These are just a few of the comments I heard when people found out my first novel was only the first in what I hope is a long lasting series. I don't blame the people who said those things. I'm very picky when it comes to reading any series of novels. If I know ahead of time the book will be part of a series I might decide to read the book even if each book leaves me with more questions than answers, but only if it makes sense for parts to continue. I've enjoyed most of the series I've read. The ones I don't enjoy are the ones that seem to only be continued so the reader is forced to buy other books just so the author can sell yet more books. I think this is the worst thing any author can do as part of their marketing plan.
     No one reading my books should ever feel cheated. The detectives will be assigned a case, search for clues, interview witnesses, interrogate suspects, and make an arrest all within the pages of the same book. I'll never end a book without revealing the name of the criminal and their motivations for their crimes. In this way, you'll never be faced with a cliff hanger. If you tried to choose the killer, you'll know if you're still a rookie or an ace investigator when the truth is revealed on or before the last page.
     So why do I consider my novels a series? Just as with the crime dramas you might watch on television, the main characters will be the same from one book to the next. Sure, I might add new people as I go or even write some others out of the story. The personnel of a police department changes over time. People are hired and fired, get promoted or retire, and other such things. My books reflect real life.
     Besides the characters, some of the subplots will continue. Life doesn't begin and end within the few days or weeks a team works an investigation. It also extends beyond the workplace. My stories are not just about the crimes, but also about the life beyond the badge. Even the police battle their fears and doubts, grow old, have children, celebrate holidays, and do the other things other people do. These are the types of events and situations which continue from one book to the next.
     I've attempted to begin and end each story in such a way that readers don't have to buy another book. It's my hope that people continue to read because they enjoy each story individually. Hopefully I succeeded in writing the stories so they each can stand alone and be read in any order, although it makes the most sense to do so in their published order.