Evidence of Murder Interview

Today we're welcoming Ryan Davidson, the hero of Evidence of Murder, by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, released in February 2009. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

A decade ago, I was a young college kid struggling for independence from an overbearing father. I didn’t see how my problems could get any worse . . . until I arrived home from spring term to find my whole family murdered. When new evidence suddenly surfaced in the unsolved case, you bet I leaped into the investigation with both feet. I knew good and well that nobody but me cared enough about the cold case to run a stone killer into the ground—if he didn’t get me first.

2. So, during the book you met Samantha Reid. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Oh, man, she’s a cutie, smart too. And gutsy and loyal, but I didn’t find that out until later. At first, I felt bad that I scared her. Our initial encounter wasn’t under the best of circumstances. But then I got a little angry that those big green eyes of hers made me feel like she was looking straight through me. That she could see everything I thought and felt. How could anyone have a clue? I had no idea how familiar she was with the devastation of violence, but that’s another thing I found out later. I knew I was a goner in love with this terrific lady when I thought I might lose her the same way I lost my family.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I’m an outdoorsman, even though I’m headquartered close to a city. And I’m a good businessman. I’ve combined the two skills into a houseboat rental outfit that gives me the nomadic lifestyle that keeps me aloof from emotional entanglements with other people. Most folks would say the fear of emotional entanglements—and the potential for devastating loss—is probably my greatest weakness, though I’ve often figured at it as a strength. Sam had a lot of work to do to change my mind.

4. What scares you?
See the above answer.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

We’ve already talked about my biggest fear, so I guess it would be my tendency to let anger shoot off my mouth for me.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I’m a backslidden believer. I was already questioning my childhood faith as a college kid, but what I found when I came home that awful night turned me away from God. I figured if He was real, He sure didn’t care about me or my family.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

I decided to stop judging God for the evil actions of people. Sam’s faith helped me believe again that God loves me, no matter what happens.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant?

Nothing man or devil can do can separate us from the love of God, as long as we don’t allow it. That knowledge makes all the difference to me.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

I must be apple pie. Honest, homegrown, nothing fancy about me. But I figure I’ve got the kind of substance that will stick with you for a while.

Sounds like a great read. Thank you Jill for sharing Ryan with us.