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It’s A Lot of Fun To Write
Not a Shovel in Sight follows a bestselling author as she goes undercover at a shady nonprofit to uncover a million-dollar theft only to find herself tangled in a dangerous mystery. What inspired you to create Alana Lorenz as both an author and an investigator?
Having the character of Alana work as an author means she writes books by herself at home. That way, she was available to help out “undercover” at the nonprofit when the head honcho, Elliott, who is also her best friend’s father, asks her to come back after the theft is discovered.
The dialogue in the book is especially sharp. How do you craft such witty and engaging conversations?
I figure out what kind of person each character is, then just try to imagine how they would express themselves and interact with the other characters. It’s a lot of fun to write. I guess I have a pretty good ear for conversations, too, which helps.
The New York setting feels incredibly vivid. What real-life experiences or research helped you bring it to life?
Oh, I didn’t have to do any research on this part of the story. I’ve lived in New York for thirty-eight years. I put a whole lot of my own experiences of navigating around the city into this book. It’s a great place to live and work! But it also seems to attract a lot of nefarious types or opportunists, too. Ha, I put plenty of those in NOT A SHOVEL IN SIGHT.
If you had to cast Alana and Elliott for a film adaptation, who would be your dream actors?
This is the best interview question I’ve ever been asked! It’s also a tough one. For Elliott: Liev Schrieber or George Clooney. For Alana: Sophie Turner.
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Not A Shovel In Sight
Not a Shovel in Sight kicks off in New York City with a bang or, more accurately, with a million-dollar theft and a missing woman. Our protagonist, Alana Lorenz, is a bestselling author who finds herself drawn back into a former workplace, a nonprofit called Golden Sunrise International Foundation. But this isn’t just a sentimental return, it’s an undercover mission. Money has vanished, employees are acting shady, and Alana’s old boss, Elliott Zane, needs someone he can trust. What starts as a favor quickly turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where nothing is quite what it seems.
The writing style is engaging and crisp, and Quinn doesn’t waste time with unnecessary flourishes. This book reads fast and fun, with dialogue that crackles and characters that pop off the page. I particularly enjoyed Alana’s voice; she’s sharp, witty, and just a bit cynical. Her internal monologue is pure gold, whether she’s sizing up an old acquaintance or mentally rolling her eyes at an obvious red flag. The moment she steps into her old office, you feel the history and tension in the air. Some colleagues are warm and welcoming. Others like the hilariously awful HR guy Hans Holtzapple seem hostile from the jump. That immediate sense of suspicion keeps the pages turning.
What really shines here is the plotting. The mystery unfolds naturally, with just enough misdirection to keep you guessing. The missing woman, Razima, is an especially intriguing element. She’s the one who first noticed the financial discrepancies before disappearing without a trace. Coincidence? Not likely. And then there’s Lance Alderman, a former employee who quit suddenly, giving a flimsy excuse that doesn’t add up. Alana’s skepticism is infectious. She’s asking the same questions we are, and as she peels back layers of deception, the tension builds.
There were a few spots where I wanted a little more depth. Some characters, like Beverly Bannon, feel like they could have been developed further. She’s abrasive and problematic, sure, but I wanted to understand why she was the way she was. That said, the book’s fast pace and sharp humor more than make up for any minor shortcomings. Plus, the setting is a treat, New York in the summer, with its sticky heat and bustling energy, adds a layer of atmosphere that makes everything feel real.
Not a Shovel in Sight is clever, fast paced, and packed with twists that will have you second-guessing every character. Whether you’re a longtime mystery reader or just looking for something fresh and fun, this book is worth picking up.
Pages: 138 | ASIN: B0DX6VF4DG
LITERARY TITAN 