Blog Archives
Through the Eyes of Everyday People
Abigail Trench follows a displaced schoolteacher in Revolutionary-era New York as she is drawn from daily survival into a dangerous world of espionage, political awakening, and self-invention. What drew you to tell a Revolutionary War spy story from the perspective of someone outside the usual circles of officers, generals, and famous patriots?
I’ve always been interested in history, especially the history of the American Revolution. I’ve read numerous books about the era, both fiction and nonfiction. What I’ve noticed about the best historical fiction authors, such as Ken Follett, is that they tell the story of the era through the eyes of everyday people, allowing readers to experience this period through the eyes of ordinary individuals. I chose a teacher as my protagonist in ABIGAIL in part because she gives readers someone to relate to. In my novel, readers do meet famous figures from the revolution, such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Nathan Hale. But the real heroes of my story are teachers and merchants and pickpockets.
Abigail begins the novel as a teacher rather than a trained operative. How did you approach making her transformation into a spy feel believable?
The truth is none of the members of the Culper Ring was a trained operative. With the exception of Benjamin Tallmadge, Washington’s Spymaster, who worked in the militia, none of the other members had military or any other kind of training. So, in the story, when the British strip Abigail of her profession, her home and her virtue, she resolves to fight back. When her position gives her the opportunity to overhear certain secrets of the British, she turns her resolve to strike back against the Redcoats into a weapon.
The novel pays close attention to class, labor, danger, and street-level survival. What kinds of research helped you build that texture of Revolutionary-era New York?
I’ve read quite a few books about this era and have gained insights from them, especially Gore Vidal’s historical novel, BURR. I also spent considerable time researching primary sources about some of the gritty details of life in colonial America in 1776. Some aspects of life in late 18th century have been documented, e.g., the 1776 fire in New York City, the unsanitary conditions of life in the city, and the execution of Thomas Hinkle. Other details had to be fleshed out with my imagination, and that’s half the fun.
How did you balance real historical figures like Nathan Hale and Robert Townsend with Abigail’s fictional emotional journey?
Overall, the historical record for most of what happened during this time is sparse. Of course, it has been 250 years. We have only few details and particulars on individuals like Nathan Hale and Robert Townsend. I was able to take some of those details—like the fact that Nathan Hale was also a teacher–and weave them into my tale of Abigail. In fact, the paucity of verified information gave me greater flexibility to develop my narrative of a woman who tutored officer’s children by day and carried intelligence to secret meetings at waterfront taverns at night.
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Abigail Trench
Abigail Trench is a historical spy novel that starts in the muck, noise, and cruelty of Revolutionary-era New York and never really lets you forget how precarious daily life is there. The opening makes that clear right away, with Abigail arriving in the city looking for work and instead finding herself in a crowd watching a public hanging. When Molly tells her, “Your first hangin’, huh? Ya get used to it,” the line works as both character detail and mission statement: this is a book about what people get forced to live with, and what it costs them to keep going.
What the author does well is build the novel from the ground up. Abigail isn’t introduced as a ready-made legend. She’s a teacher, recently uprooted, trying to earn a living, carrying trauma she can’t fully speak aloud, and learning the city through its taverns, dockyards, drawing rooms, and alleys. That gives the book a strong sense of texture. It feels interested in work, class, danger, and the small negotiations people make just to get through the day. The result is a story that treats espionage not as glamour, but as something stitched out of observation, nerve, timing, and need.
The novel is also a character-driven account of political awakening. Abigail’s path into the world of Nathan Hale, Robert Townsend, and the wider intelligence struggle grows naturally from who she is, rather than from plot machinery alone. One of the book’s strongest ideas is that the Revolution isn’t only being shaped by officers and generals. It’s also being shaped by tutors, servants, laborers, sex workers, hustlers, and merchants, all of whom move through spaces the powerful don’t fully control. When Nathan says, “Men and women need to decide if they are willing to knuckle under to the crown’s tyranny or . . . do something about it,” the novel’s real interest comes into focus. It’s not just telling a spy story. It’s telling a story about civic courage spreading through ordinary lives.
I also liked that the book keeps its emotional center close to Abigail even as the historical stakes widen. The friendships with Molly and Jamie give the story warmth and rough humor. The shifts from Nathan Hale to Robert Townsend add different shades of intimacy, grief, and trust. And the espionage plot works best when it grows out of those relationships, especially in scenes where Abigail has to listen, improvise, and hold her nerve while moving through British-controlled spaces. By the later sections, the novel has become a portrait of a woman learning how to make herself legible in one world and invisible in another.
