Exploring the unique blend of forensic science and storytelling
Victoria M. Patton discusses her unique background in Forensic Science and the Coast Guard, the influence of true crime, and her cat Pumpkin on her engaging crime thrillers.
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ictoria M. Patton stands out in the realm of crime fiction, bringing a unique blend of authenticity and insight to her storytelling. With a degree in Forensic Science and experience in the Coast Guard, she crafts narratives that delve into the darkest corners of human nature while maintaining a sense of humour and psychological depth.
This interview offers a fascinating look into Patton’s creative process, revealing how her life experiences shape her characters and plots. From the influence of true crime to the comedic antics of her beloved cat, Pumpkin, she shares the inspirations behind her acclaimed Damien Kaine and Derek Reed series. Join us as we explore the mind of a writer who skilfully balances the macabre with the relatable, creating stories that resonate long after the last page is turned.
Your time in the Coast Guard and your degree in Forensic Chemistry provide a unique perspective for crafting crime thrillers. How do these experiences influence the authenticity of the crime scenes and investigative procedures in your novels?
While in the Coast Guard I was stationed at a small boat unit. We performed search and rescue when boats, planes, or people went missing on the lake. We also had to perform law enforcement duties such as boarding suspected vessels of trafficking drugs, or helping the Fish and Wildlife Services when they had to deal with poachers. Couple that with my degree of how to process the crime scenes so that the evidence would hold up in court, really helped with adding believability to my stories.
In the Damien Kaine series, you explore dark and often disturbing themes. What draws you to write about such intense subject matter, and how do you balance these dark elements with the more personal and humorous aspects of your characters?
I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s, the time of the slasher movies and Saturday Night Live, back when it was good. Maybe that is where some of my flavor comes from. I’m a huge true crime fan and I often use true crimes as the jumping off point for my stories. I just morph them into the worst killers possible. My sense of humor definitely comes into play. That is how I deal with stress, sarcasm. It seems only fitting to give my characters the same flavor. It’s saying those things out loud that others wish they could say, but don’t have the nerve to say them. Yeah, my filter doesn’t always work.
Pumpkin, your cat, is credited with inspiring your storytelling. How does Pumpkin contribute to your writing process, and in what ways has your feline companion influenced the tone or style of your books?
Pumpkin was a rescue cat. He is an abnormally huge tuxedo cat. Roughly 19lbs and bigger than my cocker spaniel. He’s also an asshole. I had to bring a pet in, I mean I’m surrounded by 4 cats and 2 dogs. It seemed only fitting that I use a cat to bring in humor and lighten the weight of the subject matter. Coach is the cat in the series. All those things he does in the book, Pumpkin does. I did try to make Coach a little more likeable. LOL!
Your Damien Kaine and Derek Reed series are described as edgy mashups of CSI, Motive, and Criminal Minds. What elements from these shows have you incorporated into your writing, and how do you ensure your books stand out within the crowded thriller genre?
Hopefully the combination of true crime elements, the forensics, and the humor help set them apart. In the Damien Kaine series, I use a lot of my Italian family interactions to bring Damien’s world to life. The Derek Reed series is paranormal in nature. Again hoping the forensic and police work help keep my readers interested, I hope my take on the supernatural keeps them coming back for more. I have a lot of creepy ghost stories I could tell you.
In Innocence Taken, Damien Kaine faces the challenge of solving a series of gruesome murders while dealing with internal conflicts, including a complicated relationship with an FBI profiler. How do you develop the psychological depth of your characters, and why is this important for your storytelling?
I really put myself in their place and think how would I handle that. I grew up with 4 brothers so getting into the mindset of my male characters came easy for me. The last thing I want is for my characters to be flat. Damien has a god complex. He does things he wants when he wants, often with no thought as to the outcome. Although his actions stem from a good place, he still does it and asks for forgiveness later. I myself have done this several times in my life. Who hasn’t? I want my readers to want to be my characters, sleep with my characters, hate my characters, or love my characters. The last thing I want is for the reader to feel no connection.
Given the graphic nature of the crimes in your books, how do you approach writing scenes that are both realistic and engaging without crossing into sensationalism? Do you have a particular process for handling such intense content?
I think there is a time to be graphic and a time not to be. there is a balance. Finding that balance can be hard. I want to give enough of the scene for the reader to see the horrible nature of the crime, so they can then maybe get a better insight into the killer and his or her thinking. I also want them to understand what the detectives are going through. The things they see and what they deal with take a toll over time. Hopefully as my series plays out, you will see that as the characters develop over time.
