Day 3 - Pages 285-371

Now we’ve moved onto a new locale: Denver, Colorado. I’ve been there twice, both times in early September, both times on business.

My first visit was back in 1991, and I have to say, I was not enamored. It probably wasn’t Denver’s fault, though—it was my own. I was a newlywed, and miserable about leaving my new husband for several days. Plus, I had packed a suitcase full of fall sweaters, only to find the weather uncharacteristically hot. I spent several days sweating in a conference hotel where the air-conditioning was on the fritz, and I was glad to get out of there.

My second visit was much different. The weather was clear and cool; the mountain views were gorgeous, and I met so many wonderful locals that I can’t wait to go back. I’m going to do just that this summer, as a stop on my 50-state tour.

I should point out that in this section, as in the others, it was terribly challenging not to give away the twists and surprises in DYING BREATH. But this was, of course, necessary on behalf of readers who haven’t read the prequel but might want to go back and do so now.

Not only could I not give away in DEAD BEFORE DARK whodunnit in DYING BREATH—but I couldn’t give away who didn’t dunnit it…er, do it. You’ll notice, as you encounter references to last summer’s murders, Tess’s ordeal, or characters who appeared in the first book, that I carefully sidestep revealing important details. I don’t provide the name of Tess’s boyfriend here, because almost everyone was a potential suspect in the last book, and I don’t want to rule anyone out now.

Part III is full of clues and red herrings that were painstakingly planted in these particular pages throughout the writing process. I kept revisiting this section to tweak, add, and cut things that would keep the reader guessing—or, in retrospect, provide those end-of-the-novel, slap-on-the-head “Of course!” moments.

Readers should keep in mind that I don’t write Romantic Suspense; I write Suspense. There are big differences between the two genres. In romantic suspense, the developing relationship is the main storyline, enhanced by the suspense plot. In Suspense, of course, the suspense plot is the focus and any other elements—including characters’ relationships—should serve to enhance or advance the suspense plot.

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