Attica Locke's new novel is Bluebird, Bluebird.From her Q&A with Deborah Kalb:
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Bluebird, Bluebird, and for your character Darren Mathews?Learn more about the book and author at Attica Locke's website.
A: I grew up in East Texas and all of my family roots can be traced to towns along Highway 59, and I wanted to start a book series that is steeped in that world. Imagining small town secrets was half the fun.
Darren came to me as a character when I realized I would need a character who could confront mysteries up and down Highway 59. Texas Rangers have wide jurisdiction and so it seemed like a fit.
Also, writing about a black law enforcement officer who is ambivalent about the badge seemed interesting to me and a perfect character for our time.
Q: How important is setting to you in your work, and could this book have been set in another place besides East Texas?
A: Absolutely...[read on]
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