4 Essential Things to Know About The Getaway
My next mystery-thriller is out in just one month, so here’s a rundown on what to expect from The Getaway.
1. It’s set in the Caribbean
The Getaway is set in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a string of islands located in the Lesser Antilles. It’s one of those places that makes people who’ve visited get dreamy-eyed when talking about it. White sand beaches, sea as clear as a swimming pool, rum cocktails.
Of course, there’s more to the BVI than just picture-postcard views. I wanted to capture a little of what it’s like to live there, where the superrich on vacation rub shoulders with normal folks going about their everyday lives.
2. There’s a private island
For The Getaway, I invented Keeper Island, a small private island owned by a billionaire. Since the BVI – and the Caribbean in general – is no stranger to one-percenters laying down a hundred-million for their own island, there was plenty to draw inspiration from.
I love writing about islands in general. (My first novel, Dead Ringer, is set on Walney Island off the coast of Cumbria.) Islands are – pretentious moment alert – liminal spaces between sea and land.
You can escape to a desert island. It can be safe harbour… or you can be trapped there by an unforgiving tide.
3. There are hospitality hijinks
The novel’s main character, Lola, has spent her career managing resorts and hotels, being forced to pull rabbits out of hats for guests. And she can only do it by smiling to their faces while swearing at them in her head. (Think Kate Chastain from Below Deck.)
Lola believes she has her dream job, helping to manage Keeper Island. But the top-end price tag for guests means she has to deal with particularly demented demands by people who’ve never heard the word no.
4. Murder!
Also, Lola doesn’t know it at first, but she’s in a murder-mystery novel. Less than 24 hours after she arrives, her new boss (and old friend) Moxham dies in an apparent jet-skiing accident.
Was it actually an accident? (Spoiler: no.) And might the killer have reason to murder Lola as well? (Spoiler: yes.)
The Getaway is available to buy in November. Read the first 10 chapters for free now!
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