Spotlight & Giveaway: Blood in the Cradle by Cobie LaJeanne

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Cobie LaJeanne to HJ!

Hi Cobie and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Blood in the Cradle!

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

Blood in the Cradle follows a young homicide detective named Chloe Van Belle who has
synesthesia and tastes cinnamon sugar at the sight of death. She is given a case with her
new partner, Detective Esker Barns, of a little girl who is found dead inside Halpin
River’s angel-worshipping cult–where Chloe’s half-sister, Rosie, is engaged to the
Reverend’s son who is gearing up to take over. As Chloe investigates, Rosie’s faith
wavers, and both of them are caught in the middle of a grisly case and tested to their
limits.
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

Chloe wanted this to end but wanted it to begin again. An endless circle of odd
desires she couldn’t fight if she tried. But it was like this in every case, wasn’t it? One ended, and another started.
A corpse would always find its way into the incinerator—or the plush wooden
casket, where people would gush over how wonderful someone was, even if they weren’t.
Often, those same people didn’t care.
Over and over and over again.
The only thing promised was the cold, hard ground and its writhing, flesh-eating
inhabitants. If you were lucky, you ended up on someone’s mantle.
***
Death made her high in the most exhausting way.
***
If you are taught all your life that angels walk among you, in actual flesh, bones,
and blood, how the hell do you know who is lying?

What inspired this book?

Blood in the Cradle was inspired by my own deconstruction, along with the death of a
little girl in California, where a church used the child’s parents to sing and dance around
on stage in hopes of resurrecting the child. It’s also inspired by my own draw to the
macabre which I’ve had since I was a young girl. It was only as an adult that I started to
understand it.

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

My characters mean the absolute world to me. I feel honored that I got to write their story
and that they helped me process a lot of things in my own life. I think the most surprising
thing about Chloe is how the more she developed in the story, the more I healed from
certain traumas. She was, and is, my gateway toward healing. I strongly feel like getting
to know her was discovering pieces of myself that needed examined and weighed. I did a
lot of character development through character interviews, character blueprints, and
free writing work.

What was your favorite scene to write?

It is so hard to pick just one! I think that if I have to choose, it’s the autopsy scene. I took
extra care to make sure it was precise and that I did it justice. I wanted to highlight the
horrors of a child murder and really push myself to portray it as horrible. A lot of thrillers
skip over the actual horrors and I wanted to make sure that Lillian Finney’s death wasn’t
portrayed as flowers and rainbows but gruesome, sad, and more accurate to real life.

Lillian’s fingers were gray, driving home the fact that she would never hold her
mother’s hand or roll Play-Doh in her palm again. She wouldn’t be told to wash before
dinner after playing outside in the mud or beg to wear her mother’s makeup, picking out
the brightest colors from the palettes like other little girls. Not anymore. Never again.
“I’m going to start if you don’t mind.” McDavey frowned, her voice weary.
When she pulled the sheet back to display the rest of Lillian’s pallid body, Chloe
studied the little girl’s face. Hazy. Glassy. Empty.
Red spots marked the sclera. A purple-red color rimmed the child’s eyes, probably
from crying and screaming. Lillian’s lips were flaky. Her tiny ears marbled. The once
beautiful white hair appeared ghastly under the harshness of the spotlights. McDavey
took care to tuck it behind Lillian’s ears and shoulders. Tiny stud earrings glittered on her
earlobes. Her mouth hung slack, jaw against her neck.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

The autopsy scene was definitely difficult to write but I also think Rosie’s tea party was
hard to write, as well. I really had to push myself in both of those scenes and slow down
to get the details right.

A tea party awaited on the intricate lace tablecloth her stepmother had given her.
Curiosity chafed the urge to run away. Heart pounding in her ears, Rosie stepped
forward, her attention sharp on the rose-gold tea set on the table. She swatted one fly and
then another. Her eyes trailed to the teacup placed on a mat at her normal spot.

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

I think this book definitely showcases my writing style! It’s contemporary with a bit of a
gothic feel and the prose can be a bit lyrical, especially when you look at Chloe’s inner
dialogue.
 

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

I want people to know that they aren’t alone. That they are strong and even when they
come to a breaking point, they have what it takes to free themselves from their past. This
book is largely about death and what happens when religion is taken too far, but it’s also
about found family, unconditional love, and pulling yourself out from dark places.
 

