A Twisted Crucible follows a murderous woman who steals her dead best friend’s identity and fortune, only to discover during a cross-country crime spree that no disguise can save her from. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?

During the 1990s, an acquaintance used my phone. I was unaware he was using it to conduct a drug deal. Since it was my phone, I was arrested and convicted. While serving time in prison, I encountered several notorious female killers. They agreed to speak with me about their crimes to gather realistic details for a book character.

What interested you about writing a killer who sees herself not simply as violent, but as an artist and protagonist in her own grand narrative?​

Traditionally, killers in fiction are viewed as anomalies or disruptions to the social order. By making Julie Cromwell the “protagonist in her own grand narrative,” she takes complete ownership of her story, viewing her actions not as crimes, but as a masterpiece of art.

How did you approach balancing Julie’s genuine desire for companionship with her manipulation and grooming of Jamie?​

Balancing Julie’s genuine desire for connection with her manipulative grooming of Jamie requires leaning into the contradiction at the heart of toxic relationships. A delicate line has to be walked showing that while Julie’s longing for companionship is real, it is simultaneously entirely self-serving. She genuinely wants someone close, yet she views that person as an extension of herself, rather than an independent individual with their own boundaries.

Why was it important for the novel’s final reckoning to center on family and identity rather than simply on Julie’s crimes?​

Centering the final reckoning on family and identity rather than just Julie’s crimes shifts the story from a standard thriller to a deeper psychological study. Readers remember how characters change and heal far more than they remember the mechanics of a crime or a court case. Bringing it back to family and self-discovery gives the emotional closure that true psychological drama demands.

Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website