Blog Archives
Steampunk and Victorian Vibes
The Roses of Port Townsend follows a mother and her two sons as their fresh start in a seaport town turns into a ghostly adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I traveled with my two sons, Ian and Ryan, from Olympia, Washington, to Port Townsend when they were younger. We stayed at Manresa Castle over Easter and had a wonderful time. During our visit, we took several photos and captured images that featured orbs. In one photo, there was an orb above each of our heads, which was quite spooky. Manresa Castle is reportedly haunted and has been featured on the television show “Ghost Adventures.”
The Victorian architecture, combined with both Steampunk and Victorian vibes, makes Port Townsend a fascinating destination. The history of the town, as well as that of Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, is all intriguing and significant. As I was writing the novel, my husband and I lived on the coast, either on Camano Island or in Ferndale, Washington, overlooking the Salish Sea. We visited Port Townsend regularly, and during those visits, ideas for my novel began to develop. I would write between jobs or in the evenings after coming home from work. Once I was able to retire, I started writing regularly, and the ideas flowed freely.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I tell a good story, and plot twists are a necessity. I have always hated knowing how a story would end, and about eighty percent of the time, I can guess at even a “trick” ending and get it right. However, plot twists need to make sense and must enhance the storyline. I found that plot twists added depth to my story and made it more engaging. Everything just fell into place. I also challenged myself to revive my imagination, which had been buried in dry government documents, statistics, program requirements, rules, laws, and administrative procedures. To be truly creative, you must find the child’s voice within and ask yourself what’s truly fun, scary, exciting, whimsical, or even absurd. That’s the voice I try to tap into. I do utilize some of my knowledge about government to create an image of “them bilge-rat government types,” as the untrusting pirate, Ben Pease, would likely say. Still, mostly I rely on my imagination, the history of the area, and the joy of finding and fighting monsters. We all have to defend ourselves against monsters at some point in our lives. These days, they are less likely to be vampires and more likely to be found in the hallowed halls of our political institutions.
Do you find you are able to relate to your characters while writing?
My characters have become very real to me; they feel like members of my family now, so I have a good understanding of what they will and won’t do. I can relate to every character in my novel because they remind me of my sons or because I’ve encountered similar characters in the past. Most of my characters are a blend of people I know, historical figures I’ve discovered through reading, characters from movies or books, and aspects of my own personality.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I want to share that the Gumshoes are preparing for another exciting adventure. I am starting to work on “The Portal Protectors,” the next book in the “Roses of Port Townsend” series. I hope to complete my first draft by the summer of 2026.
Author Links: Website | Reader’s Favorite
In the heart of the book, The Roses of Port Townsend, you will meet Mandy Rose, a resilient schoolteacher, whose husband is missing under mysterious circumstances. Forced to leave her home in Olympia due to her school’s closure, she ventures on a daring journey with sons Max and Oscar to Port Townsend, a quaint Victorian era seaport city. Despite warnings of its eerie aura and alleged hauntings from her brother, Leo, Mandy follows the path that fate has laid down for her. The Rose family’s strength is truly tested as they confront the chilling mysteries of this Victorian city.
Mandy, Max and Oscar, and their loyal dogs, Josie and Bone, delve into a world that transcends the realm of the ordinary. The city’s scenic tranquility belies the dangers that lurk within, as the family stumbles upon supernatural beings. The Rose family is welcomed by new friends in Port Townsend; Max and Oscar develop budding romances; family members come to the rescue; and together they all become amateur detectives in the most important missing persons case they will ever face.
Not all is as it seems in this city, where an unusual tomato garden holds lethal surprises, and a pirate’s secret could be the key to their survival. As Mandy and her family navigate through the labyrinth of Port Townsend, they uncover truths that could shatter their reality. What started as a quest for employment soon turns into a race against time as they struggle to find Mandy’s husband, and to discover the secrets of their new home, Victorian cottage, “Little Red.”
The Roses of Port Townsend is a thrill-ride of whimsy, suspense, mystery, and danger. The book weaves an enchanting tapestry of suspense, magical realism, and the strength of a mother’s love. As Mandy battles the unknown, the question remains-will the Rose family bloom again in Port Townsend, or will they wilt under its haunting spell? Dive into the pages of this riveting tale to find out!
