Ann Harrison asked Mike Nappa:

What was the inspiration behind the Coffey and Hill series, aside from the Edgar Allan Poe poems?

Mike Nappa Hi Ann - thanks for your question. It's been so long ago that I honestly don't remember the starting point, I think maybe I was intrigued by the character of "Dog," or I'd read something about codes being passed in classified ads? I'm not sure. What I do remember was that I'd started Annabel Lee as part of a contract for a Simon and Schuster imprint, and then they told me to stop because they weren't going to publish suspense anymore. So I quit writing fiction. Until one day my wife asked, "What happened with that girl and the German Shepherd?" I reminded her that the book had been canceled, and she said, "I don't care. I want to know what happened. Write that book next." So I said no it's a waste of time and money blah blah blah. And she tilted her head at me and said, "I'm going to pray God changes your mind." I laughed and kept working on something else. Until, two nights later, I couldn't sleep because ideas for Annabel Lee kept me awake. And then EVERY SINGLE NIGHT for about two weeks I couldn't sleep because of that stupid story. So finally I said to God, "OK, I'll write down some ideas so I don't forget in case someday I write this." Next thing I knew I'd written about 100 pages and had to admit to my wife that she was right and I was wrong. That book went on to become a bestseller, and the first of a three-book series. Probably more than you wanted to know, but hopefully it answers your question. Thanks.

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