Finding the Perfect Place to Find a Dead Body

A murder mystery has to begin somewhere; so does an author's preparation. In this case, I needed to find the perfect setting for the opening of my newest Kary Turnell Mystery, "Surfside Slaying." I've decided the story will open as a body is found on the beach at the Horned Dorset Primavera, one of Puerto Rico's most exclusive (not to mention private) resorts. The romantic thing would be to lie, by telling you I walked for miles along the surf until I found this place. But, lying to my readers is never a good idea. The truth is, Marla, our dear friends the Desfosses, and I love to have coffee, tea, or lunch at the property's restaurant. That's all we do because, frankly, we can't afford to stay here ( <$1000> per night). More later.