The Spire follows a New York City detective who is put on a high-profile case when four people are found murdered in a luxury penthouse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The idea stems from the classic Agatha Christie mystery, “And Then There Were None.” The key difference being the setting – not an island but instead, a luxury skyscraper. The idea of a group of strangers being murdered, one by one. However, the concept evolved to more of a howcatchem as opposed to a whodunit. As well, the novel draws from the Jeffrey Epstein case, and is an integral plot element.

What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?

I like to apply rules to my characters. In this instance, Mike Vogel wasn’t going to use his gun. This directly contradicts the classic American detective story, in which the gun is used to solve most problems. My approach with Mike is from the opposite side.

What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?

The ending. In any novel, it’s coming up with a satisfying conclusion. This book was no exception. But, with a mystery, it requires something more. The reader themselves must have an opportunity to crack the case. And they expect the detective to solve it. The reader expects the solution to be complex. Not simple. Otherwise, they are let down. Which makes that the most challenging part of the writing process. At least it was for The Spire.

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?

Although The Spire is the first in the Mike Vogel series of novels, the book I’m writing now is a departure from that. It’s titled The Special. The story takes place inside a cargo plane hijacked over the Atlantic. The captain is forced to play a cat and mouse game with the thieves while attempting to take back control of her aircraft. The challenge is being able to maintain momentum for the entire novel, while keeping the setting in mostly one location. It will be available in 2025.

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