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Southern Noir

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Crime Fiction with a Dark, Swampy Twist

First published in Strand Magazine, March 2025

Noir has always been about shadows—the ones cast by streetlights on a rain-slicked pavement, the ones lurking in alleyways, and most importantly, the ones inside the human soul. It’s a genre built on corruption, moral ambiguity, and the idea that justice is rarely clean-cut. But while most readers associate noir with the fog-drenched streets of Los Angeles or the frozen landscapes of Scandinavia, there’s another, equally compelling setting where noir thrives: the American South.

Southern Noir takes all the hallmarks of classic noir—fatalistic storytelling, flawed characters, and murky morality—and drops them into a world of sweltering heat, isolated towns, and historical tensions. It’s a genre where crime festers in the humidity, where the law is just as corrupt as the criminals, and where the land itself is as much of a character as the people who inhabit it.

What is Southern Noir?

Southern Noir is a subgenre of noir fiction that shifts the classic themes of urban decay and hard-boiled cynicism to the American South. It replaces shadowy alleyways with overgrown bayous, neon-lit diners with backwoods bars, and cold city indifference with the kind of slow-burning menace only a small town can provide.

The crime and corruption in Southern Noir are often deeply tied to family legacies, land disputes, or old secrets buried beneath generations of whispered half-truths. The setting isn’t just a backdrop, it’s an oppressive force, shaping the choices of every character.

If traditional noir is about urban existential dread, then Southern Noir is about the weight of history—a history that never truly lets go.

Hallmarks of Southern Noir

Southern Noir carries many of the same thematic elements as traditional noir, but the setting and culture give it a unique flavor. Some key characteristics include:

A Sense of Place

Setting is everything in Southern Noir. Whether it’s the fog-choked bayous of Louisiana, the dust-blown backroads of Texas, or the gator-infested swamps of southern Florida, the landscape is often wild, untamed, and unforgiving.

In many cases, the environment mirrors the characters—unpredictable, dangerous, and hiding secrets just beneath the surface. The Everglades, for example, is a place where bodies disappear without a trace, and nature itself can erase the evidence.

Moral Ambiguity

Just like in traditional noir, there are no true heroes in Southern Noir—only survivors. Lawmen are often just as corrupt as the criminals they chase, and justice is more about revenge or self-preservation than anything resembling fairness.

A Southern Noir protagonist might be a sheriff who looks the other way when it benefits him, a journalist who digs too deep into a town’s buried secrets, or a drifter with a past they can’t outrun. They often blur the line between right and wrong, and make choices that are less about morality and more about necessity.

Family, History, and Legacy

In the South, history is inescapable. Towns are full of people whose families have lived there for generations, and blood ties often dictate power. Many Southern Noir stories revolve around family feuds, land ownership battles, or crimes of the past that refuse to stay buried.

A crime in a Southern Noir novel is rarely just a one-off event—it’s something tangled up in generations of bad blood. The sins of the fathers always seem to find their way back to the present.

The Corrupting Influence of Power

Power in Southern Noir is often held by a few select families, business owners, or politicians, and they protect it at all costs. Small-town sheriffs are on the payroll of local kingpins, judges owe favors to old money families, and those who challenge the system usually end up missing or dead.

The influence of old money vs. new money often plays a role, with wealthy families using their deep pockets to ensure that their crimes never see the light of day. The people who suffer are usually the ones who had the least to begin with.

The Weight of the Land

Unlike city-based noir, where the setting is often a decaying metropolis, or Scandinavian Noir where it is an isolated, snowy landscape, Southern Noir leans heavily into the wilderness. The land itself is often a major player in the story—dangerous, wild, and impossible to tame.

Swamps, forests, rivers, and farmland all hold secrets. The landscape can provide both an escape route and a death sentence. A man disappearing in the city might leave behind a trail—but in the swamp, he vanishes without a trace.

Southern Noir in Film and Literature

Southern Noir has carved out its own niche in crime fiction and film. Some notable works that embrace the genre’s elements include:

Books:

    • The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke – The first of the Dave Robicheaux novels, set in the crime-ridden streets and bayous of Louisiana.
    • Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto – A gritty crime novel about a hitman on the run through Texas and Louisiana.
    • Joe by Larry Brown – A brutal story about a hard-drinking ex-con in rural Mississippi.
    • Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin – A haunting small-town mystery laced with racial tensions.

