Here is a nice interview with the Christine Harris, author of Mask of the Jackal. She explains the motivation of including a deaf character named Jordy into the story.
The book isn’t about deafness, but rather just happens to includes a deaf person as a character. That’s the way life is… we just happen to run into people of all cultures and differences in situations not having to do with the culture or difference.
Those interested in Egyptian history will enjoy the interview as the author discusses her fascination with anctient Egypt and its artifacts.