The Sonoran Desert’s Most Ruthless Residents
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing one of my short stories published in the Tucson Sisters in Crime (TSinC) anthology, Trouble in Tucson. While my heart often belongs to science-based picture books, I’ve been increasingly drawn to the world of murder mysteries. Of course, those picture books keep me busy, but I couldn’t resist the urge to test my mystery-writing skills by crafting a story rooted in real-life terror—the kind only nature can provide.
My editor, Eva Eldridge, was incredibly encouraging throughout the process. The resulting anthology featured a wonderfully diverse collection of mystery genres. I’m still not entirely sure which category mine fits into—perhaps “science-based suspense”? It was a terrifying tale based on true ecological events.
Local Thrills and Unexpected Antagonists
One of the best parts of this project is that every story is set in the Tucson area and written by local TSinC members. It’s a showcase of local talent and our beautiful, albeit sometimes dangerous, setting.
At book festivals, I loved watching readers try to guess the antagonist of my story. I remember one woman standing at my booth, reading the entire piece while muttering, “It’s a bobcat, it’s a bobcat.” Spoiler alert: It was not a bobcat. While she seemed satisfied by the ending, she walked away without buying the book! I had to remind myself that my booth isn’t a public reading room, though I suppose I should take the compliment that she couldn’t put it down.
More Trouble is Brewing
Fast forward two years, and it was time to submit a new story for the second anthology, More Trouble in Tucson. Naturally, I stuck to my roots with a science-based plot. In the Sonoran Desert, humans aren’t the only organisms capable of menacing behavior; some of our wild neighbors are far more ruthless than we give them credit for.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure I could find an antagonist as chilling as my first, but I think I succeeded. The culprit is certainly unexpected. If you are looking for trouble, Tucson is the perfect backdrop for sun-drenched stories of abduction, mystery, and the macabre.
Meet the Authors
I am in excellent company in this second anthology. Whether you smell the scent of rain on asphalt or a faint whiff of grapes, remember that trouble comes in many forms. Be careful—in the desert, even the lightning can be frightening.
I’m already brainstorming a third worthy antagonist for a potential 2028 anthology. Perhaps if I keep writing these science-based mysteries, I’ll eventually have enough for a full-length collection!
Grab your copy of More Trouble in Tucson today! You can find the paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/02cKHqPo
