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Exploring Fear
Fear Struck follows a crime writer who, while writing his latest murder mystery, has his door broken down by police and is arrested for a murder that looks like one of the scenes in his book. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a writer, I often feel like a conduit for someone else’s ideas, with words flowing so quickly that I sometimes wonder where they are coming from. This experience sparked a question for me: what if a writer suddenly became the instrument for someone else’s story in a very real and dangerous way? This personal connection to the story became the seed for Fear-Struck and its psychological thriller setup.
The truth is, many of my novels begin with a simple “what if.” Whispering Lessons is a good example. I asked myself, what if someone had secretly followed Jesse James and his gang, watched them bury their stolen treasure, and then dug it up after they rode away? Could that be why so many of those legendary treasures have never been found? Those two words, “what if,” open the door to endless possibilities, and they are often the starting point for my strongest storylines.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
There are so many layers to the human condition that writers need to pay attention to, because those layers are what make fiction feel real. In Fear-Struck, I delved deep into the debilitating impact fear can have on a person. It doesn’t just consume the main character. The suspect gets overwhelmed by it, too. Even the people in the prison around him react out of fear.
Fear is universal. It shapes decisions, drives behavior, and sometimes clouds judgment. Our minds are incredibly powerful, and our thoughts can either protect us or harm us. In this story, fear becomes almost a character in its own right, influencing everyone in its path. That kind of emotional truth, rooted in what people really experience, is what makes fiction resonate.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
For Fear-Struck, I actually did know the storyline before I began writing. That is unusual for me, as I am not usually a plotter, but in this case, I could clearly see the characters and the journey ahead of them. I knew the ending, and I knew how I wanted to move from the moment of the arrest all the way to the final reveal.
What mattered most to me was exploring fear, not just telling a crime story. I wanted to look at how fear shapes people from the inside out. The reviews have been incredible, and many readers mention how closely they connect with the characters and their reactions. I think that connection exists because fear is something we all face in one way or another. It is a profound human experience, and that truth comes through in the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing Book Two in the series. It starts as Kutter is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of what happened in Book One, where he was arrested for a murder that resembled a scene in his own book. These lingering effects push him into a situation unlike anything he has ever faced before. This new challenge forces him to grow in unexpected ways.
In this next installment, Kutter, the main character from Fear-Struck, finds himself sitting across from an unapologetic and prideful serial killer. His personal revulsion toward this man directly clashes with his responsibility to uncover the names of the victims. That internal battle is something many of us understand, because we all face moments where our emotions collide with what we know we must do.
I am thrilled to share that I am aiming to have the next book ready for readers in early 2026. I cannot wait to continue Kutter’s journey and share the next chapter with you all.
Author Interview: GoodReads | BlueSky | Facebook | Pinterest | Website
Detective Tweed believes Kutter’s pages hold the truth. Kutter swears he’s innocent. Yet with each revelation, a darker reality emerges—one bound to him by blood.
Relentless and chilling, Fear Struck will keep you guessing until the final, shocking twist.
The Darker Undercurrents
Dark, Cold Eyes follows two private investigators who are investigating a series of murders linked to a long-forgotten cult in a small upper-crust neighborhood. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My passion for infusing my narratives with real historical facts is unparalleled. These facts breathe life into the story in a way that nothing else can. When readers uncover that the unsettling details are rooted in truth, the story resonates more deeply. Michigan, for instance, has a rich and often overlooked history with both cults and mafia organizations, spanning decades from the past into the present. It’s not the only state with such shadows, but it’s rarely the one people think of first. Even with the Jimmy Hoffa mystery resurfacing in national headlines from time to time, the darker undercurrents of Michigan’s criminal past remain largely unnoticed. Bringing these truths forward doesn’t just enrich the setting; it gives my characters real-world forces to navigate the kind of conflicts any of us might unexpectedly encounter.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Creating characters with deep human traits is at the heart of my storytelling. I ensure they have fundamental flaws because none of us is perfect, and neither should they be. Life unfolds in awkward, messy, and sometimes unexpected moments, and I want my characters to reflect that. Maybe it is a playful wife choosing the worst possible moment to grab her husband’s tush, or a spouse becoming angry even after the other just saved the day because the situation could have gone terribly wrong. These imperfect reactions feel genuine. Even something as simple as a character tripping while walking across a room can make them feel alive and relatable. Human moments like these anchor a story in truth and draw readers closer.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
I am not a fan of obvious foreshadowing, but I love weaving subtle hints throughout the story. My readers have probably learned to pay close attention to that first chapter. I often hide key information early on, then bury additional clues deep within the narrative. A few chapters later, they discover that the small detail my characters casually dismissed actually plays a significant role in the mystery. The problem is that you don’t know exactly which detail to pay attention to. That mirrors real life, where we often overlook something vital until it suddenly matters.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I am not sure yet. No new storylines for Keri and Jade Shaw have come to me. I have always struggled to write books in a strict sequence, which is why I usually work on two series at once. Moving between them helps keep my creativity flowing. What I never want to do is force a story onto my characters. Stepping back for a while, much like taking a real vacation, often gives me the space to let the proper storyline rise to the surface.
