The Toe Tag Killer

M. Bauwens

Raelyn Brenner returns home to join her father's private investigation business, only to discover he's missing. His truck has been abandoned, his office is in disarray, and someone has wiped his passwords. Then a murdered woman is found beneath an orange tarp, with a toe tag tied to her foot. As Raelyn searches for answers, she uncovers connections to missing young women and a trail of secrets someone is desperate to keep buried. But Raelyn Brenner doesn't know how to walk away. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she draws the killer's attention.

About the Author

I'm M. Bauwens, an independent author of mysteries, suspense, and psychological thrillers. I love writing stories filled with secrets, complicated characters, and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing. My books include *Before She Was Mine*, *The Man She Dreamed*, and *The Toe Tag Killer*, the first book in my Raelyn Brenner series. When I'm not working on my next novel, I'm usually thinking about another mystery to unravel. I also enjoy connecting with readers and supporting fellow independent authors.

The Interview

What inspired you to write this book?

I've always enjoyed mysteries featuring characters who refuse to leave things alone, even when they probably should. Raelyn Brenner grew out of that idea. She's impulsive, stubborn, and doesn't always make the best decisions, but she's determined to find the truth. I wanted to write a series where the mysteries are important, but readers also get to know Raelyn and the people in her life as the story develops.

What was the most challenging part of writing it?

The biggest challenge was finding the right balance between the mystery and Raelyn's personal story. She's dealing with her father's disappearance while trying to figure out who she can trust. I wanted her reactions to feel real, even when she makes decisions readers might question. I also had to make sure the clues fit together without giving too much away too early. That's always a challenge when writing a mystery.

What are you working on next?

I'm continuing to work on the Raelyn Brenner series. Right now, I'm writing *A Private Matter*, a prequel told from her father Thomas Brenner's point of view. It takes readers back to when Raelyn was a little girl and Thomas was just starting his private investigation business. It's been interesting getting to know him better and exploring the events that shaped their lives before the series began.

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