The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook
Tessa Barrie’s The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook is a charming and clever blend of cozy mystery and emotional introspection, set in a picture-perfect English village brimming with secrets. The novel kicks off with the sudden and suspicious death of Jocelyn Robertshaw, a glamorous former actress turned best-selling author. Her passing sends ripples through the quaint village of Didsbrook, stirring up a whirlwind of gossip, speculation, and long-buried truths. Through a rotating cast of relatable characters, from wide-eyed young Lucy to weary but sharp-witted DCI Middleton, the story unravels a layered mystery that bridges generations, identities, and emotional reckonings.
What I loved most about this book was its vivid sense of place and community. Barrie paints Didsbrook with loving, whimsical strokes, half theatrical set, half living village. The writing has a warm, inviting tone, even when diving into darker themes like grief, betrayal, and mortality. There’s something tender and sharp happening at the same time in these pages. The narrative is breezy without being shallow, and full of theatrical flair, particularly in the witty banter and sly nods to classic detective fiction. And though it dips into mystery tropes, it does so with affection and originality. The characters feel lived-in. DCI Middleton, in particular, made me smile with his mix of grump and gallows humor.
There’s a lot of backstory and a sprawling ensemble that took some time to keep straight. But I didn’t mind getting lost in the sidetracks. The emotional undercurrent is strong and steady. The story isn’t just about whodunit. It’s about why we hide parts of ourselves, and what happens when truths finally come out. That gave the book its real punch. Jocelyn’s life, even in death, becomes a mirror for the other characters to confront their own stories.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven mysteries with a side of small-town eccentricity and a splash of theatrical charm, this is your kind of read. Fans of Richard Osman, Agatha Christie, or even Joanna Cannon would feel right at home. It’s funny, thoughtful, and heartfelt. And despite the crime at its center, it somehow manages to feel like a warm hug. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who likes their mysteries with brains, heart, and a little sparkle.
Pages: 307 | ASIN : B0F9P9DM57
A Novel Readers Can Return To
The Unaccompanied Soul follows a reclusive older woman who opens her door to a mysterious stranger, unaware that she’s inviting darkness itself into her home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, about 95% of my books come through divine inspiration. I was doing some house cleaning one day when the entire first chapter of this book suddenly came to me—vivid and complete. That was around 2015. Having only written one novel before (a coming-of-age story), I wasn’t sure what to do with this unexpected gift. So the chapter sat dormant for years until friends encouraged me to see where the story would lead and finish what had been started.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
As a society, we expect everyone to achieve some version of ‘success’—get educated, contribute positively to humanity, become accomplished. However, I’m always intrigued by this expectation when applied to people like Sam, who never had parents who loved her unconditionally and was brainwashed to believe violence wasn’t just acceptable but expected. She was never formally educated—so how was Sam, or anyone like her, ever supposed to achieve any semblance of normalcy? I think great fiction is made from telling the stories of greatly flawed people.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
When I write, I let my characters guide me—their voices leading me toward the lives they demand to live on paper. This being my first thriller, I’m still learning the art of shocking plot twists, but I’ve discovered that the best ones grow organically from my characters’ flaws and choices rather than being dropped in randomly for shock value.
Whenever I try to force a story in a direction my characters resist, that’s when I hit major writer’s block. But when I let character development create the surprises—when Sam’s buried trauma suddenly surfaces in an unexpected way—it becomes both character revelation and plot twist simultaneously. For me, they often are the same thing.
When the writing flows, the story plays out like a movie in my head, scene by vivid scene. Rather than planning shocking moments separately, I’ve learned to trust that authentic character growth will naturally create those jaw-dropping turns. My goal is to take readers on an extraordinary journey with people they’ll develop feelings for—even if that feeling is disdain—where every twist feels both surprising and inevitable.
