The Dying Place by Luca Veste
Series: Murphy / Rossi #2
Release Date: 23rd October 2014
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Genres: Crime, Mystery & Thriller, Crime Fiction
GUEST POST BY LUCA VESTE
GUEST POST BY LUCA VESTE
Researching the mind of a killer
When I began writing The Dying Place, it started with a single idea of wanting to explore the clash between generations which has occurred, I imagine, throughout history. That of an older generation and a younger generation and the differences in values, opportunities, outlook, and the effects of those things within that clash. I knew early on that that clash would lead to violence, with the issue of vigilantism being at the forefront. The beginning of the book deals with the death of a single teenager and what led to him being discovered with signs of a violent end. Through exploration of what could bring a group of people together to enact that violence, I had to research the ways in which group-led violence can occur, with a strong focus on group-think and the ideas behind vigilantism. What grew organically from this research is the concept of leadership and that many groups in this position have one member who often leads that violence. In choosing this path to explore, I researched what may lead a person into taking this role and what may be behind their thinking. In The Dying Place, it becomes clear early on that there is one man who is directing the groups actions and it was this person that I researched most intently. Starting with people who had experiences of being victims of crime - the exasperation and frustration this can cause - to the grief process and how a small minority can become violent following this. Later, and not to spoil the book too much, I had to research mass murder, with a particular interest in real cases such as Derrick Bird and Michael Ryan.
The research into the 'mind' of a killer is often a long process which makes up a small proportion of what eventually winds up in the novel. Whilst I want to know the psychological and physiological elements that are present in real-life cases, often I create a character who may share some aspects with those cases, but become a entirely separate being with their own history and not a pastiche of real people. That character's history and environmental setting then becomes the main drive behind their actions.
In The Dying Place, a whole range of these factors come into play, with a group of vigilantes starting from what they believe to be a just cause, to one man on a his own mission. Research into what would make these characters end up in the places they do is paramount and whilst taking up some time, is of utmost importance in my writing process.
The research into the 'mind' of a killer is often a long process which makes up a small proportion of what eventually winds up in the novel. Whilst I want to know the psychological and physiological elements that are present in real-life cases, often I create a character who may share some aspects with those cases, but become a entirely separate being with their own history and not a pastiche of real people. That character's history and environmental setting then becomes the main drive behind their actions.
In The Dying Place, a whole range of these factors come into play, with a group of vigilantes starting from what they believe to be a just cause, to one man on a his own mission. Research into what would make these characters end up in the places they do is paramount and whilst taking up some time, is of utmost importance in my writing process.
Book Blurb
Once inside…there’s no way out
A fate worse than death…
DI Murphy and DS Rossi discover the body of known troublemaker Dean Hughes, dumped on the steps of St Mary’s Church in West Derby, Liverpool. His body is covered with the unmistakable marks of torture.
As they hunt for the killer, they discover a worrying pattern. Other teenagers, all young delinquents, have been disappearing without a trace.
Who is clearing the streets of Liverpool?
Where are the other missing boys being held?
And can Murphy and Rossi find them before they meet the same fate as Dean?
A fate worse than death…
DI Murphy and DS Rossi discover the body of known troublemaker Dean Hughes, dumped on the steps of St Mary’s Church in West Derby, Liverpool. His body is covered with the unmistakable marks of torture.
As they hunt for the killer, they discover a worrying pattern. Other teenagers, all young delinquents, have been disappearing without a trace.
Who is clearing the streets of Liverpool?
Where are the other missing boys being held?
And can Murphy and Rossi find them before they meet the same fate as Dean?
About Luca Veste
Luca Veste is a writer of Italian and Scouse heritage, married with two young daughters, and one of nine children. He is currently studying psychology and criminology at University in Liverpool.
His debut novel - DEAD GONE - was released by Avon/HarperCollins in December 2013/January 2014. Part psychological thriller, part police procedural, it introduces the detective pairing of DI David Murphy and DS Laura Rossi. You can read my review HERE.
He is also the editor of the Spinetingler Award nominated charity anthology 'Off The Record', and co-editor of 'True Brit Grit', also an anthology of short stories for charity.
A former civil servant, actor, singer and guitarist (although he still picks it up now and again), he now divides his time between home life, Uni work and writing.
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