Because I Live This Way

Karina McRoberts Author Interview


The Last Rays of Ra follows an Egyptologist from Yorkshire Moors who travels to Egypt to find a missing artifact that is believed to be linked to multiple crimes and murders in London. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?



All three locations have always entranced me.  Fortunately, I’ve been able to travel to each.  They all have history and atmosphere, so I put them together.  I know many readers will agree with me – fascinating places!



Your novel combines mystery, adventure, and horror elements. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?



I usually write this way.  Because I live this way.  There’s always plenty happening outside the square, so to speak.  It make for interesting stories



The character of Vahlona Selket Faralay is interesting and well-developed, making her likable and relatable. Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?



Vahlona’s backstory relates to elements in my own life and those close to me. I wanted to make her different – not your usual protagonist.



Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?



Now that I have these lovely characters and locations, I do want to write a serial. I hope readers will contact me and let me know if they’d like to read a continuation novel.   I need to deal with  the limitations of Vahlona’s health (many readers might relate this to long COVID and/or  post-viral Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  In her day, the medical profession just laughs at her.  Not too many are laughing now.



Also,  Randolph’s super-sensitivity. This really happened to a doctor friend of mine during a post-mortem.  



And Usire – did he really die???



There will, of course, be a new crime, and I will keep aspects of historical interest.  Ashara will develop further as a character in the next book.   She now has her “spirit house” and so does Vahlona, albeit they’re worlds away.



Author links: Website | Facebook | Twitter





SISTERHOOD’S ANSWER TO AGENT PENDERGAST Empathic Scotland Yard Detective Jackson Randolph is over-burdened by a series of bizarre murders. He enlists the aid of rogue Egyptologist Vahlona Selket Faralay, pleading with her to retrieve an ancient item linked to the crimes. Vahlona leaves her mysterious home in the Yorkshire Moors and travels to Egypt, where she braves misogynistic policemen, vicious wildlife, and manic terrorists in her quest to procure the artefact. The shadowy but alluring antiquities dealer Usire Ra Arakti provides the answer, but can Vahlona smuggle the prize out of Egypt and back to London before the madman resumes his killing spree? Thrilling suspense, horror, romance, and adventure await you in  The Last Rays of Ra . Check out the stunning trailer on YouTube!