Rebel Mystery Author Marilyn Meredith Breaks the Rules

 Marilyn Meredith can break the writing rules. Why? Because she's just...that...good. Here's a little bit about Marilyn before you read her post, but don't forget to go a-l-l-l-l-l the way to the end so you can get in on her great contest!

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.

Weather as Another Character

Though many authors include weather as part of their scene, using it sometimes to evoke feelings of foreboding or comfort, we’ve all been warned against beginning a story with weather. 

The murder of two best friends almost takes a back seat to everything else that happens during an unrelenting storm.

In my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, weather is an important part of the story as unceasing rain causes big problems for Tempe and the town of Bear Creek. The river that runs through it begins to flood, threatening homes on either side. 

Displaced persons need to be fed and housed. Hutch’s church takes in many refugees and feeds more. Bear Creek Inn prepares meals for others.

Residents with homes above the flooding take in other who are displaced.

Tempers flare.

A mud slide across the road cuts Bear Creek off making it impossible for anyone to leave. 

Supplies dwindle. 

It’s possible the murderer is trapped in town.

Tempe wonders if anything else bad can happen when lightning strikes a power pole and takes out the electricity.

Rain turns to snow....

In Raging Water, the weather is Tempe’s biggest foe.

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, Wing Beat, Intervention, Calling the Dead, Judgment Fire, Kindred Spirits, Dispel the Mist, Invisible Path, Bears With Us, Raging Water.

Contest: The person who leaves comments on the most blogs will have his/her name used for a character in my next book—can choose if you want it in a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery or a Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel.

And don't forget to check out the history of this blog for reviews on Marilyn's books! Raging Water is available in both paperback and ebook format at Amazon, as well as other bookstores.