Author Links: GoodReads | BlueSky | Facebook | Pinterest | Website
Book 4 in the Shaws Investigation Series
by Kay A. Oliver
Six murders. One small town. And a case that refuses to play by the rules.
When Lieutenant Valencia begs the Shaws to break their cold-case-only rule and dive into an active investigation, Keri and Jade Shaw reluctantly agree. But nothing about this case is ordinary.
Jade unknowingly sets off a chain reaction when he takes an ancient book linked to a long-forgotten cult—unleashing danger that hits far too close to home. Now, their strongest ally, Valencia, has been taken hostage. They have to find her before she’s killed.
The Shaws must race against time to unravel the mystery. Because whoever’s behind the killings isn’t just hiding in the shadows…They’re watching. And they’re ready to strike again.
Some secrets kill to stay hidden.
Fear Struck
Fear Struck was intense and emotionally powerful, and also kind of creepy. It starts with Orson Kutter, a crime writer whose imagination bleeds a little too close to real life. One minute he’s hammering away on his keyboard, writing about murder and mystery, and the next, the cops are breaking down his door and slapping cuffs on him for killings that look suspiciously like scenes from his books. It’s one of those stories where reality and fiction twist around each other until you’re not sure which one’s real anymore. The whole setup feels like watching someone slowly wake up inside their own nightmare. It’s dark, smart, and honestly a little creepy in that “am I next?” kind of way.
I’ll be honest, this book made me anxious in the best way. I love a good murder mystery, and Fear Struck doesn’t just give you one, it gives you layers of them. I kept trying to guess if Kutter was guilty, if he was being framed, or if he was losing his mind. The writing pulls you into his paranoia so deeply that you start feeling trapped with him. The scenes in the jail, the smell of sweat and fear, the endless echoes, I could almost hear it. The story moves fast, but not in a shallow way. Every chapter left me thinking, “Okay, just one more,” until it was 2 a.m. and I was questioning my life choices. What really hooked me, though, was how Oliver plays with the line between author and character, fiction and truth. It’s almost meta, but not in a pretentious way.
The writing is really sharp. I like how Oliver doesn’t waste time with fancy words or filler. It’s cinematic, full of tension, and just messy enough to feel real. There were moments where I felt sick for Kutter, moments where I didn’t trust him at all, and moments where I wanted to scream at everyone around him for being blind. That’s good storytelling. Some parts slowed a little, sure, and a few twists I saw coming, but the emotion stayed raw. There’s this heavy mix of guilt, fear, and desperation that makes the book feel alive.
If you like stories that make your heart race and your brain spin, this one’s for you. Fear Struck is perfect for murder mystery junkies who like their thrillers dark, psychological, and just a little too close to home. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys Gone Girl or Misery but wants something with its own strange heartbeat.
Pages: 392 | ASIN : B0FRRK8HGX
Disturbed Tombs
Disturbed Tombs, the debut novel by Kay A. Oliver, is a compelling journey through time that seamlessly blends the mystique of Ancient Egypt with the intrigue of modern archaeology. The story follows the dedicated archaeologist Dr. Kaili Worthy as she unearths a groundbreaking discovery: the mummies of Cleopatra Selene of Syria and Pharaoh Seti. However, the novel takes an unexpected turn as these ancient relics bring about more than just historical revelations, intertwining the world of a modern museum in the United States with the ancient tombs in a thrilling and unforeseeable manner.
Oliver hits a home run with this first installment. From the moment I started reading Disturbed Tombs, I was captivated by the riveting plot. The story’s gripping nature kept me hooked from beginning to end, making it a thoroughly engaging read. One of the standout features of this novel is its impeccable pacing. Even during quieter moments, Oliver’s meticulous attention to detail ensures an immersive experience that places the reader directly into the heart of the action. The narrative structure, with its frequent shifts in character perspectives, enriches the storytelling. These transitions, clearly marked by the author, offer a well-rounded view of the events, deepening the reader’s connection to the characters and their experiences.
The characters themselves are a highlight of the book. Each one is vividly brought to life, making their interactions and relationships particularly enjoyable. The dynamics between Kaili and Cleopatra Selene, as well as Kaili and her husband, stand out, adding layers of complexity and authenticity to the characters. This multidimensional portrayal is a notable achievement, especially in genre fiction, where the plot often takes precedence over character development. Oliver skillfully balances both, ensuring her characters are as emotionally resonant as the plot is compelling.
Disturbed Tombs offers something for every reader, whether you are a fan of historical fiction, mysteries, or narratives with a touch of the fantastical. If you’re looking for an enthralling read to transport you to the sands of Ancient Egypt, this novel is a perfect choice. Oliver’s first installment in the Dr. Kaili Worthy series is a captivating blend of history and mystery that promises to entertain and intrigue.
Pages: 259 | ASIN : B0BK4XGPQ4
LITERARY TITAN 