The Return: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener follows a rancher in Colorado who, after his wife is struck with a mysterious illness, moves his family to Denver only to be caught up in a web of deception and hidden enemies. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The Return is the third in the South Park series, all set in Colorado in the 1870s. It follows ranchers Ike and Lorraine McAlister as they struggle to survive in a fast-changing world. What they faced every day is not so different than what we face today, as days blur by in a seeming swirl.

How has character development for the main character changed for you through the series?

Ike McAlister is a strong protagonist who is also a flawed man. Much of what changes him is a result of his marriage to Lorraine, a steadfast, strong partner in a harsh world. He doesn’t have to carry the whole load, and relies on Lorraine throughout the series.

What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?

I’ve always been intrigued by the grit of the Old West settlers. There was no whining, no complaining, no one was a victim, they just went about living and did what had to be done.

Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?

Right now, there’s no fourth instalment planned, but I am working on another western mystery set in the time period between the end of the Civil War and 1900. Six short stories in one novel, all revolving around a mysterious pistol with a deadly past.

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