Anita Dickason, author of The Iris Code, a Tracker novel, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today.

Welcome, Anita.

Tell us about your novel. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

The Iris Code is the fifth book in my FBI Tracker novels, a collection of gripping suspense novels centered around the most elite agents in the bureau. While my Tracker novels follow the popular theme of a close-knit group of characters, each book stands alone, bringing a different Tracker agent into the spotlight. These agents aren’t just highly trained; they possess a unique edge that sets them apart when facing danger and adversity.

Since my writing is rooted in what I know, cops and crimes, I wanted my characters to have something special that made them unforgettable. Thus, the Trackers were born, the elite of the elite, whose skills go beyond the ordinary, making each plot as unpredictable as it is thrilling.

Where did the idea for the mystery that is central to the story come from?

Unlike my other tracker novels, The Iris Code didn’t begin with a single spark of inspiration. Instead, its mystery evolved through a combination of influences, biometric technology, news stories, and firsthand law enforcement experiences. Each of these elements wove together to shape the twists and turns of the plot, creating a dynamic story that keeps readers on edge.

Is there a theme or subject that underlies the story? If so, what prompted you to write about it?

Absolutely. My novels are rooted in fact, blending reality with thrilling fiction. At the conclusion of each book, I include a section titled The Story Behind the Fiction. In The Iris Code, that inspiration was the remarkable role of dogs in law enforcement and search-and-rescue missions and the advancements in biometrics for law enforcement. Biometrics are the unique physical and behavioral characteristics of a person that can be used for identification. The most commonly known are fingerprints and facial recognition.

How do you create your characters? Do you have favourite ones? If so, why are you partial to them?

That’s a difficult question. My characters seem to take on a life of their own, evolving beyond the page. Since writing requires stepping into their minds, they become incredibly familiar. Choosing a favorite would be like picking a favorite child—impossible. The characters, whether hero or villain, are the heart of my book. In my Tori Winters Mystery Series, I even have a group I refer to as “the characters you love to hate.” Many of my characters are based on my personal experiences and the individuals I encountered throughout my law enforcement career.

How do you bring to life the place you are writing about?

Research, research, and more research. Bringing a setting to life requires immersion in research. Some locations in my books have been close enough for personal exploration, letting me absorb the details firsthand. For others, I rely on videos and one valuable tool—Google Earth. It literally unlocks the door to the world for me, offering an incredible virtual experience where I can explore streets, landmarks, parks, and every detail I need to craft a scene with accuracy.

For The Iris Code, the story unfolds in Fredericksburg, Texas, with some action scenes set in Austin. I used Google Earth to explore county roads and highways, the countryside, remote airports, the town, and more. 

What research do you do to provide background information to help you write the novel?

As I’ve mentioned, my research is extensive. For The Iris Code, I delved into a wide range of topics to build the novel’s foundation. I explored the extensive procedures the Food and Drug Administration requires for the submission of new drugs, studied the specialized training of Human Remains Detection dogs, also known as cadaver dogs, and examined advancements in biometrics. My research also included autopsy procedures, the immediate physiological effects of death on the eyes, and even Texas A&M yearbooks. Each of these elements helped shape the authenticity and complexity of the story.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book?

Here’s what a few readers had to say about The Iris Code, A Tracker Novel.

• WOW, WOW, WOW. I haven’t been this enthralled by a book in a long time.
• I absolutely loved this book! 
• It is a rare book that can keep you on the edge of your seat literally from page one to the end. 
• The scientific details surrounding iris scans and the practicalities of canine search and rescue are presented with precision, making the story not only believable but utterly engrossing.
• With every page turn, I could see a different scenario and envision a potential solution.

My heartfelt appreciation to Dianne Ascroft’s Bblog for hosting my latest FBI Tracker novel, The Iris Code, A Tracker Novel.

You’re welcome, Anita, Maggie, and good luck with The Iris Code, the latest Tracker novel.

Readers can learn more about Anita Dickason by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook and LinkedIn pages. You can also follow her on her YouTube and BookCinema’s YouTube channels.

The novel is available at  Amazon 

About Anita Dickason: Award-winning author Anita Dickason writes about what she knows, cops and crime. After twenty-two years with the Dallas Police Department, Anita has an unending source of inspiration for her plots. Many incidents and characters are based on her experiences. During her tenure, she served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics officer, advanced accident investigator, tactical officer and the first female sniper on the Dallas SWAT team.