Why write mysteries? I got interested in these stories because my parents, both writers, loved them. They’d pass a good yarn around the house until everyone had read it. On vacation in a hotel, when we kids stayed in connecting rooms next to our parents, Dad would concoct a locked room mystery. Then I found I enjoyed writing them. After the folks advised me I’d need a real job—other than writing—to make a living, I studied architecture.

So I worked to become an architect

When I entered the architectural profession, I found there were plenty of chances for hidden mischief in the design and construction industry, which only a curious architect would be able to detect. Think about it: Unknown and unsupervised bureaucrats were entrusted with millions of our tax dollars to spend on building projects. Building construction is complex, and few average persons understand or take the time to learn about it. But, architects and contractors are in a unique position to uncover such misconduct, or to commit it, for that matter

Soon enough, I ran across official mischief

During my projects over the years I ran into several situations where such behavior actually occurred. Padded cost estimates, collusion among supposed, competing bidders, shoddy or shortcut work either hidden behind walls or buried underground. We found these shortcuts and others—which could have resulted in inadequate construction, dangerous roads, structural failure, over payment by the public, and harm to the people using them—but what about those faults which were never found? A fertile field for the mystery writer.

Are you beginning to see why I write mysteries?

 Once my main character came into being, my world of mystery and intrigue was born.  When I wrote my cousin Patrick Beale in Ireland about him, he was inspired to give him a name he considered worthy of our new hero, who would be better looking, more courageous, and more confrontational than we ordinary folk could dare to be and still get along in our daily lives. “Call him Patrick MacKenna,” he proudly declared. “I love him. I want to be him!” While he is over-curious, sticking his nose into matters police think are none of his business, he cannot help applying his superior logic to intractable problems no one else can solve. He has weaknesses too, for good-looking women and a taste for good food, great wines and fine old things.

Enter the Architect, Patrick MacKenna

What makes Patrick tick? He is not overly interested in wealth or even making money on his design projects. His sidekick Chet has to remind him constantly to be realistic and practical. But Patrick’s quixotic character sees a larger challenge in every undertaking. He’s not afraid to help a confirmed mobster realize his dreams of building a legitimate business. Or he wants to restore a deteriorated Victorian mansion as a home for his growing family and a showplace for is architectural skill. Even when confronted by a natural disaster, such as earthquake or flood, he is among the first to spur his clients on to respond and restore his damaged city. He deplores unfairness and crime and not only wants to wipe it out, but also to reform its perpetrators. Each of his adventures tackles a societal problem: organized crime, human trafficking, the drug trade, or recovery from a natural disaster.

Haunted Design, NEW Patrick MacKenna mystery Bringing a Victorian house back to life–or is it already alive?

To see why In his latest adventure, architect Patrick MacKenna and his pregnant wife Kitty leave their lakefront apartment in search of a home for their growing family. Their journey leads them to a crumbling Victorian Gothic mansion. It’s perfect for showcasing Patrick’s work and impressing clients—if they can bring it back to life. Despite warnings from his business partner and a grisly discovery in the basement, Patrick remains committed to restoring the estate. But his ex-fiancé—his mob client’s daughter—has a secret that can unravel everything, and a detective advises them to walk away. Patrick and Kitty must decide if their house restoration is worth fighting the cost, danger, and unknown intruders to succeed.

To understand why I write mysteries, read one

To understand why I write mysteries, then get a copy of one, start reading it, and immerse yourself. facing Patrick’s challenges alongside him. Can he make his dream of restoring this old castle and come back to life without awakening its long dead occupants? Or will the spirits of the place, in whom Irish-born Kitty sincerely believes, object and force them out. Or are these intruders real flesh-and-blood stragglers of the gang that once hid just up the street. Hop aboard and learn with Patrick just what is involved in the mysteries I write.

Get the best Holiday Deal on Haunted Design – Offer extended for a limited time

Until next time, good words to you.

Peter

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