Films & TV:

    • True Detective (Season 1) – A perfect example of Southern Noir, blending philosophical despair with eerie bayou landscapes.
    • Mud (2012) – A slow-burning crime drama set along the Mississippi River.
    • Out of the Furnace (2013) – A dark revenge thriller set in the Appalachian foothills.
    • Hell or High Water (2016) – A modern Western crime film about bank-robbing brothers in Texas.

These stories aren’t just about crime—they’re about the inescapability of the past, the weight of family, and the slow decay of forgotten towns.

Why We Love Southern Noir

Southern Noir hits differently than urban crime fiction. The stories feel more personal, more entrenched in history. They remind us that crime doesn’t just happen in back alleys or penthouse suites—it happens in the deep woods, in roadside motels, and in towns where everyone knows your name.

The slow, creeping dread of a Southern Noir novel isn’t just about who committed the crime—it’s about what else is lurking out there, just beyond the treeline, waiting for its turn.

For readers drawn to noir but craving something more atmospheric, more insidious, and more deeply rooted in the land itself, Southern Noir is the perfect subgenre.

And just like the swamp—it’ll pull you in deep before you even realize you’re sinking.

About the Author: Biba Pearce is the author of Night Watch, a gripping Southern Noir crime thriller set in the Everglades, available now. Visit her at www.bibapearce.com.

 

Returning to the Scene of the Crime

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Writing a Killer’s Evolution in a Long-Running Crime Series

First published in Crime Time Magazine – April 2025

Crime fiction thrives on mystery, suspense, and the chase between detective and killer. But what happens when the past refuses to stay buried? In my latest novel—Book 8 of the DI Rob Miller series—I found myself returning to the case that started it all in The Thames Path Killer. Revisiting a killer’s legacy in a long-running series presents unique challenges, but also thrilling opportunities.

A Killer’s Evolution

Serial killers—both fictional and real—rarely act on impulse. Their motives are often deeply personal, rooted in trauma, obsession, or revenge. In The Thames Path Killer, the murderer was driven by a fixation on brides-to-be, reliving his first, most devastating loss. His killings weren’t just random acts of violence; they were a ritual.

Fast-forward several books, and the shadow of that case still looms large over the now DCI Rob Miller. Crime fiction readers are sharp—they remember the details, the clues, and the psychological depth of past killers. So, when crafting a follow-up story closely linked to that original case, I had to ensure the killer’s evolution made sense. Had he been caught, only for his crimes to inspire a copycat? Had an overlooked clue from the past set something new in motion? The key was making the connection feel organic, not contrived.

The Challenge of Writing a Crime Series

Unlike standalone novels, crime series must balance continuity with accessibility. Each book needs to satisfy loyal readers who have followed Rob Miller’s journey from the beginning while also welcoming newcomers who may be diving in for the first time. That’s especially tricky when revisiting a past case—how much do you reveal without rehashing too much?

For me, the solution lay in perspective. Rob Miller is no longer the same detective he was in The Thames Path Killer. He’s more experienced, definitely more cynical, but also more personally invested. Bringing back echoes of his first major case allows readers to see his growth while also deepening the emotional stakes.

London: The Perfect Hunting Ground

Setting plays a crucial role in crime fiction, and West London—with its Victorian alleyways, narrow streets, and shadowy riverbanks—provides the perfect backdrop for a returning killer. The Thames towpath, where the original murders took place, is steeped in atmosphere. Revisiting it in a later book allowed me to explore how a location can change—both physically and psychologically. A crime scene isn’t just a place; it’s a scar on the city, and for Rob, a ghost that refuses to fade.

Why We Love Unfinished Business

Readers (and detectives) love the idea of unfinished business. There’s something deeply unsettling about the notion that a killer might strike again, years later, that justice was never truly served. That’s why crime fiction continues to return to past cases, whether in the form of copycat killers, new evidence, or the realization that the wrong person was caught. In my latest book, The Putney Bridge Killer, I wanted to explore not just a killer’s return, but what it means for the detective who first hunted him.

