I wanted to make sure every character, including the killer, appeared real.
Bentley Turner – 4 August 2022
The Back Flap
When prominent businessman and pillar of Derrick, Oklahoma, James Williams, is shot and killed, his son, Frank, searches for answers and uncovers evidence that leads to an unfathomable suspect; his father’s best friend. Shocked by his findings, Frank wonders if he’s caught in a set-up and the evidence has been planted.
About the book
What is the book about?
A Killing in Oklahoma is about the murder of James Williams, a prominent business leader and pillar of Derrick, Oklahoma. Frank, his son, even though he is not a trained detective, investigates and uncovers evidence that leads to the governor’s office. However, the governor and the victim were close friends. Did someone plant the evidence to implicate the governor?
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book a few years ago. The reason it took so long was because of the plot, not to mention other writing projects at the time.
How long did it take you to write it?
At least two or three years.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea came to me several years ago, after I had finished my first mystery, The File on Thomas Marks. I wanted to write a second mystery about a prominent and successful business leader who is murdered. I wanted to make sure the authorities found few clues, so the victim’s son could become involved in the investigation, even though he is not a trained detective. I also wanted to feature the trial of the accused, which many mysteries I’ve read over the years do not include. As I mentioned above, I worked on A Killing in Oklahoma for several years.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Yes. At certain points in the plot, I had to stop and think about why some character did this or that or why some character would do this or that. I also had to ask, “What if . . .” regarding the plot. I wanted to make sure every character, including the killer, appeared real.
What came easily?
I would say the main character, Frank Williams, came easily more so than any of the other characters or even the plot. However, I found the character of the killer was not too difficult, either.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters in A Killing in Oklahoma are entirely fictitious.
Do you have a target reader for this book?
Readers who enjoy a mystery about a prominent business leader being murdered and the case being investigated by a member of the immediate family. Readers who enjoy a mystery that includes the trial of the accused.
How was writing this book different from what you’d experienced writing previous books?
A Killing in Oklahoma is several thousand words longer than The File on Thomas Marks. As a result, the plot seemed more complicated to write. Indeed, writing A Killing in Oklahoma seemed to be a more involved experience. I believe I had more questions about the characters and the plot as I went along. However, I’m happy with the end product.
What new things did you learn about writing, publishing, and/or yourself while writing and preparing this book for publication?
Writing A Killing in Oklahoma, I learned the following about myself: (1) I could produce a lengthy mystery about the murder of a prominent business leader; (2) I could have an amateur family member investigate the case; and (3) I could include the trial of the accused. I hope readers enjoy the end result.
End of Interview:
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