The Pacific Northwest: More Than a Setting
The Pacific Northwest isn’t just a backdrop for my Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers and FBI S.W.O.R.D. series, it’s an essential part of them. So much so that the settings themselves shape the stories. In Thomas Austin book 4, the usually well-connected Bainbridge Island becomes cut off when a massive storm shuts down its only two exits, leaving the characters stranded with a murderer on the loose. Or take the rough currents under the famous Deception Pass Bridge on Whidbey Island in Thomas Austin book 9, which complicates the investigation as the team races to find the killer.
A Personal Connection
While my books are set across the Pacific Northwest, most of my writing—particularly in my Thomas Austin series—focuses on Kitsap County. My connection to Kitsap is personal. My wife grew up here, and even when we lived on the East Coast, we visited every year. In 2010, we made it our permanent home. Moving to Kitsap wasn’t just about finding a place to settle down, it was also about creating the right environment for my writing. The quieter life here helped me focus on my work. In those early years, I freelanced as an editor and taught English at Northwest Indian College. Those experiences shaped my voice and my approach to writing. When I decided to start a mystery series, I knew Kitsap would be its setting.
Adventures with Pearl
Exploring Kitsap means exploring it with my corgi, Pearl. From the start, I knew Pearl would make her way into the books as “Run,” Thomas Austin’s corgi. I’ve always loved dogs and wanted one in the story, and since Pearl keeps me company every day while I write, it felt only natural to include her. She’s also my constant companion on all my Pacific Northwest adventures. Whether it’s a trail walk through the forest or a game of fetch along the beach, Pearl is always by my side. Many of my best memories of Kitsap County are thanks to her and her love of being outside and running.
The Inspiration of the Pacific Northwest Beaches
The beaches here are some of my favorite places, including Point No Point in Hansville and Second Beach on the coast, which I consider among the best in the world. My wife and I often take Pearl to one of our local beaches and play fetch with her while brainstorming plot ideas for the books, and there’s nothing like an early morning beach walk to clear my head if I’m ever having a bout of writer’s block.
One of my favorite hidden beaches in Kitsap County is Foulweather Bluff in Hansville. It’s tucked away at the end of a narrow forest trail shaded by towering trees. Then, just as you’re starting to wonder how much farther the trail goes, it opens up to a stunning stretch of beach with wide-open views. The beach itself is part of a beautiful nature preserve that’s home to a wide variety of local wildlife. The only downside is that, because it’s a nature preserve, there are no dogs allowed—which means Pearl has to stay home.
For me, writing about the Pacific Northwest is about more than capturing its scenery, it’s about conveying the feeling of this place. My hope is to capture that feeling in my writing, both for those who call this area home and for those who’ve never visited but, after reading, might feel like they have.
If you want to dive in to some of these settings in my Thomas Austin series, then you can find the books here on Amazon or signed paperbacks here on my website.
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10 Responses
Fascinating peek into where the books came from, the experience of place by the author. And happy to see Foulweather Bluff, scene of my fave Thomas Austin case!
Thanks so much, Kay! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed this first blog post. I am looking forward to each new on Friday’s.
I’m glad to hear it, Don. Thanks for reading!
Hi – I have been reading your books for about a year and have read all of the books in Thomas Austin, the Sword series, “What she stole” and have your cookbook – whew! My husband and I lived in Tacoma and I worked on Kitsap Peninsula for twelve years. My office was in Bremerton but the whole Peninsula was my territory so I am very familiar with so many of the locations you refer to. I had to make the reverse commute across the Narrows Bridge every day and am waiting for you to use it in one of your books!
It’s pretty clear that we both thoroughly enjoy your books – and share your appreciation for good wine and good food. Thank you for including wine pairings in your book. Nothing quite like northwest salmon or crab with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Thank you and keep writing!
Thanks so much, Corky! Your comment made my day. I’m so glad you and your husband are enjoying the books, and the cookbook too! That project was a lot of fun to put together, and I’m happy to hear the wine pairings are a hit.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was briefly mentioned in Thomas Austin book 3, but you never know—it might make another appearance in a future story too! Thanks again for your kind words and support. I really appreciate it.
Thank you for all your good words and work. I have now read along and listen through Audio book to all in both series.
I moved to Kitsap in the spring of 2023 and drove beach to beach each day exploring with my golden retriever that summer. I grew up within both the Suquamish and PG S’Kallum tribal communities and have enjoyed that you have recognized the native people of the PNW.
I also taught at Chemawa Indian School and was so surprised with the Opal Creek book, recognizing the Willamette Valley and Mill City. Maybe in the future you could incorporate the oldest boarding school in there 🤔
Thank you for a wonderful summer of imagination, love your work
Thanks so much for the kind words, Chrystal. It’s always great to hear from someone who has ties to both teaching and the Pacific Northwest. I loved my time at Northwest Indian College and it left a lasting impression on me. As for Chemawa Indian School, I plan my books out well in advance and, for legal reasons, I’m not able to incorporate outside ideas. That said, I really appreciate the thought.
Also, as a huge audiobook fan myself, it always makes me happy to hear from readers who are enjoying the audio editions. Thanks again for your message!
I lived on Whidbey Island for awhile and also in Port Orchard. Unfortunately I’m not there anymore but your books make me feel like I am. I was hooked on the first chapter of the Point No Point book you made feel like I was right there on the beach and it continues throughout all your books. Thank you for taking me back to the places I loved.
I love all of your books and look forward to the next one coming out soon. I also have a corgi named Pearl…she has a middle name of Magnolia. She’s a black and white cardigan and shares many qualities with your Pearl. You’re a great writer and I love the PNW locations and have been at many of them. I lived in Gold Bar, WA for over 26 years. It’s a small town on highway two on the way to Leavenworth. It offers quite a few settings that would be perfect to leave a body undetected. For instance, there is a back road from Gold Bar to Index with little traffic and some great bluff drop-offs where a body could easily be rolled down and not found…..maybe forever? Now you have ME thinking like a killer, oh, my!