Because in crime fiction, the past is never really dead—it’s just waiting for the right moment to resurface.

About the Author: Biba Pearce is the author of The Putney Bridge Killer, a gripping detective crime thriller set in west London, available for preorder now. Visit her at www.bibapearce.com.

Latest Trends in Self Publishing

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First published in Writers’ Narrative, September 2025

The publishing landscape is shifting, and as always, it’s the indie authors leading the charge. While many of these trends are now being adopted across the industry, from traditional publishers to hybrid models, it’s independent authors who consistently set the pace. Agile, entrepreneurial, and deeply attuned to their readers, indie writers have pioneered the tools, platforms, and strategies that the rest of the industry is only just catching up to. From TikTok virality to direct sales and AI-powered workflows, the future of publishing is already here—and it’s being shaped by those brave enough to go it alone.

1. Begin with a strong product

Every self‑published book starts with a powerful foundation. Successful indie authors treat their debut—or next release—not as an experiment, but as a serious product with real craft behind it:

  • Hook readers fast: The opening pages (or first chapter/sample) must grip instantly. Whether via intrigue, conflict, emotional pain, or a compelling voice, early momentum is essential in a crowded marketplace.
  • Emotional beats matter: Across genre fiction—and even some memoirs—readers expect emotional resonance. Whether a romantic beat in a fantasy or heartbreak in a thriller, those emotional high (and low) points are what people remember and talk about.
  • Genre loyalty and satisfying tropes: Readers of genres like romance, fantasy, sci‑fi, paranormals or cozies want familiar beats—meet‑cute, magical systems, space‑opera stakes, cozy comfort, etc.—but with fresh voice. Genre tropes aren’t lazy clichés; done well, they’re reader expectations turned into pleasure zones.
  • Quality polish: Indie authors increasingly invest in professional editing, beta readers, critique partners, and design to ensure their books meet or exceed traditional publishing standards.

2. Moving beyond algorithms and expensive ads

Rather than relying on Amazon’s algorithm or expensive PPC campaigns, many indie authors now intentionally lean into free exposure—particularly via TikTok (BookTok) and short reels:

  • BookTok’s power remains immense: The #BookTok community on TikTok massively drives discovery of both indie and backlist books. BookTok videos can send unknown authors’ titles to bestseller lists—even years after release.
  • Creators prioritize authenticity over polished ads: TikTok success often comes from author‑led content—reading scenes aloud, sharing emotional reactions, or simply talking biz in short clips.
  • Rebel authors: Many indie writers now reject Amazon‑centric strategies, focusing instead on platforms they control and content that feels organic—a way to sidestep both algorithmic dependency and ad spend.
  • Community amplification: Between BookTok, Instagram reels, reader communities on Discord or Reddit, word‑of‑mouth is amplified by emotional resonance and authenticity rather than paid reach.

3. Direct selling & going wide

As authors seek more control and diversification, the trend toward going wide—using multiple retailers—plus direct‑to‑reader sales is surging:

  • Expanding to Apple Books, Kobo, B&N, IngramSpark/Draft2Digital: While Amazon KDP remains dominant, many self‑publishers now distribute widely, reaching global readers and not being beholden to one ecosystem
  • Direct‑sales infrastructure: Roughly 30% of indie authors now sell via their own websites using tools like Shopify, BookFunnel, or Gumroad—and that number is expected to grow significantly in 2025
  • Building email lists & engaging loyal readers: Email marketing is back in fashion—authors build newsletters to communicate updates, sell pre‑orders, offer exclusive content, and avoid algorithmic uncertainty
  • Subscription & crowdfunded models: Platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter are becoming critical tools. Authors serialize stories or fund print editions via reader support. Especially in niche genre or literary work, these tools allow direct reader investment in creative projects.