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m currently working on Halpin River Book 2 (working title is Sins in the Dark) and
another secret project while I wait for the next step in development edits.
 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: An ebook copy of BLOOD IN THE CRADLE + one additional Tule ebook of the winner’s choice

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Excerpt from Blood in the Cradle:

CHAPTER ONE

Chloe

Monday, July 10, 06:00

Chloe Van Belle had shattered too many windows and now she had to face the consequences. She puffed her cheeks as she slid her ID card through the security lock and entered the main corridor of the police station. The familiar static of the radios echoed down the hall. Neon shapes danced in her vision in a beautiful display—her synesthesia was a comfort on most days, but this morning it didn’t keep her anxiety at bay.

A single light beamed from the chief’s office, casting an unusual darkness over the bullpen for a Monday morning. Chloe had always managed to stay on Chief Trimble’s good side, but despite solving a murder and rescuing a teenager, her last case had caused more trouble than usual. Multiple lawsuits had followed, and Halpin River wasn’t the kind of city that could waste its budget on legal battles. She wouldn’t normally be in this early, but Trimble had requested her presence for the morning roll call.

Unable to deal with the dimness, she flipped the light switch, illuminating the bullpen. Her eyes burned, and officers squinted as they adjusted from the blue of their computer screens to the harsh yellow artificial box fixtures.

“Detective Van Belle,” one officer said with a nod.

“Good to see ya, Detective,” another added, grinning as she passed. Chloe stopped short when she spotted Detective Blaze Nelson leaning against an empty desk, arms crossed.

“You’re not supposed to be back until next week,” Chloe said. She stepped closer. He’d been on vacation, but judging by the mischievous look on his face, he’d planned on returning early this entire time.

“Aren’t you happy to see me, Van Belle?” Nelson smirked. If it weren’t for the crowd of onlookers, she would have punched him. They had been partners for three years, but he’d recently been promoted to sergeant. Although he deserved the promotion, Chloe wasn’t ready to call him her boss. It didn’t help that he’d kissed her out of nowhere before he left for his vacation, leaving questions dangling between them.

And he knew she hated surprises! He could have at least warned her that Chief Trimble would call her into work two hours early. “Glad you dressed up, though—there are going to be photos.”

“What the hell is going on?” Chloe asked. She swiped at imaginary lint on her burgundy dress suit before Nelson guided her to the middle of the room. She took a slow, measured breath. Whatever happened, she would be fine. Even if that meant her chief terminated her in a room filled with her colleagues. The atmosphere wasn’t hostile, however, which meant she was there for something else. Something like an achievement award. She could only hope.

“You should have told me…” she said through grated teeth.

“And ruin the chance to see your face right now? No way.” Nelson set a hand on her back, pivoting her to the right. “Smile.”

Flash!

A photographer from The Local Lens pressed the shutter a few more times as she forced a smile.

“Van Belle.” Chief Trimble entered the bullpen. He cleared his throat, beckoning her forward. “We have an announcement.”

She shot Nelson a glare. He shrugged, his crooked grin betraying him. Liar. He pushed his glasses up, clearly entertained by the situation.

Chloe stepped forward, her face hot with embarrassment. She’d kill Nelson later—she hated being the center of attention.

“Shit,” she muttered.

Trimble knocked on one of the desks to get the chattering officers’ attention. Most of them, aware of Chloe’s disdain for attention, flashed toothy smiles. Oh, how she loathed being entertainment for them. They would tease her for days.

“We’ve brought Detective Van Belle here on the pretense that she was in trouble, but what we’re really here for is to honor her. Detective Van Belle has been a key asset to our department, solving cases that seemed impossible. Today, we recognize her for bringing Lyle Calhoun, a man who terrorized our community with murders and kidnappings, to justice. On behalf of the department, we present her with the Investigative Excellence Award.”

Trimble revealed a glass shield with Chloe’s name engraved in silver. Words eluded her, and with her mouth agape, she accepted, shaking Trimble’s hand. Camera flashes blinded her, and she considered running out of the room, but another glance at Nelson reminded her that she needed to show her gratefulness. He rolled his hand subtly by his side. Short and sweet was the key.

“Thank you. I appreciate the recognition, especially after such a long and difficult case. May justice always prevail.” Her simple thanks brought cheers, and Chloe smiled, the relief rushing over her.

“There are cinnamon rolls and coffee in the breakroom for anyone interested. Thank you for your service to the community.” Trimble’s announcement encouraged more applause from the officers.

She turned to Nelson. “Why didn’t you warn me? When did you get back from your trip?”

He put his hands up in surrender. “Late last night. Couldn’t miss your party.”

“You owe me a beer for all this…” Chloe said.

“Done,” Nelson said, stuffing his hands into his dress slacks. “But don’t lie… You’re enjoying it.”

Despite knowing her face would be plastered all over the morning papers, Chloe allowed herself a moment to savor the accolades. She’d worked damn hard to get here, and though the attention made her uncomfortable, it also brought a sense of accomplishment. Never in a million years would she have believed she would be a celebrated detective—especially following such a chaotic and dysfunctional childhood.

