Marilyn Meredith is back with Seldom Traveled, the latest in her Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. Today she tells us how a mountain setting defines character.
Welcome, Marilyn.
Being a deputy in a mountain community is much different for Tempe Crabtree than if she worked in the valley.
With a backdrop of the Southern Sierra, which includes one of the highest peaks in the U.S., Mount Whitney, a forest of various pines and Giant Sequoias, and a river that in summer meanders its way down to the lake, Deputy Crabtree lives in one of the most beautiful areas in California.
Years ago, her superiors joked that her job was to keep the drunken cowboys off the road and the citizens safe. Actually, because of where she lives, keeping the citizens safe could be because of a flooding river, mudslides cutting the town off from access to supplies and emergency services, marauding bears and other wildlife, problems on the Bear Creek Indian Reservation, and the occasional bad guy.
Fires can be a problem, an occasional house fire, or as in the case of Seldom Traveled, a raging forest fire. Because forest fires are a big danger in mountain country, this contributed a lot to the plot and the excitement.
Giant Sequoia
Seldom Traveled Blurb:
The tranquility of Bear Creek is disrupted by a runaway fugitive, a vicious murderer, and a raging forest fire. Deputy Tempe Crabtree is threatened by all three.
Marilyn Meredith’s Bio
Marilyn has had so many books published, she’s lost track of the count, but it’s getting near 40. She lives in a community similar to the fictional mountain town of Bear Creek, the big difference being that Bear Creek is a thousand feet higher in the mountains. She is a member Mystery Writers of American, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, and is a board member of Public Safety Writers of America.
Visit Marilyn Meredith
http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com
Purchase your copy of Seldom Traveled here.
New Contest! Winners will be randomly picked from those leaving the most comments on the blog posts. Each winner can choose one of the earlier books in the series as either a print book or e-book.
I am so glad to be here today, Maggie. Thank you for hosting me. The picture of me was taken on my birthday and we found a most wonderful place to celebrate–best Mexican food in town.
I’m always happy to host you, Marilyn. Here’s to oodles of comments!
I think one of the reasons I love your Tempe Ctabtree novels is due to the beautiful mountain setting, Marilyn. You and I live in similar, but different mountain settings and I can relate to life where Tempe lives and works.
Jackie, you really live in a gorgeous place.
I love Marilyn’s books. The end of every chapter leaves me longing for the next. I’m lucky to also live in the Same area.
We are lucky, aren’t we Jann?
Thanks for commenting, Jackie and Jann. I lived in LA for many years and was used to seeing mountains everywhere I looked. And, like Marilyn says, the southern Sierra area is one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
I didn’t know you lived in LA–if you mean Los Angeles–that’s where I grew up.
I lived there from 1977-1996. Mostly in Toluca Lake, then in Mission Hills, and finally in Lake Elizabeth, on the edge of the Mojave. I often miss it.
I grew up in L.A. between Eagle Rock and Glendale, mom lived in the area many years after that. Hubby and I lived all over the place, but for over 20 years in Oxnard CA, a mile from the beach. We’ve been up here ever since.
I know Eagle Rock and Glendale well. I worked in that area, in Pasadena and in the Glassell Park section (San Fernando Rd and Fletcher Drive).
My old stomping grounds, way back when I was a kid. Went to Delevan Drive grammar school, Washington Irving Jr. High, and ERHS. Walked all over that area. Of course it was a long, long time ago.
We love those mountain areas around L.A. like Wrightwood. Gig Bear etc. Great scenery and clean air.
Yes, Big Bear, Running Springs, and all those places are beautiful too.
BIG Bear that is.
You make the area sound so inviting and at the same time dangerous in reference to the fires. My darling is a mountain girl from North Carolina and she longs to return to those mountains. I love the mountains too and want to see as many as I can. We plan to build a little place in the mountains, but here on the east coast.
It is beautiful in our mountains. But mountains are wonderful everywhere.
The Smokies are wondrous.
Just started Seldom traveled. A great review coming up!!
Wow, thanks Terrell!
Since raging forest fires is a huge, recent issue in parts of California, having your book released now is timely. Especially when the fire plays a part in your plot.
Yes, Marilyn’s latest is quite timely. I’m looking forward to starting it.
We’ve had quite a time with fires lately, though I think the worst of them are about out. Thanks for stopping by, Linda.
Beautiful pic. On the East Coast, we watch the pictures of California wildfires with awe and horror. I’m glad they are mostly out, but the devastation looks immense and tragic. Thanks for a great post!
Hi, Laurel, the fires were a tragedy for so many people. And the fire season isn’t over.
Marilyn always does research about what she’s writing. She made sure what she wrote about fires was accurate. Love her work.
At least I try to, not sure I’m always right. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Shirley!