4. Business admin, AI & automation

To handle the increasing complexity of being an indie author—marketing, sales, formatting—more writers are turning to automation and AI assistants:

  • AI‑powered editing & blurb creation: Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and generative AI help with grammar, style, blurbs, and brainstorming. Authors use AI to iterate more efficiently while still retaining creative control
  • AI‑narrated audiobooks: Kindle Direct Publishing’s beta synthetic‑voice audiobooks let authors produce audio versions fast and cheaply—no narrator required
  • Marketing automation: AI tools now analyze open‑rates, send sequenced emails, optimize newsletter timing, and suggest social media copy. Some platforms even auto‑generate book trailers or marketing visuals tuned to reader engagement data
  • Workflow bots: From automatically scheduling posts, tracking pre‑orders, compiling sales reports, to dispatching newsletters—automation frees up precious creative hours.
  • Caveats and authenticity: While automation boosts efficiency, many authors are wary of over‑reliance. Prominent writers on BookTok have posted videos to insist their content is 100 % original, not AI‑generated, reflecting growing concerns about authenticity and creative integrity

5. Why these trends matter

Taken together, these self‑publishing trends reflect an evolving industry:

  • Creative control with professional polish: Indie authors today seek both the freedom to tell their stories unfiltered and the polish to meet market expectations.
  • Financial independence through diversification: By going wide, selling direct, leveraging email lists and subscription, authors reduce dependency on Amazon’s changing algorithm and royalty structure.
  • Authenticity sells—and builds loyalty: Communities respond emotionally, not algorithmically. Real stories, reading reactions, raw BTS content perform best.
  • Technology as assistant, not author: AI and automation tools accelerate repetitive work, maintain quality, and offer scalability—without replacing the human emotional storytelling core.

Final takeaway

The modern indie author in 2025 is strategic, emotionally savvy, and tech‑savvy:

  1. Craft a compelling, emotionally layered book that honors genre tropes while standing out.
  2. Cultivate organic exposure through TikTok/Reels and reader communities—not just paid ads.
  3. Diversify sales: distribute wide, sell direct, build email lists, launch Patreon/Kickstarter projects.
  4. Use AI and automations carefully—efficiently, ethically, and transparently—to free up creative energy.

Writers who thrive today build resilient, reader-first businesses. They are advocates, entrepreneurs, and most importantly, storytellers.

The Indie Author Burnout

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Let’s be honest, being an indie author isn’t just about writing books anymore. It’s about wearing every hat in publishing, often all at once.

We’re supposed to (amongs other things) write the actual books (no small task), hire and manage editors and cover designers, keep track of beta readers and reviewers, format books for multiple platforms, create promotions and plan launches, cross-promote with other authors, network, get on podcasts, speak at conferences, pitch to bookstores and libraries.

And that’s not even touching direct sales—building Shopify stores, managing ads, shipping, customer service. The list is endless.

It’s too much for one person.

The burnout is real.

The Treadmill

Indie publishing has created an amazing opportunity. We can publish faster, retain control, and earn more royalties than ever before. But the price is steep.

Many of us live on the rapid-release treadmill. Finish a book. Launch it. Market it. Start the next. Repeat. Relentless.

And when you stop, even just for a holiday, it feels like the whole system punishes you. Algorithms dip. Visibility drops. Readers move on. So we sprint harder, trying to keep up with an industry that never slows down.

We’ve turned ourselves into robots, producing the next book, the next ad campaign, the next social media post. Creativity becomes output. Joy becomes schedule.

The Team We Need (But Can’t Always Afford)

The obvious solution is to build a team. A virtual assistant for admin. An ad manager for campaigns. A launch coordinator. Someone to handle direct sales.

But here’s the reality: not everyone can afford that, especially at the start. Most indie authors are barely covering costs in their first years, let alone funding a small staff.

So we try to do it all ourselves. We juggle until we drop.

What’s the Solution?

Maybe it’s about slowing down and accepting that rapid release isn’t the only path. Readers still love quality, even if it takes longer.

Maybe it’s about community. Banding together with other authors, pooling resources, sharing reviewers, swapping expertise. A collective can sometimes achieve what a lone writer can’t.

Maybe it’s about boundaries, deciding which hats you don’t wear. You don’t have to be on every platform. You don’t have to attend every event. You don’t have to master every algorithm.

Because the truth is this: there has never been a better time to be an indie author. The doors are open. The opportunities are endless. But the question we have to keep asking is—how sustainable is it?

