Fine Points Malice and Payback

In Fine Points Malice and Payback, Sherrie Todd Beshore weaves together a rookie detective’s emerging instincts, a sequence of linked murders, and the haunting questions of a past he has never fully understood. The novel blends tension, methodical investigation, and emotional depth.

Detective Andrew Coates spots patterns in three dormant cold cases, a breakthrough that positions him to take on a newly discovered fourth homicide. As evidence accumulates and interviews widen, Andrew finds himself navigating both investigative pressure and conflicting details. The emergence of a fifth victim—still alive—reshapes the trajectory of the case and introduces a complicated connection when he meets the survivor’s sister. Meanwhile, Andrew grapples with the lifelong mystery of his own identity, having been abandoned as a newborn and raised in foster care. The convergence of these professional and personal uncertainties pushes him toward truths that are both revealing and unsettling.

Sherrie Todd-Beshore began her writing career as a reporter and editor before moving into magazines and daily newspapers across Canada and the U.S. A dual Canadian–U.S. citizen, she later shifted from journalism to fiction, writing middle-grade mysteries and adult suspense thrillers. Her award-winning titles include The Crow Child, The Count of Baldpate, and Dream Gate II: Grabbing Time. She is the author of 17 books and has earned honors from the Independent Press Award and the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards. Learn more on her website and Facebook.

"A cold case is one thing… but when several begin lining up, nothing about the investigation stays simple for long."

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4ioTrUx

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44094178-fine-points-malice-and-payback

Writing Process & Creativity

How did you research your book? 

After 20 years of journalism [columns and features] my research takes me everywhere. For me, finding accurate historical and/or factual research is as enriching as building the plot [though it adds to the plot challenge].

What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why? 

Though I seek to create mystery-suspense plots, writing/conveying the extreme motivation that drives someone to kill/take another human life requires developing a specific ‘mood’ and that extreme level of motivation is time consuming to get right. What made that person [seemingly like you and me] to ‘snap’?  

Where do you get your ideas?

Like the research that goes with each plot, my ideas come from everywhere too. Sometimes there’s an obscure local or national news feature or a song or photo will trigger a memory of the ‘seed’ of an idea.

What sets your book apart from others in your genre?

Two elements. The first is characters as complete as three-dimensionally possible in a two-dimensional medium for protagonists and antagonists. There is motivation and a backstory for everyone, so the reader ‘feels’ they have ‘met’ each character. Second, is the story/plot. How is everyone connected and why. I hate to waste any reader’s time and if each reader is unable to figure out how the book ends – before the ending – then I’ve done my job.

What helps you overcome writer’s block?

I’ve been fortunate to have been so excited about a new book idea that I can’t write fast enough…having said that while in the midst of building a plot I have found myself ‘stuck’ not happy with how a specific scene is going. [Confession: when that happens, some days I can’t write a to-do list without listening to Earth, Wind, and Fire.]

What’s your favorite compliment you’ve received as a writer? 

Routine complaints from adult readers; “I stayed up far too late to finish your damn book!” [And from a MG reader for my young teen mystery series; “I’d really like to meet these kids.”]

Your Writing Life

Do you write every day? What’s your schedule?

Yes, I do write every day. I’m a morning person so I am most fresh from 9AM to 2PM.

Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train? 

I have written notes for plots at airports, train stations, doctor’s appointments etc. – but writing itself is my home-office.

Any quirky writing rituals or must-have snacks?

To launch each new day, I’ll read the last page I wrote from the day before – and too often gummy bears are far too handy… 

Behind the Book

Why did you choose this setting/topic?

I’ve been so fortunate to have travelled across Canada, the United States, Mexico, UK and Europe, so my settings can be as varied as my plots. For some reason, this time Tucson suited Fine Points Malice And Payback.

If your book became a movie, who would star in it? 

Because everyone needs to start somewhere, I’d be open to a relative unknown playing Andrew Coates and his love interest Lena, with well-known [character] supporting actors.

Which author(s) most inspired you?

Oh gosh – Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier

Fun & Lighthearted Qs

What’s your go-to comfort food? 

Well, if I must narrow down that field then it’s crêpes or pancakes or French Toast with popcorn right up there too…  

What are you binge-watching right now? 

Reruns from the entire eight seasons of Castle. I now know how each episode ends, but now I enjoy all the main characters and how they interact with each other.

If you could time-travel, where would you go?

I’d only want to go back to a snowy day one weekend when my daughter was seven and my son was four. That day we were making large gingerbread cookies for Christmas. We spent the entire morning singing and mixing batter to the Muppets Christmas album playing loudly in the background. But in order to appreciate that day even more I’d want to be aware of who they became as adults.

Which three books would you bring to a desert island? 

Pride And Prejudice - Jane Austen 

Family Ties That Bind And Gag – Erma Bombeck 

The Book Of Secrets – Deepak Chopra

 My review

4stars

The author gives us a thrilling police procedural with grimy investigation and an character growth journey. While the detective is trying to make sense of his childhood abandonment years he is also working cold cases and both narratives intertwine. The author gives us very detailed police work and this makes the character very smart how he connects all. The rushed love subplot was not my fav element but it didn't ruin the thriller part of te novel, which is the core. If you like detailed police procedurals and a protagonist with significant emotional baggage this read is a solid, suspenseful choice with a thoroughly engaging crime investigation.

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