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A Dangerous Combination
Death By Association follows a woman living in a small resort village who tries to solve a murder mystery that all started with a scandal in the HOA. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Let’s be honest: HOA Boards tend to attract the power-hungry and bored, always a dangerous combination. HOAs also wield a surprising amount of genuine legal power. When you mix that power with a few individuals who have too much time, nothing better to do, and a taste for snooping on their neighbors, you get a hot mess. Hating the HOA is a universal, shared human experience, and it’s surprising more meetings don’t end in open murder! The inspiration for the book came directly from an internal fracas at the homeowners association in my own neighborhood, which was precipitated by a series of vicious letters and emails. Nobody died, of course, but it felt like it might easily have come to that.
Desert Pines seems like the perfect place to go when you want to just escape the fast-paced life. Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The city of Desert Pines is based loosely on the small resort town of Sunriver, Oregon. I spent most of my summers there growing up and still try to get out there several times a year. The nice thing about a Resort setting is that there is great fuel for the imagination and even better sources of material. Some of the population is settled, but much of it is transient, providing a great opportunity for steady characters and new faces alike. I’m also fascinated by the idea that human drama will happen wherever there are humans. Crime and heartbreak aren’t confined to the big city, and the most interesting dramas can play out in the smallest of settings
Is there anything about Jane that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Jane often speaks with my voice, but I have also enjoyed giving her opinions and feelings that I don’t share as well. Writing is a very cathartic exercise, a perfect way to inhabit personalities, emotions, and thoughts that are much different from your own. Jane shares my sense of the ridiculous, for sure, but I’m much less reserved than she is.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, called Rapid Death, continues the adventures of Jane, Joe, and Howard and was released in July of 2023. The third book in the series, Death Benefit, will be released in early summer of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
Jane McLaren is happy living and working in the sleepy resort village of Desert Pines, Oregon – or so she tells herself. She has a home with her feisty grandfather for as long as she wants it, a steady job as a barista, and no questions asked.
Boredom may be a small price to pay for privacy, but Jane quickly discovers that when nothing has meaning, you might start to care about anything. Even the HOA.
After a minor town scandal escalates into something more sinister, neighbor turns on neighbor and the annual meeting of the homeowners association ends in open murder.
Can this unwilling amateur sleuth solve the mystery before it’s too late, or will the murderer strike again?
Death By Association
Death By Association by Julie Titterington is set in the tranquil town of Desert Pines—a setting that protagonist Jane McLaren appreciates for its unhurried pace. Recently relocated to live with her grandfather, Dr. Howard McLaren, Jane starts anew, working as a barista and forming a close friendship with her employer, Timothy. Her routine life takes a sharp turn when a distraught local, Chad, warns her of a brewing “HOA crisis.” Jane’s curiosity is piqued, but she soon realizes that this local drama is about to escalate into a murder investigation, pulling her into the midst of it due to her unique past skills.
The novel thrives on its dynamic ensemble. The HOA board, a mosaic of philanthropists, doctors, and real estate agents, not only harbors personal secrets but also a collective animosity toward their controversial president, Chad Perenna. The introduction of a determined and charming detective, Joe Conner, adds another layer to the narrative as he seeks Jane’s assistance in solving the crime. Titterington excels in crafting deep, multifaceted characters, particularly in detailing Jane’s relationships with Timothy, Detective Conner, and her grandfather. The tensions among the spouses of the board members and the looming threat of wildfires bring additional depth and urgency to the story. Engaging and filled with intrigue, Death By Association is a compelling start to what promises to be an absorbing series. The book’s rich character development and clever plot twists make it a recommended read for those who enjoy thrillers with strong female leads and complex interpersonal dynamics.
Death By Association serves as a captivating introduction to Julie Titterington’s new series, expertly weaving suspense and rich character development. The story invites readers to delve into the deceptively quiet world of Desert Pines, where every character conceals layers yet to be uncovered. This novel is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a thriller that balances intrigue with deep personal connections.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0BR8JJ3K7