We got into this to write. To tell stories. To connect with readers. If we’re too burned out to do that, then all the rapid releases and fancy launches in the world don’t matter.

Maybe the real solution is remembering why we started in the first place—and protecting that spark above all else.

When Characters Take Over

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Stepping away from the outline...  😱

I like to think of myself as an organised writer. Before I start a novel, I outline the story. I map the beats, sketch the arcs, and tell myself I know exactly where we’re going. The structure feels reassuring, like a well-folded map on the passenger seat. But here’s the truth: once a strong protagonist steps onto the page, that tidy outline becomes little more than a suggestion.

Characters with real presence have a way of taking over. They know their own minds. They resist my neat bullet points, shrug off carefully plotted detours, and drag me in directions I never intended. One moment I’m in a rural police station north of Stockholm, following the investigation as planned. The next, I’m clinging to the back of a snowmobile in a blizzard, chasing a suspected serial killer across frozen lakes. Did I plan to write about snowmobiles? Not at all. Do I know the first thing about how they handle in sub-zero temperatures? Absolutely not. But my protagonist insisted, and I had no choice but to follow.

This is the paradox of writing. We set the stage, but our characters perform the play. The stronger they are, the less control we seem to have. And that’s where the real magic lies.

When a character takes over, they create problems for their author. Suddenly I’m researching Swedish snowmobile brands, windchill factors, and how long it takes for frostbite to set in. I’m watching YouTube tutorials on winter survival skills and messaging a friend who once worked in Lapland about the mechanics of frozen rivers. Writing becomes less about dictating a story and more about keeping up with the people I’ve created.

But those challenges are gifts. They stretch me as a writer. They force me into areas I would never have thought to explore. A strong protagonist makes me curious, makes me hungry to learn, and pushes me well beyond the safety of the outline. Without them, I’d stay in my comfort zone, recycling plots I already understand. With them, every book becomes an education.

It also gives me freedom. If I cling too tightly to my plans, the story risks feeling mechanical. When I let a character steer, the narrative gains energy. Surprises happen. Twists I never could have engineered emerge naturally because they belong to the character, not me. Readers sense that authenticity. They may not know the exact moment when the author lost control, but they feel the rawness of a story that’s alive.

So yes, outlining matters. It’s the compass. But characters are the ones who take the wheel. The best protagonists make us sweat, demand we research things we’ve never considered, and yank us into snowstorms when we were quite content to stay by the station heater. They remind us that stories aren’t built in straight lines… they’re lived, unpredictable, and full of detours.

And that’s where the magic lies. ✨

Cold Mercy, my current WIP, releases on October 21. Available on Amazon. For a free ebook, subscribe to my newsletter at www.bibapearce.com.

How Loyalty and Power Create the Perfect Cover for a Killer

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When Trust Protects The Guilty

There’s a certain comfort in trusting the people who hold authority.

The local police chief. The community leader. The familiar neighbour who’s always first to help when a storm knocks the power out. We like to believe that people in these positions are exactly who they claim to be.

But that same trust can be the perfect shield for someone who’s anything but trustworthy.

In Cold Mercy, I wanted to explore how misplaced trust and corrupt authority feed each other creating a system where the guilty can move freely, even in plain sight.

Small communities are built on loyalty. In the best cases, that loyalty holds people together through hardship. In the worst, it becomes a wall that keeps outsiders — and sometimes the truth — from getting in. When someone with power is on the inside of that wall, they can shape the narrative, control the investigation, and silence suspicion before it even forms.

This dynamic creates one of the most chilling setups in crime fiction: a predator not just hiding within a community, but leading it.

  • They know how the system works.
  • They know where the blind spots are.
  • They can point the finger anywhere they choose, often at the most convenient scapegoat.

It’s an arrangement that works… until someone from outside steps in.

That’s where my detective, Avril Dahl, comes in. She’s not from here. She doesn’t have the same history with these people, the same emotional investments. She doesn’t know which families are “untouchable” or whose name carries weight. That gives her a freedom the locals don’t have — but it also paints a target on her back.

