JACK BAILEY: REMEMBER THAT NAME!

How did Jack Bailey come about? For my story I wanted a hard-boiled detective type, but who was vulnerable and compassionate underneath his grumpy façade. Jack’s PTSD evolved to show how a trauma and repressed memories of the past can affect a person, and the necessity of coming to terms with one’s demons.

I wanted a crusty cop, but one who’s enigmatic. No one knows much about Jack, even after six years at the Richmond Police Department. Why does he never mention a family? Why are people afraid to ask?

The brooding expression of Liam Neeson is a model of Jack’s appearance. I also chose an Irish character to tie in with his Chicago roots and past family trauma. Perhaps another reason is I enjoyed visiting Ireland with its scenery, history, and of course, its pubs.

​My own reading preferences include a good ‘whodunnit’ with a take-charge cop who seems jaded, cynical, and downright grouchy, who solves crimes using good old-fashioned detective work with probing interrogations to arrive at a motive, suspect, and hopefully closure. I enjoy character-driven narratives as opposed to never-ending shoot-em-up scenes, explosions, police chases, that continue page after page.

I created Jack Bailey to be a voice for those who are victimized by stronger forces. In Bailey’s Law, Jack must face a tough decision which reaches the core of ethics, morality, justice, and compassion.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Jack Bailey and his co-workers in their quest to solve this small town crime.

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