I want to create a novel that readers can return to again and again, discovering new layers each time, seeing how the seeds of each revelation were planted in the character’s very foundation. If I can achieve that depth, where plot surprises emerge from the soul of the story itself, then I’ve successfully balanced both story development and shocking twists.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is actually a re-release of Some Price to Pay, a coming-of-age story I first published in 2004. Early 2026 will bring a follow-up novel to The Unaccompanied Soul, with Zayden taking center stage as the main antagonist. It’s another psychological thriller that delves deep into his psyche—that’s shattered, twisted or perhaps both.
Then, in fall 2026, I’m releasing something that’s currently scaring the bejesus out of me: The Other Side of Right, a psychological thriller that’s pushing me into uncharted territory as a writer.
One day I hope to write a great love story, but for now, it seems my niche has found me. There’s something about the dark corners of the human mind that keeps calling me back, demanding to be explored through psychological thrillers.
Author Website
But Sam carries secrets deeper than the Mississippi soil. Taught by a man she calls “Father” to view the world through a distorted lens of violence, she drifts from town to town, leaving a trail of sorrow in her wake. When her carefully constructed façade begins to crack, those closest to Clara race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
The story weaves a tale of twisted devotion, fractured identities, and the terrible price of redemption. As buried truths rise to the surface like strange fruit, Clara must confront not only the monster behind her red door but also the fears that have kept her prisoner for so long.
Some souls are born of love. Others are carved from darkness. And in the fertile Mississippi earth, every secret eventually finds its season to bloom.
Quest for the Austral Amulet
Quest for the Austral Amulet is a coming-of-age adventure wrapped in mystery, folklore, and a good dose of heart. The story follows thirteen-year-old Rebecca Harley, a quiet, introspective girl who inherits a mysterious diary from her late great-grandmother. The journal reveals long-buried family secrets and clues to the elusive Austral Amulet, which may be tied to a generational curse. Fueled by a yearning for purpose and belonging, Rebecca sets out on a secret journey alongside her estranged childhood friend Isaac and a curious historian, Dr. Bellamy. Their expedition becomes more than just a treasure hunt, it turns into a search for identity, courage, and healing, all while being pursued by those with darker motives.
Reading this book was like getting swept away into a dream. The writing has a quiet beauty to it. It’s soft, lyrical at times, and deeply emotional. Wilson’s portrayal of Rebecca is so intimate and raw that I found myself rooting for her from the very first page. She’s not a typical hero, and that’s what makes her story shine. Her loneliness, her yearning to matter, and her gradual blooming into someone brave enough to take on the unknown, it all felt so real and familiar. The way the story blends old family legends with modern-day adventure is clever and gripping, with just enough magic to keep you turning the pages late into the night.
But what I really liked were the relationships. The way Rebecca and Isaac slowly find their way back to each other was touching, filled with awkwardness and quiet trust. And Dr. Bellamy? She’s the adult every kid wishes they had in their corner: smart, open-minded, and willing to believe in something bigger. There’s a gentleness in how Wilson writes about belonging and loss, and a sense of wonder that pulses through every map, puzzle, and whispered secret. The threats never felt too dangerous, and the bad guy didn’t carry much weight emotionally. Still, the emotional arc more than made up for it.
This book reminded me of what it feels like to believe in something bigger than yourself. It tugged at the part of me that still wonders what secrets might be hiding in an old attic, or what stories my own family has buried in time. I’d recommend Quest for the Austral Amulet to readers young and old who love adventure stories with heart. It’s perfect for kids who’ve outgrown fairytales but still want a bit of magic, and for adults who want to feel like a kid again, even just for a while.
Page : 308 | ASIN : B0CVRMQWQ1
A Fatal Affair
A Fatal Affair is a cozy mystery with a sharp, sly, character-rich story set in the sleepy town of Nyes Landing, where drama unfolds both on stage and off. The plot kicks off with Officer Callum Nowak dealing with a belligerent actor at a local tavern, and it snowballs into a tangled mess involving poisoned meatballs, backstabbing actors, an ambitious theater production, and one very chaotic opening night. As the small-town cops try to uncover what made a dozen townsfolk sick and nearly killed Oliver Crispin, the reader is treated to a fast-paced, often hilarious, and sometimes poignant whodunit.