Because when you start pulling at the threads that connect loyalty and power, you’re not just exposing an individual crime. You’re threatening an entire system that depends on everyone playing their part — looking the other way, trusting the wrong person, and letting the mask stay firmly in place.

In Cold Mercy, the third book in my bestselling Avril Dahl series, those threads unravel in the middle of a snowstorm, in a town cut off from the outside world. It’s a setting that amplifies the theme: isolation, loyalty, and authority creating the perfect incubator for danger. And when that danger finally shows its true face, the betrayal cuts deeper than the cold ever could.

That’s the heart of this story: the collision of trust and power, and the damage done when both fall into the wrong hands.

The Putney Bridge Killer – Out Now!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Title: The Putney Bridge Killer: A Detective Rob Miller Thriller

Author: Biba Pearce

Genre: Crime Thriller / Police Procedural

Publisher: Joffe Books

Release Date: 22 May, 2025

A Gripping New British Thriller That Blurs the Lines Between Justice and Obsession

The Putney Bridge Killer is the latest electrifying release from London author Biba Pearce, promising to keep readers riveted from the first page to the last. With its complex characters, tense atmosphere, and tightly woven plot, this British crime thriller immerses readers in a dark world of deception, vengeance, and betrayal.

Synopsis:

When Detective Chief Inspector Rob Miller is called to investigate a chilling series of murders, he’s confronted with an impossible reality: the return of the Surrey Stalker, a notorious killer thought to have died years ago. Someone is recreating the Stalker’s gruesome crimes, leaving a trail of dead women in scenes that eerily mirror the infamous original killings. But this time, the case feels intensely personal.

As DCI Miller and his team delve into the investigation, they find themselves facing a tangled web of motives that stretches back years—a labyrinthine tale of unresolved grief and simmering resentment, interwoven with shocking secrets from the past. Racing against time to prevent more bloodshed, Miller must unmask the elusive copycat before more lives are claimed.

In their hunt to stop the killer, Miller’s team must confront hidden alliances, buried traumas, and a terrifying showdown along the banks of the River Thames during the iconic Oxford-Cambridge boatrace. Each revelation brings them closer to a truth they may not be ready to face.

Praise for The Putney Bridge Killer

“The Putney Bridge Killer is a masterclass in suspense. With unpredictable twists, authentic police procedures, and unforgettable characters, Pearce delivers a fresh and thrilling experience for fans of British crime fiction.” – Goodreads Reviewer

“Biba Pearce has an amazing imagination. Her story lines are deep and her characters are real. You’re sure to be caught up in the emotions of the plot! It’s a roller coaster that will keep you turning the pages!” – Amazon Review

About the Author:

Biba Pearce is an award-winning English crime writer celebrated for her intricate plots and richly layered characters. Known for her atmospheric British thrillers, she combines real-world details with gripping storylines that explore the darkest aspects of the human psyche. With The Putney Bridge Killer, Pearce once again demonstrates her mastery of crime fiction and solidifies her place as a force to be reckoned with in the genre.

Website: http://bibapearce.com

For Media Inquiries, Author Interviews, and Review Copies:

Contact: Biba Pearce on bibapearce@gmail.com

About the Publisher:

Joffe Books is a leading independent publisher of bestselling fiction based in Shoreditch, London. They were proud to be shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and won the IPG Trade Publisher of the Year in 2023 and Best Publisher at The People’s Book Prize in 2024.

Cold Legacy Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2025

Bestselling Thriller Authors L.T. Ryan & Biba Pearce Unveil Cold Legacy—A Gripping New Thriller Set in the Dark Heart of Scandinavia

On May 13, 2025, Liquid Mind Media will release Cold Legacy, the electrifying second installment in the Avril Dahl series, co-written by acclaimed thriller authors L.T. Ryan and Biba Pearce. Following the success of Cold Reckoning, this new entry plunges readers into a high-stakes world of espionage, radical activism, and psychological warfare—where loyalties shift, and no one is truly who they seem.

A Deep Cover Mission with Deadly Consequences

When a powerful oil CEO is assassinated in Stockholm, the city is thrown into turmoil. FBI Agent Avril Dahl, struggling to leave her past behind, is thrust into an undercover operation like no other—one that forces her to walk the razor’s edge between duty and deception.

