Crafting Crime Fiction with Realism and Precision
Alan Brenham discusses how his law enforcement background shapes his crime fiction, the inspiration behind his protagonists, and the importance of authenticity, research, and moral dilemmas in crafting compelling narratives.
Alan Brenham is a name synonymous with gripping crime fiction, where authenticity meets storytelling at its finest. With a background as distinguished as the narratives he weaves, Brenham has crafted a literary career that resonates with both critics and readers alike. A former law enforcement officer, detective, district attorney, and criminal defence attorney, his extensive experience lends an undeniable realism to his novels, making them not only thrilling but profoundly insightful.
From his award-winning debut Price of Justice to the hauntingly brilliant Once Upon a Crime, Brenham has demonstrated an exceptional ability to explore the intricate balance between justice and morality. His Claire Deveraux series, featuring a deaf protagonist, showcases his commitment to creating deeply nuanced characters, while his Kit Hanover series offers a fascinating portrayal of a rookie homicide detective navigating the complexities of the criminal world. With endorsements from bestselling authors and accolades including the Literary Titan Gold Awards, the Silver Falchion Award finalist recognition, and multiple Readers’ Favourite distinctions, Brenham’s influence on the genre is undeniable.
In this exclusive Reader’s House interview, we delve into the mind of a writer whose works pulse with the tension of real-life crime and the emotional depth of human struggle. Brenham shares the inspirations behind his most compelling characters, his meticulous approach to blending fact with fiction, and his invaluable advice for aspiring crime writers. A master of suspense, he continues to redefine the genre with each new release.
Alan Brenham masterfully blends experience with storytelling, delivering crime fiction rich in depth, authenticity, suspense, and unforgettable characters that captivate readers.
How has your extensive experience in law enforcement and criminal law influenced the authenticity and depth of your crime fiction novels?
My experience in law enforcement and criminal law enabled me to add a certain degree of reality and believability to the story and to the individual characters. Some of my specific experiences in both career fields were tailored to fit various storylines in my books.
In your Claire Deveraux series, you feature a deaf protagonist. What inspired you to create a character with this unique perspective?
Initially, having a profound hearing loss of my own, I considered creating a deaf protagonist for a crime fiction series. Research into reader interest was sparked by a novel by Heather Gudenkauf titled Not A Sound which featured a deaf female protagonist. A secondary reason was to raise awareness of readers to the difficulties facing deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Your Kit Hanover series introduces a rookie homicide detective. How do you balance the challenges of a new detective with the complexities of seasoned criminals?
The challenges facing a new detective investigating criminal offenses and crime scenes are diverse and complex. In any given crime scene, the rookie detective most likely wouldn’t recognize links between a current criminal investigation and known suspects whose past crimes fit the clues and evidence found at their first or even second crime scene. Therefore, most rookie detectives are partnered with a seasoned veteran who provides instruction and guidance.
“Once Upon a Crime” presents a psychotic killer taunting the police with rhymes. What inspired you to incorporate this element into your storytelling?
I created the rhyme storyline for Once Upon A Crime from the taunting letters sent to news media and taunting phone calls made to police in the real-life killing sprees of David Berkowitz – the Son of Sam – and the Zodiac Killer.
Your novels often explore themes of justice and morality. How do you navigate these complex issues to engage readers effectively?
I weave issues of justice and morality into the story by creating situations in which the protagonist or a supporting character has to choose between doing the right thing or taking a shortcut. Then I show the character’s mental decision-making process. The last step is to show the consequences of his/her choice.
As a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Mystery Writers of America, how have these associations influenced your writing career and style?
Neither association has actually influenced my writing career or style in a strict sense. However both associations offer help in the way of classes taught by best-selling thriller authors as well as promotional opportunities through contests, publications. Two of my novels were featured in the monthly magazine of the International Thriller Writers.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors aiming to write compelling crime fiction that resonates with readers?
Most crime fiction readers are keenly aware of the basics of police work and criminal investigation. I’ve found that readers enjoy well-researched crime fiction plots and well-developed characters whom they can root for or despise. My advice is to read a lot of crime fiction books written by well-known authors such as Michael Connelly.