After mingling, Chloe retreated to her office and adjusted the award on her desk, angling it until it cast a rainbow onto the ceiling.

“You get breakfast?” Nelson asked, knocking on the doorframe. He entered with a coffee and a breakfast burrito he’d nuked in the microwave. He set them on her desk.

“Thank you,” Chloe said, taking a sip of the coffee.

“I know you don’t like pastries because they’re too sweet,” Nelson acknowledged. He was right—Chloe avoided most desserts, even breakfast ones. She tasted that same sweetness whenever she saw blood or a corpse—an unsettling gift of her synesthesia. Balancing it with savory food was one way she’d learned to cope. She bit into the burrito, and her stomach and her entire somatosensory system was grateful.

She spun the award on her desk, examining it while she ate. Only a few people knew what her synesthesia did to her on cases. She wondered if they would still celebrate her if they knew about her strong reactions to death.

“You’re a damn good detective, Van Belle. You earned that award—enjoy the attention for once,” Nelson said. He pulled the rolling office chair from the front of her desk and sat. “What have you been working on while I’ve been gone? Any new cases?”

“No. Been quiet around here. Weird for summertime. Usually, we’ve got runaways or gang-related murders to deal with. But it’s been…uneventful.” Other than being served yet another round of legal papers from the Lyle Calhoun case; she didn’t want to discuss that with Nelson here, though. He’d find out soon enough.

“I see your new partner brought his things here,” Nelson said, examining the desk across from her that used to belong to him.

It was now filled with cardboard boxes. All of Nelson’s things, including the photograph of them at the last police banquet, were gone.

“Just admit you missed me,” Nelson said.

“Shut up.” Chloe leaned forward and gave him a playful shove on the arm, her grin making it clear she wasn’t serious. She struggled to keep herself from reaching over and straightening his tie. It felt like the distance between them had widened—professionally and personally. She’d busied herself, trying not to think about him while he was away. Nelson raised a brow, opening his mouth to respond, but Chloe widened her eyes, cautioning him. Chief Trimble stood behind him with a lanky man.

“Van Belle, this here is your new partner, Esker Barns.” Trimble’s voice boomed, causing Nelson to turn. Esker tripped as he stepped forward to shake Nelson’s hand but caught his balance. He kept his head down to avoid eye contact. His tousled blond hair and half-tucked shirt gave him a boyish look despite being close to Chloe’s age—a stark contrast to Nelson’s slicked-back style.

“Congratulations, Officer Barns,” Chloe said. “Detective Barns, I mean.”

“Barns has been an officer with us for a couple years,” Trimble said, slapping the man’s back. “He’ll be a great addition to our missing persons and homicide team.”

“I’ve seen him around. He’s helped me with some cases in the past.” Chloe had known Esker would be her new partner since she saw him stumbling into the office last Friday with his boxes of things. But since he had made it a point to dodge her, she hadn’t gone out of her way to welcome him, unsure if he was avoiding or nervous.

Nelson’s smile faltered. Despite Esker’s years on the force, his clumsiness had made him the target of department jokes, with some questioning why Nelson paired him with her. Chloe wasn’t sure what the issue was—jealousy, maybe. He’d passed the detective exam with ease while a few others had not. Chloe would break him into homicide no problem.

“I’m honored to work beside you, ma’am,” Esker said. “Sorry for the mess. I’ll have it sorted by tomorrow, I reckon.” He hurried to his desk, organizing the puzzle of boxes into a neat stack. There was no reason for him to rush, and Chloe was about to tell him so when her cellphone buzzed in her pocket.

“Van Belle,” she answered without looking at the caller ID.

“Detective Van Belle, it’s Officer Foley,” a woman’s voice came through. “I was dispatched a little while ago for a disturbance at Encounters Cathedral of Angelolatry. I hate to bother you during your award party, but we’ve got a Signal 7.”

“Full or partial?” Chloe stood, motioning to Esker, who held up his car keys.

“Partial. It’s been disposed of inside the angel fountain.”

“Which fountain?” Chloe asked. There were a lot of angel statues and fountains at Encounters. She didn’t want to waste time on the wrong side of the cathedral.

“The landing at the front of the building,” Foley said.

“Secure the location; we’ll be there in a few.” Chloe killed the call. “Human remains found at Encounters Cathedral. Looks like you’re starting with a bang.” She winked at Esker before dashing out of the room with both men on her heels.

Encounters Cathedral was the last place she wanted to be this morning. In fact, it would be better to receive her award in front of the entire state of Ohio on live television than go to Encounters.