Tasked with infiltrating Terra Nova, a notorious eco-activist group suspected of escalating its tactics into deadly violence, Avril soon finds herself tangled in a world of radical ideology and blurred moral lines. But as she earns their trust, she begins to question where the real threat lies.

A Game of Shadows—And a Mastermind Hiding in Plain Sight

The deeper Avril goes, the clearer it becomes—this isn’t just about environmental activism. Someone inside Terra Nova is orchestrating something far bigger—a catastrophic attack designed to shift global power. With every move she makes, Avril risks not just blowing her cover, but unleashing forces she can’t control.

As her past demons collide with present dangers, Avril must confront the question that haunts her: How far will she go to stop the people she’s come to care about? And when the final betrayal comes, will she still recognize herself?

A Must-Read for Fans of Scandinavian Noir & Psychological Thrillers

With its icy Nordic setting, explosive action, and psychological depth, Cold Legacy is perfect for readers of Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbø, Karin Slaughter, and Tana French. Fans of deep-cover espionage, morally complex characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense will be captivated by Avril Dahl’s descent into the shadows.

About the Authors

L.T. Ryan is a USA Today bestselling author known for his gripping thrillers, including the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series. His fast-paced, action-driven narratives have captivated readers worldwide.

Biba Pearce is an award-winning crime fiction author whose books have been hailed as gritty, immersive, and deeply atmospheric. She has penned the critically acclaimed Detective Rob Miller series and brings a Scandinavian noir edge to Cold Legacy.

Together, Ryan and Pearce deliver a high-octane, character-driven thriller that will leave readers breathless—and questioning just how far justice can go before it becomes something else entirely.

Book Details

📖 Title: Cold Legacy

📚 Series: Avril Dahl (Book 2)

🖋 Authors: L.T. Ryan & Biba Pearce

📅 Release Date: May 13, 2025

📖 Format: Kindle Edition, Paperback, Audiobook

📍 Publisher: Liquid Mind Media

Pre-Order & Contact Information

Cold Legacy will be available for pre-order on Amazon.

For review copies, interviews, or press inquiries, please contact:

📧 Media Contact: Biba at info@bibapearce.com

🌍 Website: www.bibapearce.com

The Battle Between Past and Present in Night Watch

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In Night Watch, the past isn’t just a distant memory—it’s a living, breathing force that refuses to stay buried. The novel explores the tension between old and new through its central mystery, contrasting vintage evidence with modern forensics, folklore with journalism, and vigilante justice with the legal system. At the heart of it all is Kenzie Gilmore, a journalist using 21st-century tools to untangle a decades-old crime that many would rather forget.

The Camera as a Bridge Between Eras

The rusty old camera is more than a forgotten artifact—it’s the key to unlocking the past. Discovered deep in Devil’s Swamp, its film contains grainy black-and-white images that provide the first real evidence tying the missing persons of the 1960s together. The camera itself is a relic, a stark contrast to the high-tech investigative methods used today.

Kenzie, with her modern podcast equipment and digital resources, represents progress. But without the old camera, the case would remain a cold one. The novel plays with this contrast—reminding readers that while new technology can provide clarity, sometimes the past holds the missing pieces.

Symbolism of the Camera

  • A Messenger from the Past: The film, once developed, reveals long-buried secrets. It serves as a physical reminder that the truth doesn’t disappear—it just waits to be found.
  • A Testament to Change: The fact that Kenzie even can develop the photos and analyze them with modern tools highlights how far investigative methods have come.
  • A Story Waiting to Be Told: Much like the cold case itself, the camera was abandoned, lost to time. But once discovered, it demands attention—forcing the present to reckon with the past.

The Murder Cabin: A Crime Scene Lost in Time

The discovery of the murder cabin in Devil’s Swamp furthers the theme of old vs. new. This forgotten place, hidden for decades, is a time capsule of brutality. Unlike traditional crime scenes where evidence is fresh and cataloged, this one is decayed, overgrown, and left to nature. But it still holds answers—ones that modern forensic science can extract.

