Blog Archives
Locked-Room Mysteries
Pioneering Secrets follows a high school teacher, a reporter, and a detective from a small town who are trying to find the person responsible for killing a teen girl. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I was a kid, I loved locked-room mysteries. The murder method in this story is based on a reverse version of my favourite locked room story. I can’t give any more details than that, as it would give it away.
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?
All the characters in the book are based on real people in my life. I’ve tried to give them character and personality traits similar to each of those people.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
It began with a vision of the opening murder scene, then grew from there. I planned out each murder scene ahead of time, as well as the characters and suspects. Other than the opening chapter, I didn’t write any parts of the book until I had the pivotal scenes fleshed out ahead of time.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book in the Rolling Brook Falls series. I have a few new stories already planned, with the next two fleshed out. I hope to have the 2nd book published by the end of December 2025. The next story will delve deeper into Andie’s past, as well as continue to develop the budding romance between her and Detective Sayers. Readers can expect the same sass from Andie and C.J. that was showcased in the first book.
Author Links: GoodReads | BlueSky | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rolling Brook Falls is a sleepy little town where summer tourism is high, everyone knows their neighbour, and no one locks their doors. That all changes when a teen is murdered leaving everyone baffled as to why.
When Andie, a local high school teacher, decides to investigate the death of her favourite student, she clashes with the town’s new no-nonsense police detective. Determined to find out how her peaceful community could become stained with murder, she sets out on her own to search for answers. But after the killer strikes again, the mystery deepens, and Andie wonders if she’s in over her head.
Ignoring the detective’s warnings to stay out of the investigation, Andie and her reporter friend C.J. soon discover more is going on in their quiet little town than they ever could have imagined. As the bodies pile up, the two women race to solve the mystery before another of their friends is murdered, and before the killer sets their sights on them.
The Oncoming Storm – Elemental Book 3
Liane Mahugh’s The Oncoming Storm, the gripping third installment in her Elemental YA series, launches readers into a whirlwind of danger and discovery. We follow Raya Salian, a young astronomer passionate about charting the stars. Her dream shatters when a routine mission to a nebula transforms into a nightmare. She returns from her exploration to a scene of destruction: her ship obliterated, her friends gone or dead. Grief and rage fuel Raya’s quest for justice, and she’s unrelenting. But in her pursuit, she lands deep in enemy territory and finds herself captured by the terrorists she’s hunting. As the reality of their cataclysmic plan unfolds, her mission shifts from revenge to a desperate fight for survival. Raya must escape, rally her allies, and find a way to stop the looming disaster before it wipes out everything she loves.
Mahugh crafts a tale that is as intricate as it is emotionally rich. Raya’s odyssey is more than a battle against cosmic threats; it’s a journey of growth and resilience. From the start, Raya’s character shines with a love of peace and a passion for the stars, contrasted with the turmoil and loss she faces. Her relationships give the story its emotional depth, particularly the complex dynamic with Dev, her love interest. Mahugh captures the duality of their bond—Dev’s protectiveness clashing with Raya’s fierce independence. Scenes brimming with tension highlight how Dev questions her readiness for the dangers ahead, even as he admires her tenacity. This love, marked by doubt and loyalty, adds layers to the narrative. The stakes are sky-high. Mahugh immerses readers in a world teetering on the edge of ruin, making every confrontation pulse with urgency. Entire civilizations hang in the balance, and there’s no guarantee of survival, even for Raya. Yet the book doesn’t rely solely on action. It weaves in moments of quiet introspection that lend weight to the chaos. Raya’s struggle to escape her captors is relentless, but the narrative never loses sight of her vulnerability and reflection. This blend of high-stakes drama and heartfelt emotion makes The Oncoming Storm compelling read.
Mahugh’s writing is at its finest when portraying Raya’s courage and ingenuity. Her trials are brutal, from enduring rigorous training in uncharted cosmic regions to enduring nerve-racking encounters with her enemies. Yet, she emerges as both a strategist and a fighter, embodying intelligence and bravery.
Themes of love, sacrifice, and friendship pulse throughout the novel. Raya’s allies—like her steadfast co-pilot Quinn and the ever-complex Dev—are richly developed, bringing warmth and humanity to a story set against a vast, often hostile universe. Each character adds depth, reminding us that even in the darkest reaches of space, loyalty, and compassion are the greatest strengths.
For fans of young adult sci-fi craving fierce female protagonists and adventures that pair cosmic stakes with emotional resonance, The Oncoming Storm delivers a powerful and unforgettable conclusion to the Elemental series. Mahugh wraps up her tale with an ending that satisfies yet lingers, leaving readers with a lasting reminder: true courage isn’t just about facing the unknown but having the strength to believe in yourself when it matters most.
Pages: 207 | ASIN: B0DDJWQCN4
LITERARY TITAN 