“I’ll ride with Esker,” Chloe said before Nelson could interject. They’d paused in front of their vehicles, awkward and unsure of who was going where. “We’ll be fine, Nelson. You don’t need to go with us.”

“Last time you dealt with Reverend Messner, he caused a lot of trouble. I want no funny business this time. I’ll meet you there.” He slapped the hood of Esker’s white Chevy Colorado. “Let’s go.”

The cathedral was only ten minutes away, but every second dragged. They hit every red light, crawled through every pedestrian crossing. Chloe’s nerves twisted. She’d dealt with a lot of bullshit at Encounters, but there’d never been a body part left behind. A body part that likely implied a homicide. She wasn’t aware of any missing persons reported in the past week, though, so there was some hope.

Chloe gathered her long, white-blonde hair and weaved it into a messy braid, securing it with a hair tie she’d shoved into her pocket before heading to the station that morning.

“What’s the deal with this place?” Esker asked. “Isn’t your sister married to the Reverend’s son?”

“Engaged. They’re engaged.” And if she were lucky, the wedding wouldn’t happen. Not that Chloe could control what her half-sister did, but if there was a God, she prayed her sister would leave this specific religion before it was too late. Divorcées didn’t fare well at Encounters and her sister only had a few more weeks before she could back out. Chloe’s concerns intensified when Esker pushed down the blinker and they finally turned onto the street beside the cathedral.

Even from the side of the old cathedral, Chloe could see the yellow caution tape lining the stairwell. Behind it, an ominous angel fountain glowed a haunting orange, spotlights accentuating its contours. It stood on a small plateau at the top of the stairway in front of the large, wooden double doors.

Grit abraded Chloe’s tongue, scorching it at the sight of the angel. Charcoal. A spasm rippled down her spine, and she shivered. Unease seeped into her like a poison meant to paralyze. She swallowed the pain away. She swore she’d never go inside this building again. Yet, here she was.

“You ever been inside?” she asked Esker. Surely, he’d heard things about this church after living in Halpin River for any amount of time.

“No, ma’am, I haven’t. I usually worked the late shifts as a beat cop dealing with gangs and burglars. I never got called here for anything. I know there’s a lot of controversy around this place. Never had the desire to visit. It’s pretty, though. Especially in the morning when the light strikes the spires and makes the bell tower glow.”

“Brace yourself.” Her warning wouldn’t suffice.

“Why?” Esker asked, nodding his head toward the fountain. “That angel there ain’t a guardian angel?”

Chloe raised a brow and forced herself to focus on the massive fountain. Behind it were massive stained-glass windows depicting Jesus as The Good Shepherd. Red and blue emergency lights bounced off the glass, shattering what should have been a multicolored masterpiece into fragmented flashes of light. The gloomy sky seemed to press down above them, and every glance Chloe took burned her throat, making her long for cool water.

“That’s the only ‘angel’ you’ll experience today,” Chloe said. “And if you think you will meet Jesus here, you’re dreaming.”

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

It’s a case every detective dreads—the one that forces them to confront their traumatic past.

When decorated detective Chloe Van Belle receives a call about a severed limb in a fountain, she dreads returning to Encounters, a renowned angel-worshipping church tied to her dark childhood wounds. She’s further shocked to learn six-year-old Lillian vanished from the congregation without being reported.

Chloe’s half-sister Rosie, a devout believer engaged to the reverend’s son, remains unwavering that everything unfolds according to divine will, refusing to see the evil in front of her.

An eerie search leads to Lillian’s body tucked in a cradle with a vintage watch, linking the crime to a similar murder twenty years ago. The gruesome scene triggers Chloe’s morbid fascination with death, making her visual-gustatory synesthesia, which gives murder a literal sweet taste, harder to hide. With Chloe’s nightmares and half-memories resurfacing, she engages in a macabre game of cat and mouse with the killer.

As casualties grow and evidence points to the highest levels of the church leadership, Chloe must protect Rosie and her team—but is it from a monster or herself?

A must-read for fans of Alex Marwood’s The Poison Garden and Tana French’s In the Woods!

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Meet the Author:

Cobie LaJeanne writes palpable psychological fiction with layered characters and storylines that will haunt you for years. As an adoptee with C-PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, she is a strong advocate for mental health and the road toward healing. Her work is inspired by events in her life as well as true crime stories, exploring important topics such as familial generational trauma, religious/cult trauma, adoption trauma, and more.

Cobie lives in an RV full-time with her husband and two small girls, traveling the United States. When she isn’t writing, she loves to take French classes, listen to 90s and Y2K music, and experiment with makeup.

Her favorite authors include Loreth Anne White, Karin Slaughter, L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain, and Tana French.

Headshot by Jim Clark at Beaver County Photography
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