Shadows in the Pleasure Gardens follows an apprentice banker who witnesses a robbery and finds himself in the middle of a small-town scandal and shady racetrack dealings. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I was inspired a few summers ago, when I was working as a law clerk on the weekdays and a horse racing official on the weekends. Law clerking was dreary, dull work, but I enjoyed the racetrack, even though all the old-timers there implied it had a shady background. I find small-town scandals interesting because it’s personal to all the characters, rather than being something you have quickly heard and forgotten.  

I enjoyed your characters, especially Chester. What was your favorite character to write for and why?

I loved writing about Fisheye. It was fun for me to think of ridiculous ways a reactive horse might respond in different scenes. 

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

I most enjoyed writing the scene where the Sheriff and Chester go to Judge Mason’s house after arresting the robbers. Judge Mason and Sheriff Hoogkirk are distinctive characters with strong personalities, and I enjoyed imagining their argument about the law. 

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

My next book is The Little Pilot, and I hope it will be available in 2027. I’m also hopeful that my novel set during the American Revolution will be available this year or next. 
 
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