From the very first chapter, I was thoroughly engaged. Callum emerges as a compelling narrator, direct, introspective, and burdened with a complex personal history that adds real depth to the narrative. From the opening barroom confrontation with the volatile Crispin, a character who consistently tests the boundaries of acceptable behavior, it’s clear this is no conventional detective story. Williams’s writing is sharp and kinetic, with brisk dialogue and a narrative pace that rarely lets up. Scenes unfold with a kind of controlled chaos, where tension builds only to erupt in the most unexpected ways, such as the unforgettable moment during the theater scene, when guests begin hallucinating and turning on each other in a frenzy of accusations. It’s outrageous, unpredictable, and thoroughly compelling.
Williams also handles the emotional undercurrents of the story with remarkable sensitivity. Callum’s relationships, particularly with his boyfriend, Demetrius, and his longtime friend, Annie, are portrayed with nuance and authenticity. His emotional distance and reluctance to fully embrace intimacy add a compelling layer to the central mystery. Moments like the tense camping discussion, the uneasy dinner with Demetrius and Annie, and the confrontation at the crime scene reveal a man grappling not only with external conflict but with internal scars that refuse to fade. This is as much a story of emotional survival as it is of uncovering the truth.
Some of the dialogue occasionally veers into melodramatic territory. Characters like Daphne, the self-styled diva, and her theatrical circle often feel as though they’ve stepped out of a reality television set, with moments of exaggerated flair that strain plausibility. Lines such as “They’re witches!” or Ernest Drucker’s over-the-top reactions can be both amusing and distracting. However, this heightened drama ultimately suits the tone of the novel. Nyes Landing is a town brimming with unresolved tensions, long-standing feuds, and relentless gossip, and it’s this very turbulence that fuels the narrative’s energy. Even the local goat farm is not without its share of theatrics.
A Fatal Affair is sharp-witted, queer-friendly, and packed with snappy dialogue and messy humans. If you’re into small-town mysteries with theater kids, found families, emotional baggage, and a touch of camp, this book’s for you. Fans of Only Murders in the Building, Knives Out, or even Gilmore Girls with body bags will feel right at home in Nyes Landing.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0F9X8ZZR1
SEREN
After reading Peter Gooch’s Seren, I find myself marveling at a novel that weaves a murder mystery into the messy fabric of artistic obsession, identity, and legacy. At its center is Fairchild Moss, a once-promising painter turned weary art dealer, who becomes captivated by the final painting of a deceased, reclusive genius, Norris Bainbridge. The titular Seren, model, muse, maybe something more, appears as both a literal woman and a haunting symbol, driving Moss to unravel the truth behind the painting’s strange power. The book shifts between boozy lunches, high-art pretensions, urban decay, and moments of surreal introspection, all with a painterly eye for mood and detail.
What stood out to me most was the writing. It’s deft, sardonic, and at times almost hallucinatory. Gooch has a knack for painting with words, which fits, given his background as a visual artist. The prose rolls like jazz, sometimes smooth and stylish, other times jarring. Characters pop with distinctive quirks, and the dialogue hits that tricky sweet spot of sounding real without being mundane. Moss’s ruminations and side quests, though full of voice, sometimes slow the story. Still, I couldn’t help but be drawn into Moss’s unraveling, both in his investigation and in his own midlife malaise.
The real kicker, though, is the way Seren plays with the idea of the muse, not as a passive, dreamy figure, but as a living force that might inspire or destroy. Seren’s presence is slippery, both ethereal and grounded in flesh and snow and paint. The book doesn’t spell her out, and that ambiguity works. It makes you lean forward, ask questions, and doubt your own reading. I loved how it blurred the line between inspiration and possession, between art and madness. It feels like a meditation on how far someone might go to touch something real in a world of reproductions and sales tags.
I’d recommend Seren to readers who like their mysteries with layers, who don’t mind a story that flirts with the surreal and doesn’t tie every thread into a tidy bow. Artists and art lovers will find plenty to chew on, but even if you’ve never set foot in a gallery, the book’s humanity and humor are what really shine.
Pages: 378 | ASIN: B0DZBLG3Q8
LITERARY TITAN 