Killer Dead, Victim Alive is my new psychological thriller, and the second book in The Serial Killer Anthology following The Deadly Samaritan. It is available now in ebook or paperback — or you can read it for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Gwen Seward is an important character in the book. You can learn a little about her below.

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At 34, two years older than Mollie, Gwen Seward came from a wealthy and influential background that she knew was quite different from Mollie’s. Whereas Mollie, the police detective, was wrenches and the garage, Gwen, the attorney, was strategy and the boardroom. Polished, professional, and even in jeans, carrying a gravitas that extended beyond her attorney creds.

Her parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth Seward, were also successful professionals: Jonathan, an attorney and occasional in-demand political consultant, and Elizabeth, a management consultant. They lived in Baldwin Hills and provided Gwen with every opportunity to succeed. She attended Brentwood High School, where she excelled academically and athletically. She went on to Stanford University, both for undergraduate and law school, where she fine-tuned her passion for civil rights.

After meeting at the party, Gwen and Mollie started spending a significant amount of time together, going out to dinner, walking the stairs in Santa Monica and Baldwin Hills, talking and getting to know each other, and then getting away for weekends together. Gwen knew things were moving quickly, and although it was unlike her, she was excited by it. Four months later, they moved in together into Mollie’s small house at 24^th and Idaho in Santa Monica, which she had inherited from her parents when they passed away.

The early months were a breeze. Mollie met and got to know Gwen’s family, and the relationship grew and strengthened daily.

Their initial connection was solid, and they formed a loving and supportive relationship. Everything was going in a positive direction, and they soon discussed marriage and having a family. However, as time passed, the stark differences in their backgrounds and the challenges of balancing their demanding careers began to strain their relationship.

Mollie’s modest upbringing sometimes clashed with Gwen’s privileged background, leading to misunderstandings and frustrations about finances, politics, and civic responsibilities. Gwen actively volunteered for and financially supported every cause. And she thought Mollie went out of her way – beyond her job – to avoid civic opportunities. The pressures of their respective professions further added to the tension; each was successful in her career and taking on more responsibilities.