ned Rochester and Jesse Crane are Florida boys, and each a bundle of fun and sex appeal in their own distinctive ways. Families are important to me, but mostly I write about the dysfunctional ones, it is quite challenging and strange for
me because I come from a very stable background.
Kerensa and Belinda, my heroine from A Poisoned Legacy, both come to love Florida and the men they meet up with. Neither is very hard to do!

I hope you enjoy the extract from A Fatal Flaw, perhaps it will whet your appetite, I do hope so.
Prologue
She was standing by the window, her arm hanging down at her side, a gun held limply in her right hand. The still hot handle of the gun burned into her palm like a branding iron. Irrationally she thought of the cliché, a smoking gun in her hand
Through the huge plate glass window she watched the rain beating against the pane beading – saw it pouring water, like tiny waterfalls, down the glass. Furiously it bashed the colourful plants and dripped from the pine tree.
In the distance she heard the wail of sirens. The police. Tucking the gun in her waistband she took from her pocket a remote control, activated it and the plate glass window slid open. Stealthily she slipped through it, pausing only to zap it closed behind her. The cops would not be able to activate the window without the remote. It would give her more time.
The ground was boggy, her feet slid in up to her ankles; wading through the mess she reached the edge of the lake, it was the only way to leave. Swim the lake, get to the other side. The streets would be too risky, she could be seen by neighbours, or even run into the police. The lake seemed the best bet though she knew an alligator rested in its murky depths. She remembered it as a small one, still it could do her damage and who was to say another had not moved in.
Alligator, police? It was no contest. She waded into the water, shocked at how chilly it felt against her bare legs. When it was deep enough she struck out and started to swim.
Somehow the blood was pounding through her, a charge of adrenalin combined with fear, giving her the ability to cut through the water; she was swimming like she was Esther Williams. Now and again something slimy slid between her legs, or snaked down her legs, only fear motivated her to keep moving. If it was slimy and not hard it was not going to be a huge reptile with a gigantic appetite.
Reaching the other side, she slid up the muddy bank, almost sliding back down the thick oozing mud and into the water. Gripping the thick glutinous stuff, she dragged herself on her belly, not even getting up when she reached soggy grass. She crawled and slithered like a snake until she reached the dense wood, then rolled into its welcoming cover.
The woods were thick with ground cover as well as tall trees; wild prickly plants tore at her legs. A warm wetness started to drip down to the inside of her trainer. Touching her leg she realized she had cuts and the dripping wetness was blood. As she stood a spiteful, thorn covered branch tore into her long hair.
It was so dark in the wood, she doubted she would find her way; there were swamps to be avoided and the rain and starless sky did not help. Looking back, peering through the trees she saw a shaft of light. The cops had reached the house; they had gone in and turned on all the lights. It was the impetus she needed. Florida still had the death penalty. She had to get away; there was no turning back…ever!

Thank you so much for stopping by do leave a comment, it will be so nice to hear from you.

Ciao, Margaret.