Jim Toner's "The Purity Ring Murders"

Title:The Purity Ring Murders

Publisher: Authorhouse

Cover Blurb: The murder of Marie Chauvet still haunts Gil Leduc three years later. The sixteen year-old accompanies his girlfriend Jan Barrio and her family to Toronto where Jan's father, a Niagara Falls police officer, attends a conference. Gil and Jan hope to spend time with April Ames, an aspiring model.

The two teens agree to meet her one morning at the North York Centre. Upon arrival they hear April scream. Someone dressed like a Shiite Muslim is ready to shoot April. Gil and Jan try to prevent the shooting, but the person shoots at them before shooting April.

Jan tries to save April, but it's too late. Soon another murder follows. As the teens search for the killer, they uncover a few battling questions: Why is Ramona Gonzales, a college friend of Jan's mother, not returning phone calls? Why is Peter Bartholomew, a teacher at the teens' high school who's been accused of inappropriate conduct with minors, really in Toronto? Who is the young man Gil has seen at both the murders of Marie Chauvet and April Ames? Will they find out before it's too late?

1) How did this story come to you?
The story came to me through reading about the modeling industry. It's an industry which promises much, but so many young models end up dead. It's a very competitive industry. I wanted to emphasize the message of sexual purity. The modeling industry is a difficult place for a young lady to remain sexually pure.

Also, we often read in the newspapers or see in the news these days about inappropriate conduct between teachers or coaches and their students. This novel also touches that topic.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had previously written Under the Blood, which also features Gil Leduc and Jan Barrio. My readers wanted another book. While writing the book, I changed the title a few times. I also had help from two different writers at Write! Canada.

3) The three things that would surprise my readers the most are as follows:
a) I had a date with the lady who seven years later would get crowned Miss Buffalo 1995.
b) Aerosmith was once my favorite rock band.
c) In kindergarten I could name all presidents from George Washington to Richard Nixon in order.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm currently working on the third novel in the Gil Leduc series. I'm also writing some short stories.

5) Parting comments?
I wouldn't want to write any other type of fiction, but YA fiction. It's challenging, yet fun.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My fans can contact me at JimToner6@aol.com. I'm also at www.filedby.com/JimToner  and www.Facebook.com/jim.toner1