If your books were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

I was asked this question as part of an author Q&A by a book reviewer recently, and it’s such a fun question to think about. For this month’s newsletter, I thought I’d share my responses.

(FYI, you can read the full interview here.) 

Parker Hanson, the former journalist turned private investigator at the center of my mystery series, is in his mid-40s, so maybe somebody like Jake Gyllenhaal would be a good choice to play him in the movie version of my books. He’s the right age and has the same “average guy” vibe as the main character.

Although she’s a little younger than I imagine the character of Amalia Velasquez to be, I think Isabela Merced would be a terrific choice to play Amalia, the ex-Army Ranger who saves Parker from certain danger. She has just the right “badass” quality (and experience), having played so many badass characters in shows like The Last of Us and movies like Superman.

For Callie Stewart, Parker’s girlfriend, I think Alicia Vikander would be a good choice, as they’re both dancers. For Kris Koskinen, Amalia’s girlfriend, maybe Bella Thorne? She’s been in relationships with women, and I associate her with fashion as well—and Kris is a very stylish dresser.

Finally, for Detective Frank Connor of the Concord Police Department, Parker’s friend and ally on the force, I think Mahershala Ali (and his quiet strength and integrity) would be perfect.

Who do you picture in these roles when you read the books? If you were casting these stories yourself, who would you choose and why? I’ve love to know what you think.