Halloween is a special time of year. A time when murderous writers can relax and watch other people pretend they’re someone else, someone dangerous, someone cruel or scary. To get into the Halloween mood you start with a homemade coffin, corn syrup, red food dye, body parts (not real of course), and a list of people who have wronged you. I’m only kidding. Or am I?
I’ve been asked, “How do you come up with all these horrific ideas?” My answer, “I see dead people.” But seriously, have you wondered where writer’s get their material for murder scenes? How they pick victims? Do they really have lists? How do they choose weapons? Do they visualize the mayhem while they’re writing it? Does it make them cringe?
When I started writing serial killer fiction I had two goals in mind. Keep the reader’s attention and keep them guessing. The weapons used in my books were almost always accidentally found. I would browse the antique stores in a tiny Indiana town called– wait for it– New Harmony. If an item “spoke” to me, I would buy it and leave it lying around in my office until I came up with an idea for its use. (I have two nine inch railroad spikes that are on my desk at the moment.)
Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. Better than birthday’s, Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving. I leave all the lights on, inside and outside, hoping to attract little goblins and elf’s and buccaneers. But few trick-or-treaters are brave enough to knock on my door. Oh well, more candy for me.
Have a killer Halloween.
Rick Reed
“Reed writes as only a cop can.” —Nelson DeMille
Jack Murphy Won’t Back Down
The headlines scream the ghastly news of an abandoned truck filled with murdered immigrants. Detective Jack Murphy and his partner Liddell Blanchard are on the case. They’ve got a lone survivor, rumors of a witness, and the feds getting in their way. Jack’s gut tells him there’s a connection with a local killing—and the bloodshed is far from over. He’s going up against a butcher who commits the unspeakable in the name of protecting America. Some say the worst crime is to look the other way. Jack Murphy only looks for justice . . .
Praise for Rick Reed and his novels
“Rick Reed knows the dark side as only a real-life cop can, and his writing crackles with authenticity.” —Shane Gericke
“Reed thrusts his story forward to bring us along on a ride we won’t soon forget!”—Suspense Magazine
“Reed gives the reader a story worth every minute and every penny spent.”—Book Reporter
“A jaw-dropping thriller.”—Gregg Olsen
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