The Face of Deceit Interview

Today we're welcoming Mason DuBroc the hero of The Face of Deceit by Ramona Richards, September. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

Thank you, cheré. I am most proud to be your guest. I apologize in advance if I clip you a bit with my hands. They tend to fly about when I’m talking.

Yes, an adventure it was, one I wasn't convinced we would survive.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
I am an art crime investigator by profession, art historian by training. Born in Louisiana; my father was Cajun, but I travel a lot investigating art thefts and vandalism. I had come to the Jackson's Retreat writer’s colony to work on my next book, but when I saw Karen’s vases in a window, I became totally fascinated by her work. I had to know more. Her vases, of course, turned out to be clues in something much bigger – a murder.


2. So, during the book you met Karen O’Neill. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
Her vases made the first impression, and I saw them in a gallery. “Face vases.” They were brilliant, just brilliant, a unique design with these gorgeous flowing colors and a starkly distinctive face on one side. Immediately, I knew this was a creative, passionate person. I had to meet her. I went to her home and found her up to her elbows in wet clay, this dazed look on her face. I knew in that moment I had to know her better.

Love. Ah, that grew from our friendship. I think I knew before she did, especially when that monster began to threaten her. I realized I didn't want to live without her, that I wanted to be the man who deserved her love.


3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
Ah, we are all human, are we not? I think my strength is also my weakness. I can be very, shall we say, focused. It allows me to pursue great things, but I can also get a little blind to the world around me when I do.


4. What scares you?
Losing Karen.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Hm . . . I used to want to be James Bond, but I’d probably shoot myself in the foot. So suave, that one. I’d like to be suave, but my mother once told me I was too much like my father to be a ladies man. The DuBroc men tend to love intensely, to the end. I may stumble over my own hiking boots, but I’ll always catch my lady when she falls.



6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
Lukewarm, unfortunately. I believed in Jesus Christ as my Savior, just not openly or very well informed.


7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
That’s where my Karen comes in. Her faith is so solid, she brought me around, just by her example, her steadfastness.
In her I finally saw a deep faith that sustains.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Psalm 5 has long been seen as a prayer for those who are weary from life’s battles. It is a prayer of David’s when he was under great duress from his enemies. And verse 3 is an incredible reminder that even in the midst of trials, our God is a prayer-answering God. He answered David, and He will answer our pleas.


9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
Tiramisu, I think. Yes, a little sweet, a little tangy, a bit exotic. Ha! There’s another answer for number 5! I’d like to be more exotic!

Thank you Ramona for sharing Mason with us. He is a very interesting character and makes me eager to read your story.