Romantic Suspense MISSED CONNECTION with Michael Laimo

New York City Fashion Executive Peter Delmonico has had a rough life. Physically abused by his father as a child, and mentally abused by his wife as an adult, he sees no choice but to let his inner demons guide him through life. Obsessed with photography for as long as he can remember, he takes a detour one afternoon into NYC’s Bryant Park, where he snaps a photo of a beautiful woman who bumps into him, and then kisses him, only to vanish into the crowd as mysteriously as she appeared. Determined to bring true love into his life, Peter sets out on a journey throughout Manhattan to find her, his only real lead the photo he took of her in his camera.

Michael Laimo recently sat down with The Big Thrill to discuss his latest romantic suspense, MISSED CONNECTION.

Michael Laimo

A novel is such a major undertaking; there’s the writing of it, of course, then you’re spending months and months revising, polishing, and then promoting it. How did you know this was the book you wanted to spend the next couple of years on?

It was a challenge switching genres, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. It was hard work over a three-year period, but I am happy now with the result!

Can you pinpoint a moment or incident that sparked the idea for this book?

I’d taken a break from writing, but after watching/reading You by Carolyn Kepnes, I wanted to try writing my own erotic thriller from the first-person perspective of an anti-hero.

Were there any particular books, movies, or songs that were knocking around in your head while you were writing this one?

You by Carolyn Kepnes, Tell No One by Harlan Coben, Diary by Chuck Palahniuk

When you first created your protagonist for this book, did you see an empty space in crime lit that you wanted to fill? What can you share about the inspiration for that character?

I wanted my MC to be unlikable at first, which was easy to do, but soon good reason emerges for his warped outlook on life and love, and even though he grows into the story’s anti-hero, I am hopeful readers will feel sorry for him in the end.

In addition to a great read, what do you hope readers will take away from this story?

I’m hopeful I can stir up multiple emotions that run the gamut, from being annoyed to being surprised to ultimately finding enjoyment in the end.

What can you share about what you’re working on next?

The sequel to MISSED CONNECTION!