Abigail Trench is an accessible, vivid piece of historical fiction that blends Revolutionary War intrigue with a personal story of survival and self-invention. What I liked most wasn’t just the spy-ring premise, though that’s a strong hook. It was the book’s sense that history is lived at street level by people who are frightened, resourceful, wounded, stubborn, and often underestimated. Abigail’s journey from displaced schoolteacher to someone capable of operating inside a dangerous political world gives the novel its pulse. It’s a story with grit, momentum, and real affection for the people history usually leaves at the edges.
Pages: 384 | ASIN: B0G93VFZTD
Red Shadows at Saugatuck
Red Shadows at Saugatuck is the fourth entry in Randy Overbeck’s Haunted Shores Mysteries series, and it wastes no time plunging us back into the life of Darrell Henshaw, the history teacher with a ghost-sensing “gift” he never asked for. This time, Darrell, his wife Erin, and their son Leo are headed to Michigan for a family celebration, but like clockwork, something much darker is waiting for them. Ghosts, secrets, and the unsolved disappearances of Native girls from the local Gun Lake Tribe start to bubble up as Darrell is once again pulled into a mystery he didn’t go looking for.
What struck me right away was how real the characters felt, especially Darrell and his family. I loved the opening chapter where they’re fresh from a trip to Sesame Place, still sticky with cotton candy and joy, and Darrell’s dad instincts are on full display. That whole bit where their son Leo gets “lost” in the restroom for three minutes had my chest tightening. It’s those quiet, relatable parenting moments that Overbeck nails, grounding the supernatural in the mundane. Erin, especially, feels like a full character and not just a supportive spouse but a smart, capable woman with her own voice and presence.
The pacing builds in a way that’s more eerie than action-packed. One of my favorite scenes happens early on when Darrell visits the recreated Indian village at Meadowcroft and has that surreal, low-key haunting interaction with the Native elder. That moment felt… still. Intimate. And a little unnerving. Then, when the elder vanishes, and the park ranger tells him that no one was scheduled in that wigwam, it’ll give the reader chills. Overbeck clearly did his research, and it shows, especially in how delicately and respectfully he handles the very real issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. It never felt exploitative, just tragic and timely.
Where the book really grabbed me emotionally was in the smaller, more personal scares. Darrell’s growing fear that his young son might share his ghost-seeing ability is honestly heartbreaking. When Leo cheerfully talks about his invisible playground friend Monica, and Darrell realizes she’s a ghost of a dead girl, the moment hits hard. I found myself whispering “Oh no” under my breath more than once. That slow, gnawing dread works better than any jump scare. It’s the kind of haunting that lingers, especially when you’re a parent.
I really enjoyed Red Shadows at Saugatuck. It’s thoughtful, deeply human, and low-key terrifying in a quiet way. If you like your mysteries with a bit of the supernatural but grounded in family, history, and emotional truth, this book is for you. Fans of Louise Penny or Tana French will appreciate the character depth, while ghost story lovers will get their fix, too. It’s not a thriller that rushes. It’s a slow burn and one that stays with you. I’d recommend it to readers who like their mysteries to make them feel something, not just guess whodunnit.
Cruel Lessons
In Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck, the seemingly ordinary Foster Middle School is shaken by the tragic drug-related deaths of four students. In response, the school administrator, Ken Parks, is asked to investigate the incident. He soon discovers that the drugs responsible for the tragedy are being sourced from within the school itself. However, the investigation uncovers two staff members with dubious pasts – a beloved teacher and the school custodian – who have managed to evade scrutiny thus far. As the investigation continues, the secrets of this quiet town are gradually revealed, eventually leading Ken to uncover the truth behind the students’ deaths.
The novel is masterfully written, featuring a cast of complex characters and events that effortlessly capture and hold the reader’s attention. Each new revelation adds to the suspense and keeps the reader on edge, eagerly anticipating what further secrets the story holds. Just when the source of the drugs appears to be uncovered, the novel unveils more secrets about life in the town, leaving the reader yearning to learn more.
The dark secret concerning Ken’s marriage and his wife appears to be linked to the illegal drug trade. This secret ultimately leads to another death, causing a drastic change in Ken’s life. Ken’s impressive resilience in the face of a life-altering event showcases his inner strength and adaptability. This story is a compelling and thought-provoking read, demonstrating the author’s skill in crafting a captivating mystery.
Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck is a gripping crime thriller and amateur sleuth mystery. I recommend this intriguing story to those who are fans of thrilling mysteries that will leave readers guessing till the end reveal.
Pages: 359 | ASIN : B0CDJ6GL5W
These Ghosts Need His Help
Scarlet at Crystal River follows a man trying to lead a normal life but sees things others can’t image and he’s drawn into an enigmatic mystery only he has the ability to solve. What were some sources that informed this novels development?
When I visited this stretch along the Gulf Coast, I was fascinated with the beauty of the area—emerald and crystal blue waters, forests and swamps, and incredible wildlife like the manatees. As I traveled the region, I was also distressed by the conditions I witnessed of the migrant workers, many of them immigrants, who worked the fields of produce nearby, in central Florida. So I decided to use the contrast of the two images as a foundation for my story.
Darrell has an interesting ability that seems grounded while still being other-worldly. How did you balance his ability so it seemed as believable as possible?
Darrell comes to realize that his ability as a sensitive is no more incredible, or even unbelievable, than another’s innate talent as an artist or one’s endowed athletic ability. Though he’s not totally comfortable with his ability to communicate with those on the other side—this path has led to danger and even tragedy before—he realizes he possesses this sense because these ghosts need his help. His personality, as a teacher and a coach, will not let him turn his back on those in need, especially children.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Although the novels in the Haunted Shore Mysteries are captivating whodunits with a touch of the paranormal and plenty of romance, I’m also aiming for my writing to illuminate some important issues. In SCARLET, I address the touchy—and widely misunderstood—situation of illegal migrant workers and their role in our culture. Hopefully, readers will get a little insight into this complex situation through the characters and circumstances in my fiction. Things are not always as they seem.
When and where will this book be available?
The publisher has set a launch date for SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER for September 13. The novel will soon be available in both print and e-versions for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-million and Apple books as well as great bookstores everywhere.
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Scarlet at Crystal River
Darrell and his bride, Erin, are setting out on their honeymoon in Florida and enjoying the lavish home Erin’s boss has offered. Darrell, the history teacher, is curious about the house’s past. But Darrell, the man with a gift he doesn’t necessarily want, is much more concerned about ghosts. He has started his honeymoon off with a warning–there will be two visitors. Darrell is now watching and waiting–worrying is second nature for him, and he would do anything to not have his precious time with Erin spoiled. It doesn’t take long before Darrell experiences the first sign of many that this trip will be anything but quiet and serene.
Scarlet at Crystal River, by Randy Overbeck, follows the journey of Darrell Henshaw as he begins his new life with his true love, Erin. Darrell’s incredible sensitivity to spirits puts their relationship to the test. Always willing to help out and carrying a tremendous amount of guilt from his past, Darrell finds it nearly impossible not to follow up on Natalia’s warning about “two visitors.” When Darrell spots two children and then turns to see they have vanished, he knows it has begun.
I have been following Darrell Henshaw’s adventures for a while now. This is the third book I have read by Randy Overbeck, and I count Darrell and Erin as two of my favorite literary characters. Overbeck has mastered the art of character development, and has again handed readers a main character they will embrace from page one. Darrell is real. He is genuine. And he is, in many ways, the perfect underdog. He sees things he doesn’t want to see and knows things others can’t imagine. As powerful as that gift could make him, Darrell remains humble and uses his gift for good.
Suspense is another of Overbeck’s strong suits. From the first sighting of the two mysterious children, Darrell’s subsequent visions build one upon the other with his anxiety and obsessive compulsive tendencies ramping up. Readers will feel their own anxiety grow alongside Darrell’s. Overbeck is a master at building tension–this is easily a one-sitting read. Readers will become immediately invested in seeing Darrell succeed in solving the mystery surrounding the ghosts in his present while he battles those from his past.
Scarlet at Crystal River is the third book about Darrell and Erin, it is easily a stand-alone read. Overbeck provides plenty of background at the outset, and readers will not feel lost. There is a hint of romance to all of Overbeck’s books, but it is done in an incredibly tasteful manner. Scarlet at Crystal River is a suspenseful paranormal novel with compelling characters and an enigmatic mystery that drives the story to a riveting conclusion.
Pages: 343 | ISBN-10: 1509237879
Spirits Who Pester and Haunt
Crimson at Cape May finds Darrel between a battle for his reputation and a battle against paranormal forces. What were some sources of inspiration that influenced this novels development?
