Frequently Asked Questions
Is the series complete?
It is! Check out the acknowledgements in A Black and Solemn Silence for the story of how and when the novels were written. I can’t wait to hold all the books in my hands!
Do you have a newsletter? What do I get if I sign-up?
I do! Click here to sign up over at SendFox. Subscribers will have access to the latest news and updates, and more importantly, exclusive content (like ARCs and bonus scenes).
What genre is the Color by Numbers series?
Dark urban fantasy with strong romantic elements. Ultimately, all of the characters are motivated by love – even if they don’t know it yet – but the series is not a strict romance.
What romantic pairings are featured in the series?
MF, MM, FF, and NB-M.
Is the romance open or closed door?
Mostly open door, and wide open door for Pale Yellow Starlight and The Gray Mists of Morning. Please be sure to check the content advisories for those books, as those books feature a dark romance that may not be suitable for all readers.
Is there a HEA?
Well, that’s tough to answer without giving away spoilers, so I’ll say this: I sincerely consider the final series ending a ‘happily ever after,’ but it’s an unconventional resolution, and parts of the journey to get there are going to really, really hurt. That being said, I’m a big believer in true love, and I ultimately want happy endings in the stories I read…and write.
Where can I find content advisories for each book?
They are placed under the summary on each book's page on this Web site. Please feel to reach out to me if you'd like further information regarding a content advisory if you're not sure if something is right for you at this time or not. Book pages will be added upon release of each novel.
Why is the series name ‘Color by Numbers?’
Beginning in the 1960s and continuing through the early 1980s, author John D. MacDonald wrote a series of pulp detective novels that each featured a different color in the title. Fans of the series (like myself) lovingly refer to it unofficially as ‘The Coloring Book series.’ One of the novels is A Tan and Sandy Silence; the title of A Black and Solemn Silence is an allusion to that work’s title, and I knew I wanted to follow the conceit of having a color in every title, particularly because every kitsune featured is a specific color. So, where does the ‘numbers’ part come in? You might have done a color-by-numbers painting as a child; I know I did. The motif of numbers plays a major role in my series; if you’ve read through A Splash of Burgundy, you’ll probably suspect why, and if you’ve read through A Bright and Living Green, you’ll for sure know why. Hence, the name!
What’s your favorite book in the series?
That’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is! Anyways, it’s Pale Yellow Starlight.
Can the series be read in any order?
No; each book builds upon the last and features the same characters slowly unraveling a greater mystery as their conflicts grow and their paths collide.
Why isn’t there an About the Author section?
I wish I was interesting enough to warrant an About the Author section, but I promise you, I’m not. Sometimes I get daring and have a cup of coffee after 3 p.m.