Blog Archives
Comfort and Risk
In Dead Reckoning, a group of detectives and their families find themselves embroiled in a mystery complete with missing passengers and eerie mysteries on what should have been a relaxing Mediterranean cruise. Where did the inspiration for this mystery come from?
I’ve always been interested in how a normal setting can suddenly turn dangerous. Cruises are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but they’re also closed‑off worlds where people can’t just walk away. That mix of comfort and risk gave me the idea for Dead Reckoning.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
For me, they go hand in hand. A twist works best when it grows naturally out of the story. I like to drop little clues along the way so readers feel surprised but also realize the twist makes sense.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing a trilogy? What is the most rewarding?
The hardest part is keeping everything consistent from book to book — characters, details, timelines. The best part is being able to spend more time with the world and the people I’ve created. It lets me go deeper and give readers more to enjoy.
Can fans of The Stanton Falls Mysteries look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Dead Reckoning is a stand‑alone mystery, separate from the Stanton Falls trilogy. I wanted to give readers a fresh story with new characters and a different setting. At the same time, I am continuing to develop future projects — including more mysteries — so fans of Stanton Falls can look forward to new work from me soon.
The Stanton Falls Mysteries – Dead Reckoning
Dead Reckoning follows a tight-knit group of Stanton Falls detectives and their families as they head out on what should have been a relaxing Mediterranean cruise. Instead, the trip unravels into a tangled mess of missing passengers, eerie shipboard mysteries, emotional tension, and danger that creeps up on them when they least expect it. The story shifts between calm family moments, unsettling turns, and sharp revelations. It keeps the focus on relationships and teamwork while pushing the characters into situations that test them in new ways.
While reading, I kept feeling this warm mix of comfort and suspense. The writing leans heavily into character bonds, and I liked that a lot. There is a genuine sense of history between them, and the quieter scenes made the high-stress moments hit harder. At times, the dialogue felt a little straightforward, but the emotional weight underneath kept me hooked. I appreciated how the author balanced cozy slice-of-life beats with creeping dread. It created this enjoyable tension that made me want to keep turning pages.
Some ideas in the book surprised me in a good way. The ship’s strange happenings, the shifting cabin numbers, the subtle horror beneath the surface, all of it gave the mystery a fresh vibe. I loved that the story didn’t try to outsmart the reader with cheap tricks. It felt honest. There were moments when the pacing slowed, and I caught myself wishing for quicker movement, but the payoff eventually landed with enough emotional punch to make up for it. By the end, I felt oddly proud of the characters for what they’d pushed through.
I’d recommend Dead Reckoning to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a touch of creepiness and a whole lot of heart. It’s great for anyone who wants a story that mixes friendships, family, and danger in a setting that feels fun at first and unsettling once things start going wrong. If you like mysteries that make you care about the people as much as the puzzle, this book will be right up your alley.
Pages: 187
Crimson Hearts
This book took its time, and I liked that about it. Crimson Hearts follows Elizabeth Hollingsworth and Jameson Blackwell, two people caught in a decades-old family feud, tangled in vines and secrets and things left unsaid for far too long. They’re not just trying to figure each other out, they’re unearthing a whole mess of history buried beneath generations of hurt. Love doesn’t come easy here. It has to fight through grief, pride, silence, and a past that won’t stay put. And the land is more than just where things grow. It’s where things fall apart and come together again.
The writing is not flashy or heavy-handed. There’s this kind of quiet confidence in the way Susan Reed-Flores writes that lets emotions build naturally. Nothing gets forced. The characters stumble, they second-guess, they say the wrong thing, they say nothing at all, and somehow, that feels more real than anything else. Elizabeth, especially, felt solid to me. Not in a loud, dramatic way. Just in how she kept pushing through, eyes open, even when the ground beneath her shifted. And Jameson surprised me. He starts off guarded, sure, but there’s softness there. You just have to wait for it.
There’s a quiet patience to the story that I really appreciated. It doesn’t chase after shock or twist for the sake of drama. Instead, it leans into a steady, deliberate pace, letting emotions build slowly, layer by layer. Some plot turns felt familiar, but in a comforting way, like hearing a well-loved song played just a little differently. And because the story doesn’t force anything, the emotional moments when they do come feel earned. The calm makes the breakthroughs matter more.
Would I recommend Crimson Hearts? Absolutely. If you’re into romance that digs through memory and soil and doesn’t give you all the answers up front, you’ll probably fall into this one the way I did. It’s gentle, it’s patient, and somehow it lingers longer than you expect.
