Writing Small Town Suspense
Like many of my romantic
suspense stories, my latest release, Colton 911: Family Under Fire , is set in a
small town. It follows on from Linda O. Johnston’s book, Colton 911: Caught in
the Crossfire, although both can be read as a standalones. The books are set in
the fictional Arizona town of Cactus Creek
and I loved sitting at my laptop every day and disappearing into this
new world. But what is it that gives small towns their enduring appeal, and how
easy, or difficult, is it to set a series of thrillers in a place where most
people know each other well?
Firstly, small towns have their own personality. The people
have big hearts and tons of character and, unlike in a big city, they aren’t
hidden away in a crowd. Everything is on show and that makes quirks and habits
stand out. The people are what brings the small town to life, whether it’s the
busybody who spreads the local gossip, or the restaurant owner who remembers
everyone’s favorite order.
Everyone knows everyone else. A little too well at times. They
have long memories and they hold grudges. It’s no good trying to pull off an
act in a small town. Fake engagement? Marriage of convenience? Pretending to be
someone you’re not to get that dream job? Forget it.
Then there’s the history and the legends. Local ghosts,
villains and horror stories…the whole town knows them word for word. They can
help or hinder the characters when it comes to finding romance.
Isolation, weather, quirky landscape features, local
businesses and people…they all add color and depth to the story. Small town
doesn’t mean dull town. And with so many interesting personalities, the
opportunities to build a series and give the secondary characters a chance to
shine just keep growing.
In this story, Cactus Creek is a quiet town that nestles in
the embrace of beautiful Arizona scenery. Its western history and small town,
desert location is now its economy. Its past is its future. And it’s a town
where nothing is quite how it seems…
At the start of Family Under Fire, FBI Agent Everett Colton is
back in his hometown to investigate a murder. It’s December and the whole
community is gearing up for the holiday season. Everett is feeling less than
festive, and his mood is not improved when he comes face-to-face with Alyssa
Bartholomew, the woman who dumped him four years ago. He is angry and confused
to discover that they are now joint guardians of a baby girl.
When he is forced to keep his new family safe from danger, Everett
rethinks the situation and starts to appreciate that Cactus Creek may not be
such a bad place after all.
I love writing small town romantic suspense…torturing my characters
until the final page both emotionally and by throwing them into dangerous
situations! I hope you enjoy the twists and turns of both the mystery and the
love story of Family Under Fire.
JANE GODMAN is a 2019 Romantic Novelists’ Award winner and 2018 Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. She writes thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense/Mills and Boon Heroes and paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne/Mills and Boon Supernatural and St. Martin’s Press Romance. She also self publishes her historical and gothic stories.
Jane was born in Scotland and has lived in Germany, Wales, Malta, South Africa, and England. She still gets the urge to travel, although these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is steeped in history.
When she isn’t reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and enjoying the antics of her dogs, Gravy and Vera.
Connect with Jane Godman on the web:
Colton 911: Family Under Fire
An unexpected family
A once-in-a-lifetime reunion in danger…
After a bitter breakup, FBI agent Everett Colton never expected to see his ex-girlfriend, Alyssa Bartholomew, again. Suddenly, tragedy reunites them—and makes them guardians of an orphaned baby girl. Everett suspects that her parents’ deaths were anything but innocent. When his instinct for danger proves correct, it’s his job to protect the child he’s grown to love…and the woman he never forgot.
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Small towns are so much different than big cities. Great setting.
ReplyDeleteThey are both really interesting in their own way.
DeleteI have been seeing Jane's latest book celebrated in a number of spots here in the blogosphere - which is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI've been getting around :)
DeleteI love small towns in literature or movies !
ReplyDeleteso do I! Such an interesting setting.
DeleteGreat review, I will look for this book. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it. Do let me know.
DeleteI enjoy when setting of any sort is one of the characters almost, whether in print or on film. ~grin~ Happy Writing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWe live in a small hamlet and I suspect that a good book could be written about this place. It is very split down the middle politically which causes all sorts of rifs!! Have a good weekend Diane
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds interesting!
DeleteHello again, Jane! I hope your blog tour is going well.
ReplyDeleteHi, there! It is going well, thanks :)
DeleteLooks very interesting, thank you for the great book review and I enjoyed learning about the author also.
ReplyDeleteSounds like there's plenty to keep the reader entertained.
ReplyDeleteHi Nas and Jane - the plot draws me in ... and as you mention the small town holds lots of red-herrings to be used as good or bad ... congratulations - your Everett seems an interesting detective to have around ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteNice to see this book popping up everywhere. Sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteI have lived in both- and small towns are definitely a whole new world! Great post! Best of luck to Jane. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess