Thursday, December 6, 2012

Mystery We Write Tour ~ Marilyn Meredith




Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s Patrol Area


Being resident deputy for the mountain community of Bear Creek means that Tempe not only serves in the immediate area, but also in the high country and all the way to the lake, and sometimes the Bear Creek Indian Reservation. Though this particular setting has a great resemblance to the town of Springville where I live, it isn’t an exact replica. One reason is that some businesses tend not to make it so it’s easiest to stick to those that have been around for a while and make up others.

The geography is a bit different too. The altitude is 1000 feet higher making the town closer to the big trees and the opportunity for more drastic weather changes.



The story in Raging Water takes place solely in the town of Bear Creek because of events caused by the weather. Bear Creek floods inundates homes along its banks, and the one road out of town is covered by a mud slide. A lightning strike takes out the electricity.

Most of the action takes place on the highway, along the river, in the trailer park and low income housing, the fire station, the only market, the café, Bear Creek Community Church, the Inn, and the homes of Miqui Sherwood and Anne Albert’s. (If that last name sounds familiar it is. Anne won a chance to have her name used for a character in this book.)

For me, setting is as important as the characters and often has a lot of influence on the plot as it does in 

Raging Water.
Marilyn

Raging Water Blurb: Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s investigation of the murder of two close friends is complicated when relentless rain turns Bear Creek into a raging river. Homes are inundated and a mud slide blocks the only road out of Bear Creek stranding many—including the murderer.


I know there are some people who like to read a series in order, but let me reassure you that every book is complete. Though the characters grow through each book, the crime is always solved. Here is the order of the books for anyone who wants to know: Deadly Trail, Deadly Omen, Unequally Yoked, Intervention, Wing Beat, Calling the Dead, Judgment Fire, Kindred Spirits, Dispel the Mist, Invisible Path, Bears With Us, Raging Water.


Bio: Marilyn Meredith is the author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Raging Water from Mundania Press. Writing as F. M. Meredith, her latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel us No Bells, the forth from Oak Tree Press. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and follow her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com/

Marilyn borrows a lot from where she lives in the Southern Sierra for the town of Bear Creek and the surrounding area.

Do enter my giveaway contest for a copy of the previous Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, BEARS WITH US. Leave a comment and you're automatically entered. Include your email addy so I can get in touch with you should your name be selected at random. The winner will be announced on my blog http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com
 on December 11, 2012. Good luck!

15 comments:

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Hi, Madison, thanks for hosting me today. I'm enjoying my stay.

Larissa Reinhart said...

Sounds like a great story. That's quite a flood picture you have. Scary stuff!

WS Gager said...

Lends such a feel of realism when you use actual events. (Just as long as it all ends well!) Great post Marilyn.
Wendy
W.S. Gager on Writing

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

The photo is nothing compared to some floods we've had, Larissa.

M.M. Gornell said...

WOW, Marilyn, all that water! Believe it or not, we did have one flood here since we moved to the desert. Very nice picture of you, and always enjoyed your post.

Madeline

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Thanks, Madeline. I think that photo was at a Jane Austen Festival. Was tickled to be invited and actually sold some books, despite kind of being out of place.

Anonymous said...

I thoroughly enjoyed Raging Water, and as the flood water rose I could not put down the book. What can I say, Marilyn? I'm a fan!

Marja said...

You're right, setting can be as important as characters. Great post! I'm sorry I haven't been able to start the book yet because I'm realllly looking forward to it.
Marja McGraw

Unknown said...

You're welcome Marilyn. I love the raging water theme, nothing better than mother nature to up the ante.

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Thanks, Anne.

And, Marja, when you do start reading the book, you'll see that Anne is one of the characters. She won a contest to have her name in a book.

Jean Henry Mead said...

I agree, Marilyn, that setting is an important element of any novel. I think you could write good books stranded on a desert island. :)

Collin Kelley said...

Looking forward to hosting Marilyn on my blog tomorrow!

Mary Preston said...

RAGING WATER looks like a fabulous read.

I do like the fact that each book is a complete crime solved.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Jake said...

Another new photo which I enjoyed. Keep up the good writing & hope you are feeling better soon.

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Thanks for you comments everyone. I feel a bit better everyday. /Thanks, Jake. I've had fun with this tour which has helped.