Drawing on her Journalism degree from the University of Colorado and her research skills, Karen created Jo Walker and her immigration investigation. Karen also drew from the following real-life sources:

• Retired Navy SEAL and author Clint Emerson who wrote 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative's Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation
• A family relative who taught her how to pick locks
• Sisters in Crime writing association and Colorado chapters, especially Zoom meetings during COVID

In her novel, Karen Starkins gives Jo Walker the courage, skills, and tenacity she needs to fight for justice. Let's join her!