Casey Carson sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we can learn more about her. Let’s get to know Casey.

What’s your full name?
Casey Carson. My parents couldn’t agree on a middle name, so they didn’t give me one.

How old are you?
I’m thirty-one. Old enough to know better, but young enough to do it, anyway. Although that attitude is catching up to me.

What is your profession?
I’m a probation officer in Phoenix. Although in my latest escapade I’m trying out a side-job working for a diversion program for troubled teens. I’m basically security on a wilderness adventure. There are two problems with this: One, I’m not particularly fond of children, and two, I’m not a fan of peeing in the woods. But I could use the extra money, and I wanted to support my cousin, one of the counselors. So, off into the woods I go.

Do you have a significant other, and what is their name and profession?
Boy, does that touch a nerve! I’m narrowing it down. Let’s say there’s a short list. There’s Betz, a Phoenix police detective who also happens to be my ex-husband. Then there’s Marcus. I fell for his supermodel looks, but I’ve stayed for the man I’m getting to know. Not to give much away, but I’m feeling pressure to decide.

Do you have any children?
Touching another nerve. You’ll have to read DIVERSION to find out why.

Who is your best friend?
One of my short-comings—I don’t let many people into my circle. I’m very close to my family, especially my sister Kate and my cousins Hope and even the eccentric one, Joy. I guess if I’m being honest, I’d have to say Betz is the person I rely on most. Which should help me make my decision on question four, but instead, it further complicates things!

Do you have cats, dogs, or other pets?
Betz and his cop buddies found a cocker spaniel mix pup in a dumpster (if you can imagine how horrible that is) and brought him to me. His name is Felony, and although I didn’t initially want the responsibility of a pet, he’s become my faithful sidekick.

What town do you live in?
I’m between homes right now and staying with my father and his girlfriend in Tempe, Arizona. This second job should help me save up for a down payment to get a place of my own soon.

Do you have any hobbies?
If I can count running away from my feelings as a hobby, I’m a gold-medal Olympian with a cereal company sponsor.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Everything’s Fine, My Hair Is Supposed To Be On Fire!

Amateur or professional sleuth, and whom do you work with?
Is there such a thing as a probation procedural? Seriously, there’s not much out there about a probation officer. The beauty of the profession is that although a PO is technically law enforcement, we don’t have the powers of a police officer. But we dig deep into our client’s lives. I also have connections to other agencies—police, the courts, counselors and other community resources—and I use those every chance I get.

DIVERSION
Series Name: A Probation Case Files Mystery, Book 3
Genre: Traditional Mystery
Release: February 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link

Phoenix probation officer Casey Carson could use a change of scenery to clear her head and make some major life decisions. When the opportunity arises to take on a side job wrangling juvenile delinquents on a wilderness adventure for a diversion program, she’s skeptical. But she wants to support her cousin, who was hired as a counselor. The extra cash in her pocket sweetens the deal.

Unfortunately, one of Casey’s clients—an escaped murderer after one of her charges—threatens to upend her plans. Facing wildfire, flash floods and an angry mountain lion are nothing compared to the murderous intentions in store for one of the kids.

On a crash course with the killer and with her faithful pup Felony by her side, Casey desperately tries to lead the group to safety. She doesn’t realize that her two love interests, ex-husband Betz, and hunky ex-neighbor, Marcus, are frantically looking for the group. Casey must utilize every negotiating skill she possesses to not fail, or she’ll lose all she holds dear.

About the author
Armed with a handgun and a word processor, Officer Cindy Goyette spent her nights creating fictional friends to help pass the lonely hours between border crossers. A portable black-and-white TV canceled the unexplained noises coming from the ancient jail cells in the creepy basement. Even though the book will stay in the closet, the seed was planted, and she’s been writing ever since. Cindy is the author of 2 series: the award-winning Probation Case Files Mysteries, and her cozy series, the Wiggle Butt Manor Mysteries. Born in NJ, she makes her home in Washington State with her husband and 2 cocker spaniels. You can find her at ccgoyette.com.