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Finding Balance In The Story

Lisa Towles Author Interview

Terror Bay follows an injured detective who, while in a coma, has a presence emerge in his consciousness and must figure out who she is and her connection to him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The emergence of creative ideas is as mysterious to me now as it was twenty years ago, and it’s different for every book. I do have several personal contacts who have lived through coma and traumatic brain injuries, and I’ve read a number of studies with some very interesting reports about where the brain “goes” during those unplugged times and it’s of eternal fascination to me. But I started with the character of Kurt Farin and it sort of took off from there. 

Kurt’s story is one of self-discovery as well as solving the mystery of who Genevieve is. What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story?

I had to make him sort of devolve into madness and touch bottom, because that’s where he learns what really matters to him. As the story progressed, he started peeling back layers, learning more, and deepening his resolve to find the truth despite the risks to his family, his career, and his sanity. 

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

The clarity that emerges from times of challenge and deep internal crisis. 

Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?

Yes and no. I write complex crime thrillers, and I find it’s a hard balance sometimes between tying up every single loose end and spoon-feeding your readers. I like to leave some things to the reader’s imagination and not try to control every moment of their reading experience, but I also need to resolve the larger plot elements in a story. 

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After surviving a gunshot wound to the head, San Francisco homicide detective Kurt Farin is placed in a medically induced coma. In his unconscious state, he can’t shake the vivid image of a mysterious woman – Genevieve Lucas – who appears to be summoning him. How does he know her name, and is she even real?
Driven by an unshakable intuition, Kurt travels to Puget Sound to find her and uncover the truth. As he digs deeper, he realizes that his fate is inextricably tied to the enigmatic woman…and a long-lost treasure that’s been submerged for decades. Pairing up with his former SFPD partner, he follows clues that lead them to Alaska and northern Canada. But can he still trust him, or anyone for that matter? Risking his physical and mental wellness, Kurt follows his instincts and will stop at nothing to find her.
Is Genevieve Lucas real, and what does she want from him? Will Kurt unravel the truth before it’s too late, or will his dangerous quest pull him to a watery grave?
With a heart-pounding plot, complex characters, and a shocking twist, “Terror Bay” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction.

Terror Bay

Kurt Farin’s most recent case has unveiled a level of danger beyond initial expectations. Readers are introduced to Kurt, a San Francisco-based detective, who becomes entangled in a perilous situation when he attempts to rescue Leticia, a young woman who tragically loses her life. Regrettably, Kurt sustains a gunshot wound during this endeavor, resulting in a brain injury that renders him unconscious and necessitates a medically induced coma. Within this period of vulnerability, a previously unknown presence emerges within Kurt’s consciousness, a mysterious woman who reaches out to him. In the midst of his cognitive turmoil, he utters a solitary name: Genevieve Lucas. The enigma of this connection beckons – who is Genevieve Lucas, and what profound ties bind them? Conviction in the significance of his vision propels Kurt to embark on a quest to unravel this mystery, despite the incredulity of his confidant, who perceives his actions as emblematic of a descent into madness.

Terror Bay, by Lisa Towles, beckons readers into a world saturated with suspense, propelling them through a captivating odyssey of action, intrigue, and enigma. One of the narrative’s standout attributes is its capacity to confound expectations, holding readers rapt as they endeavor to untangle the intricate threads of the plot. Lisa Towles adeptly entwines the genres of crime and self-discovery, crafting a multifaceted story that encompasses not only the unraveling of a mystery but also the exploration of Kurt’s own past.

The merits of this narrative are diverse. Beginning with its meticulous characterization, Lisa deftly shapes a diverse cast of dynamic personas, each contributing a distinct facet to the story’s tapestry. The narrative flows seamlessly, precluding any moments of reader disengagement. Kurt’s introspections are eloquently conveyed, fostering an empathetic connection with the reader, who bears witness to his internal struggles.

Terror Bay stands as an exceptional read, utilizing adept storytelling that both captivates and resonates.

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