Indictments
by Barbara Winkes
Released: Jan 15, 2026
Genre: Suspense
Why this book and why now?
I wrote a first draft of the book a while ago, and mostly I wanted Jordan and Ellie to confront the questions that arise for them when they are dealing with vigilantes. It actually *wasn’t* inspired by recent events, though as I was editing it, I realized it could easily have been. Readers will know!
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Jordan and Ellie have been around the longest, over ten years and 18 books, so I think yes! I all seriousness, they would be the kind of people I’d be comfortable hanging out with because I know them well by now.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
To be honest, I often go with what sounds and feels right, so it’s often a bit vague at the beginning of a book, but again, these two have been around for a while…At this point, when I read those first names in a book, I can’t help imagining them.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Getting out a new Carpenter/Harding is always especially exciting, because this series reflects so much about the dream come true of being an author. I’ve always loved serial characters in crime fiction as a reader, and the fact that readers come back for every new book, or others try one and then dive right in, is still pure magic to me.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Right now? Just like my wife and I, they would have arrived in the land of streaming, so probably shows like Ballard, All Her Fault, Under the Bridge.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Ellie would cry her eyes out over Atmosphere. No doubt about it.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Still Jordan. We can chill out a little, but we remain cautious. Ellie’s stubbornly optimistic attitude is in her nature. Some of us have to work at it. 😉
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Angie Harmon, Aubrey Dollar. IYKYK.
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
I think they’re acting in a way that is not surprising if you’re familiar with them, but I look forward to hearing from readers about this question!
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Just one? I’d love it if my wife and I could hang out with them at the SEVEN. Get material for the next 18 books!
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Defying Gravity, because 1) they just saw Wicked as a family, and 2) because every solved case is a breakthrough.
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
Cheesecake! Jordan’s favorite, even before it became a pregnancy craving – and she never lost the appetite for it. Also a candidate: The apple pie from the D&T.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I outline with some detail, then start writing and inevitably write myself in a corner at some point. Then I revisit my outline, rinse, repeat. But usually there is enough room for a few twists and turns!
What are you currently reading?
Stay by Michelle Arnold.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Too many to name! (This is not a copout, I swear). I’m highly introvert, but in a one-on-one situation, I’d do okay (this is why you rarely to never see me in group situations), and there are so many I’d love to sit down with and discuss books, writing, publishing…
