Why Baltimore, and Why 2009? The Story Behind My Novel - #Mystery #Giveaway #AuthorCraft

By Amethyst Drake (Guest Blogger)

When I first started writing this novel, the setting was one of the most important decisions I had to make. Baltimore was an obvious choice. My husband and I have visited Baltimore many times, and it’s become our favorite cruise port. There's something special about the city. Its history, waterfront charm, and big-city, small-town feel blend perfectly. That balance is exactly what I wanted to capture in my book.

Baltimore’s neighborhoods are full of personality, and that sense of community is something I wanted to reflect in the story. Even though it’s a major city, there’s a closeness and warmth to the people and the places that feel like you could easily run into someone you know. That’s the vibe I wanted for my characters, too—a world where their lives intersect in ways both personal and professional.

Another factor in choosing Baltimore was its location on the coast. That coastal setting plays an important role in some of the espionage themes I plan to explore in future books. I wanted the freedom to weave in storylines involving international intrigue, secret ports, and coastal escapes. Baltimore offered the perfect backdrop for that.

As for the time period, I deliberately chose 2009 because I wanted a story that was grounded in a world before the pandemic. I felt it would give my characters more space to interact without the weight of everything we’ve all experienced in recent years. The late 2000s had a certain energy to them. It was an era where things were shifting, but not at the breakneck speed of today’s world, which felt right for the pacing of my story. I've enjoyed researching 2009 to add "dated" details, like references to MySpace and the BlackBerry.

The characters in this novel have actually been with me since I was in high school. Over the years, they’ve evolved and grown alongside me, and I always knew I wanted to share their stories with others. When I finally sat down to write The Scheme, I wanted to make sure their first adventure didn’t fall into the typical murder mystery category. I love a good murder mystery—I’ve always been a fan of classic detective stories, like Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple—but I didn’t want to lock myself into writing only murder mysteries.

Crime comes in all shapes and sizes, and I felt it was important to start with a story that focuses on a different type of mystery. Most crime in real life doesn’t involve murder, and I wanted to explore those other angles. The stakes are still high, the tension still sharp, but in a way that leaves room for all sorts of storytelling possibilities down the road. But for readers who prefer the typical murder mystery format, don't fret. My second book in the series, Framed, is all about homicide.

 

Blurb

Katherine Carson, a former intelligence operative turned private detective, has never been in it for the money. But when a desperate CEO offers double her usual fee to find his missing daughter, she can't refuse.

Set in Baltimore, 2009, what begins as a simple missing person inquiry transforms into a complex case of espionage, financial crime, and deep-seated grudges. For Katherine, this case strikes a personal chord, stirring up haunting memories from her own past. As unexpected connections emerge, she must confront her unresolved guilt.

Can Katherine and her team of private detectives solve the case before it's too late, or will the turmoil of her past consume her?

Excerpt

Katherine slowed down as she closed the final feet between them. Her target was cornered. Marty attempted a final desperate move, grabbing some scaffolding to haul himself up. The cold metal groaned in protest and shook under his weight. Katherine reacted instinctively as the scaffolding began to shudder. She leapt over the scattered debris, snatched Marty by his belt, and pulled with all her strength. She managed to rip Marty away mere moments before the neglected structure toppled over, sending a billow of dust and debris into the air.

They both covered their faces and waited for the dust to settle. Marty’s chest heaved as he gaped at the place where he had been standing moments before.

He coughed and stammered. “You saved me.”

“Don’t get sentimental on me, Marty, I need information.” Her eyes blazed with intensity. “Why did you run?”

“Are you kidding? The last thing I want is to tangle with you again. I couldn’t believe it when they told me you’d be on the other side of the case.” Marty tried to scramble to his feet.

“What case? And who's they?” Katherine helped Marty up.

“The prosecutors. The stolen pesticide?”

“Marty, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t heard about stolen pesticide. I’m here to ask for your help,” Katherine gritted her teeth, “as one professional to another.”

“Oh.” Marty looked relieved and straightened his coat. “In that case, sure. Anything you want.”

"Great. I'm looking for a young woman who has gone missing. Tell me why you were following Olivia Ames."

About the Author

Amethyst Drake is a passionate storyteller. She excels at crafting delightful characters and enjoys developing complex relationships among them. Mystery has always been her favorite genre to read, making it a natural choice for her writing. She aims to blend her personal experience with mental health and the moral complexities of intricate interpersonal relationships into engaging novels.

Amethyst loves reading all kinds of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers and enjoys watching classic detective and espionage dramas like "Murder, She Wrote," "Perry Mason," and "Mission: Impossible."

She also loves hearing from readers! Connect by signing up for her newsletter at https://amethystdrake.com or email her at amethyst [at] agswordsmiths [dot] com

Social Links

Author Website https://amethystdrake.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethystdrake.author

Buy Links

Amazon https://amzn.to/3M5lmJO

Barnes and Noble https://bit.ly/3Z3VsOv

The author will award a $25 Amazon GC and a signed book to one randomly drawn winner, a $10 Amazon GC and a signed book to a second randomly drawn winner, and a signed book to a third randomly drawn winner.

 

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