We’re BIG fans of Mindy McGinnis here at Frenzy. We’ve read and loved each of her previous books, so her latest, The Female of the Species, was easily one of our most anticipated books of the year. It follows a young girl named Alex whose older sister was murdered three years ago. When the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best—the language of violence. 

The Female of the Species is an intense, unforgettable read that we just can’t stop thinking about. We asked Mindy a few questions about the book (and more!) because we need to know more. 

FRENZY: What inspired you to write this book?

MINDY: I was in college in the early 2000’s and had cable for the first time. I was watching a true crime show about a murder in a small town. It was a situation where everyone more or less knew who the killer was, but there wasn’t enough physical evidence to convict. They named the small town, and the supposed perpetrator in the show. I thought to myself, “Man, if someone was really convinced he was the killer, they could just go there and dispense justice themselves.” Then I thought, “Huh. That’s a novel.”

FRENZY: What was your favourite book as a teenager?

MINDY: I don’t know that I had a favorite book during that age range, but one of my all time favorites is THE STAND by Stephen King.

FRENZY: If you could have coffee with any author, who would it be?

MINDY: Stephen King, for sure. I’ve been reading his stuff since I was thirteen.

FRENZY: What’s your favourite way to waste time?

MINDY: I’m really good at wasting time so I have many answers. Twitter, petting my cat, talking to my dog, napping. But in the end I’m building relationships with people or animals, and napping is good stuff… so is it really a waste?

FRENZY: What’s the best writing advice you’ve received?

MINDY: You don’t have to write every day to be a “real” writer.

FRENZY: Describe your book in four words.

MINDY: Rape Revenge Vigilante Justice