Pages: 186 | ASIN: B0FHG1MX4H
Secrets That Small Towns Harbor
Undercurrents of Betrayal follows the law enforcement team of Stanton Falls as they uncover the sister forces that have haunted the town’s history following the discovery of skeletal remains from fifty years ago. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of “Undercurrents of Betrayal” came from my fascination with the hidden histories and secrets that small towns often harbor. I wanted to explore how long-buried truths can resurface and disrupt the present, compelling characters to confront their pasts. The idea of skeletal remains from fifty years ago allowed me to dive deep into the town’s history and weave a tale that connects the past and present in intriguing ways. Finding Evelyn was important to me since she was the founder of Stanton Falls. This connection adds a layer of intrigue and personal significance to the story, making the discovery even more impactful.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
Stanton Falls is a fictional place, but it’s inspired by the quaint yet mysterious small towns I’ve come across. The picturesque yet eerie setting provided the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama and suspense. I wanted a location that felt both familiar and unsettling, where every corner could hold a secret, and Stanton Falls fit that vision perfectly.
What was one of the hardest parts of Undercurrents of Betrayal for you to write?
One of the hardest parts to write was the emotional depth of the characters as they faced their darkest fears and secrets. Balancing the suspense and the emotional arcs to ensure readers stayed engaged while also feeling deeply connected to the characters was challenging. Ensuring each character’s journey felt authentic and impactful required a lot of introspection and fine-tuning.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I think I will write another trilogy, this time facing more personal challenges, exploring new horizons and seeking a balance between duty and personal fulfillment.
Author Links: Website | Facebook
A Close-Knit Community Reacts
The Stanton Falls Mysteries is a short story collection centered around two police detectives who tackle three murder investigations in a small town in Connecticut. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came from my fascination with small-town dynamics and the complexities of crime solving. I wanted to explore how a close-knit community reacts when faced with unexpected mysteries and two detectives navigate through these challenges while maintaining the town’s tranquility.
What was your approach to writing the interactions and the developing connections between your characters?
My approach was to create authentic and relatable characters. I focused on their individual backstories and personalities, which influenced their interactions with each other. The connections between the characters were built gradually, reflecting their shared experiences in law enforcement and mutual respect as they solved mysteries together.
What is 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?
The hardest part is giving just enough balance between revealing clues and maintaining the suspense. It’s important to give some answers, but not enough because you’ll solve the mystery too soon.
Can readers expect to see more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! I am currently working on book Two and book Three of The Stanton Falls Mysteries Trilogy. Book Two is called Promotion to Peril and the third and final book in the trilogy is called Undercurrents of Betrayal. I’m hoping to have both books released by the end of 2024! I’m also currently working on a new book that combines the elements of romance and science fiction. I’m also exploring the idea of self-publishing and am in the process of setting up my own self-publishing company. It has been quite a learning curve, but a wonderful experience!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Detective Dan Ross lives in picturesque Stanton Falls, Connecticut. Dedicated to his job, he lives a lonely existence until a twist of fate, a random murder, he meets the love of his life, Charlotte Wayward. Along with rookie Detective Anthony Scalari, the two of them work together to solve three complex murders in their sleepy town. With each murder, both men build a bond, as does Anthony’s fiancé, Elizabeth, with Charlotte. With a new family, Dan learns how blessed he is, as Anthony learns to balance a family life.
The Stanton Falls Mysteries
In The Stanton Falls Mysteries, by Susan Reed-Flores, readers are treated to three captivating short stories: “Murder at the Museum,” “Murder at the Marina,” and “Murder at the Lakehouse.” Set in the picturesque town of Stanton Falls, Connecticut, these tales revolve around two dedicated local police detectives who find themselves at the heart of intriguing murder investigations. Each story is approximately 40 pages long, making them perfect for a quick and satisfying read.
In “Murder at the Museum,” Detective Dan Ross takes center stage as he investigates the murder of Jack Crawford, an employee at the town’s art museum. The list of suspects includes the museum board members and Crawford’s former lover and executive assistant, Charlotte Wayward. The second story, “Murder at the Marina,” shifts the focus to Detective Ross’ partner, Detective Anthony Scalari. Here, Scalari delves into the mysterious death of Joseph Camden, an Assistant VP at an insurance company. This installment also enriches the narrative with callbacks and further character development for Detective Ross and Charlotte. The third story, “Murder at the Lakehouse,” masterfully intertwines elements from the first two tales. Both detectives join forces to unravel the murder of an unidentified man near Detective Ross’ lake house, bringing together threads from their previous cases.
Susan Reed-Flores employs a formal writing style that, despite the grim subject matter, maintains a wholesome tone throughout the book. The detectives are portrayed not only as skilled professionals but also as individuals with supportive personal lives, adding depth to their characters. The seamless blending of the stories creates a cohesive and engaging reading experience. These stories are an excellent recommendation for fans of classic “whodunit” mysteries, those who prefer their crime stories on the lighter side, and anyone seeking a quick and enjoyable read.
The Stanton Falls Mysteries provides a delightful escape into a world of intrigue and well-drawn characters, leaving readers eager to see if personal conflicts might arise for Detectives Ross and Scalari in future installments.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B0BC3RS4MW
LITERARY TITAN 