A Fatal Affair follows a small town detective investigating the death of an actor that is determined to be caused by drug and alcohol toxicity, but he thinks there is something more sinister at play. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Agatha Christie has inspired me in so many ways. I wanted to write a mystery that honored her work. She was a master of poisons. My background is in theater, and many of my friends and fans are actors, directors, musicians, and playwrights so that world is very special to me. I needed a crime that involved poison and a scenario that centered around the production of a play. Many small theaters in the region feature actors from New York City alongside local talent. The rest of the story grew naturally from there.

I found all the characters to be unique and intriguing, each with a story to tell and secrets to hide. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

We human beings are fascinating creatures. I’m intrigued by the light and dark sides to us and how we cope with those (or don’t). We all have needs and desires. Some we express, some we suppress. Some we aren’t aware of at all. And we live in a constant state of change, which is more fun in fiction than in life.

How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?

All the elements of storytelling are interwoven for me. Once I find my characters, I figure out the crime, and the major discoveries of the investigation, and I improvise from there.

Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Nyes Landing and the direction of the next book?

A Scarecrow’s Secret opens during Nyes Landing’s annual harvest festival. A young migrant worker is murdered, and Detective Callum Nowak must catch her killer. Tensions between the migrant workers and the townspeople, a mayoral election, and the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays complicate matters.

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