Having lost his job—and maybe his love—in Wilshire, Darrell heads to Cape May (New Jersey) to help coach a summer football camp. With being forced to resign, he needs the money and hopes it will give him the time and opportunity to restore his reputation. When he arrives in Cape May, he finds a town almost frozen in time, surrounded by incredible Victorian mansions everywhere. But he also discovers the old seacoast town is flush with spirits who pester and haunt him to help out one of their own. Darrell has to balance both his “gift” for seeing into the spirit world with his efforts to get his old job back. In the end, he commits to help another young student whose sister has gone missing, which ties to all his problems.
There have been several times in my life where reputation, job and livelihood was threatened and I drew on these experiences and the reserves I used to meet these very real challenges to help sketch Darrell’s predicament and his way of navigating out of it. Because of my experience, my hope is the reader will find Darrell’s journey credible and something they themselves can relate to.
I enjoyed Cassie’s character and found her relatable. What were some ideas you wanted to capture in Cassie and Darrel’s relationship?
My choice of Cassie as a POV character was deliberate and carefully thought out. First of all, she and Darrell are opposites, or appear to be. Darrell is a traditional, successful (kind of) teacher and coach, from a good family and good upbringing. Cassie is none of those things. She has been abused and denigrated and runs away from her family, such as it is. Instead, she has had to learn skills to survive on her own, in her teens. But Darrell’s first instinct is to reach out and protect children and young people in trouble. As a teacher, it’s part of his DNA—a characteristic I witnessed for real in my many of my teaching colleagues. When he encounters Cassie, Darrell recognizes the vulnerability of the young woman, even through her hard-shell, street-smart armor she has wrapped herself in. Then as “sensitives,” they begin to check each other out and eventually learn to trust each other. Erin proves to be critical in their evolving relationship as she stands in almost as an older sister for Cassie. Darrell never stops feeling responsible for the younger Cassie—especially as her life is threatened—but in the end, he realizes they have to work together to solve the murder of the Haunted Bride. This fictional relationship reflects the very real dilemma that parents and teachers face everyday with teenagers. Adults who care for kids have to find a way to take care of them and try to keep them from the greatest risks, while at the same time allowing the adolescents to begin to make some decisions themselves, even though some of those decisions are unwise and even dangerous. It’s a tightrope that is not easy to navigate. Darrell, like parents and teachers, has trouble knowing when to let go.
I enjoyed the compelling mystery behind this story. Was the arc planned or did it develop organically while writing?
My approach to my stories fall some where between the “plotter” and the “pantser” mindset. Before beginning a novel, I will have completed a general outline of the story arc, of essential characters, of the crime itself and, of course, of the thematic issue. In addition, since each entry of this series is set in a new resort location (BLOOD on the Eastern Shore, CRIMSON in Cape May), I do a considerable amount of local research to ensure my setting is accurate and thorough, which in turn requires a considerable deal of planning including how the setting snd plot will interact. Layering over all that is where the ghost elements will intrude, another planning aspect.
I realize that sounds pretty far in the plotter camp, but there is much more. Then as I begin the actual manuscript, I find myself “pantsing,” more writing by the seat of my pants. As characters develop, I find myself adjusting the trajectory of the narrative and writing accordingly. There are elements of the plot and storyline that I deliberately do not plan in advance. For example, I don’t make a final decision on who the actual antagonist will be until I am well into the narrative. That way I make sure that several suspects are viable and keep my inner reader guessing until the reveal—as I hope I do for the actual readers of the novel. I do make some slight adjustments to this plotter/pantser balance for different novels but find overall this approach works well for me.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently completing the third book in the Haunted Shores Mysteries Series no title determined as yet), a Christmas ghost mystery set in Crystal River, Florida. I thought the idea of setting a holiday mystery in the warm climes of Florida’s Gulf coast to be an interesting challenge and decided to take Darrell and his new wife, Erin, on their honeymoon there. And number three will have a very different ghost twist—the ghosts are those of two young Hispanic children who have mysteriously disappeared. An added plus is this gave me an opportunity to explore another serious issue the nation is grappling with, the life of migrant workers and the fate of illegal immigrants. I hope I’ve come up with a mix that will make number three another interesting entry in the series. This third installment is scheduled for release for October 2021—in time for Christmas, of course.
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Darrell Henshaw—teacher, coach, and paranormal sensitive—learned this lesson the hard way. Now, with his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might just be the getaway he needs. Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast.
When a resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for his help, he can’t refuse, and joins forces with Cassie, another sensitive. As Darrell and the street-wise teen investigate the bride’s death, they uncover something far more sinister than a murder. Can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up becoming the next victims?
