Lost Girls Club
by Kate Merrill
Released: May 15, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Why this book and why now?
The problem of lost and missing girls in the United States is worse now than ever. Detective Red Calendar takes on the case of a teeenager missing for twenty-five years.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
Originally the whole concept of Detective Red Caendar began about ten years ago, when I was still publishing M/F romantice suspense. When I came to my senses and began writing my truth as a lesbian, Red evolved into a lesbian and her life on my pages began, first in cameo appearances in the Amanda Rittenhouse series.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I would get along famously with Red, because like me, she is an older, somewhat world-weary woman–a little bit shy and awkward in social situations, sometimes feeling unworthy. I have been luckier in love, I’m not nearly so physically brave, but I am driven to achieve. I would be unlikely to date her; we are too much alike. But I would strive to be her friend.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
RED, of course, refers to my detective’s hair color, Red will never, ever reveal the real name she despises–it shall remain a mystery.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Like Jess, Red’s love interest, I have been a real estate broker and lover of art.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
SPECTACULAR!
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
Lost and abused girls is a tough subject, so there is sorrow as well as joy. It is more a love story, than an explicit sex story. But if you are looking for a complex mystery and suspense, it’s your kind of book.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Jess’s daughter, Ronnie excels at lacrosse, a sport that scares me to death.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
British TV series UNFORGOTTEN featuring detectives (like Red) solving decades-old murders.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
anything in Katherine V. Forrest’s Kate Delafield series
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Red would want her lover, Jess, Ronnie, Jess’s daughter, and her Glock
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Quiet evening alone with take-out Chinese. Jack Daniels for Red, Cabernet sauvenogn for Jess, and early to bed.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Red for her vulnerable personality, Jess for her real estate profession and pragmatic approach to life.
Were there any scenes that surprised you as you wrote?
Yes, the climax scene in New Orleans and the magical quality that emerged.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Red was most fun because of her contradictions. Rick Molerno, her police partner, because he is such a macho man, it’s hard to relate–even though he has appeared in many of my books.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Red- Mariska Hargitay Jess- Laurel Holloman
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
Red, because after years with Gina, she was brave enough to try again with Jess
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Red- I would follow her around the police station and get to know my own characters better.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Red would always choose Jack Daniels, and I’d be right there with her.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Moby- One of These Mornings (for the haunting “Ill be gone” pathos in the tone and lyrics
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
sandalwood
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
Loose outline including plot twists, inflection points and ending–then let it flow
Were there any books, movies, or personal experiences that influenced this story?
I am always influenced by the character-driven British police procedurals
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I write with pencil on lined paper in a comfortable chair one chapter at a time. Then edit each chapter as I type it on my laptop. Then polish the finished copy line by line.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
Mainstream British and American suspense novels
What are you currently reading?
Port Sterling Mystery series in order by Kay Jennings
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Ann Cleeves