Back in the 1960s, forensic science was limited. Identifying a killer required eyewitness testimony, confessions, or catching them in the act. But today, a single strand of hair, a fragment of bone, or a smear of blood can reveal more than an entire police investigation could decades ago.

This moment in Night Watch solidifies how the novel bridges the gap between old and new—what was once unsolvable now stands a chance at resolution.

DNA Evidence: The Past Speaks

When forensic testing is done on the biological material found in the cabin, it leads to a shocking revelation. This single piece of modern forensic evidence rewrites the case. It challenges what was believed for decades, proving that even the past isn’t set in stone.

Old Justice vs. New Justice

  • The Vigilante Theory: Someone, possibly the so-called Night Watchman, took justice into their own hands and executed the killer.
  • Legal vs. Extralegal: The police never caught the murderer, but someone did. Does that make it justice?
  • The Role of Time: If the same crimes had happened today, DNA would have led to an arrest. Instead, the swamp swallowed the truth for sixty years.

Folklore vs. Facts: The Evolution of Truth

The legend of The Night Watchman has haunted the Everglades for decades. To locals, he’s a ghost story—a cautionary tale meant to keep people from wandering too deep into the swamp. But as Kenzie and Reid uncover more, they realize the truth may be much stranger.

In Night Watch, folklore serves as both a shield and a weapon. It buries the truth under layers of superstition, protecting those who know what really happened. But it also keeps the mystery alive, ensuring that the past is never completely forgotten.

Kenzie, as a journalist, operates in facts. She doesn’t care about campfire stories—she cares about evidence. But as she follows the clues, she starts to wonder: What if folklore and reality aren’t so different? What if the legend is just the truth, twisted over time?

Technology: The New Way to Investigate Crime

Kenzie doesn’t just rely on old-school detective work—she uses every tool at her disposal:

  • Her true crime podcast spreads awareness and crowdsources information.
  • Digital archives give her access to records that were once buried in police filing cabinets.
  • DNA databases provide answers that would have been impossible to obtain sixty years ago.

This is another example of old vs. new. The original investigators had notebooks and typewriters. Kenzie has search engines and forensic labs. But at the end of the day, both are after the same thing—the truth.

Final Showdown: The Past and Present Collide

In the climax of Night Watch, Kenzie finally pieces everything together. The camera, the photos, the DNA, the missing people—it all points to a dark truth hidden in Devil’s Swamp.

This final moment reinforces the theme:

  • Some truths can be recorded, analyzed, and explained.
  • Some remain just out of reach, lost to time and memory.
  • The past and present will always be connected—but not everything can be neatly solved.

The Power of Old vs. New

The theme of old vs. new isn’t just a backdrop in Night Watch—it’s the driving force of the story. Every major plot point revolves around it:

  • The old camera sparks a modern investigation.
  • A forgotten crime scene is re-examined with today’s technology.
  • DNA testing rewrites history.
  • Folklore holds real truths, buried beneath superstition.

This battle between past and present makes Night Watch more than just a crime thriller—it’s a story about how the truth endures, waiting for the right moment to surface.

Even if it takes sixty years.

A Deadly Imitation

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The Fascinating Psychology of Copycat Killers: A Deadly Imitation

When we think of serial killers, we often imagine individuals driven by dark, personal compulsions—internal forces that build over time and push them to commit horrific acts. But there’s another kind of killer that operates differently: the copycat. These murderers don’t seek infamy for their own unique crimes; instead, they mimic the grisly work of others, often infamous killers who have already made headlines. The question is, why?

In my latest crime thriller, The Putney Bridge Killer, a sinister copycat emerges, recreating the brutal murders of a notorious killer from the past. But this new killer is not just imitating—he’s taking things to the next level, taunting the police with his knowledge of the original crimes. The result is a chilling game of cat-and-mouse where Detective Rob Miller must confront not only a new threat but also the haunting memories of a case he thought was buried.

What Drives a Copycat Killer?

While some copycat killers may have the same underlying desires as typical murderers, their primary motivation is often different. The psychology of these individuals is complex. Rather than seeking power or control in their own right, they are often obsessed with the notoriety and attention the original killer received. This deep craving for validation drives them to step into the shoes of their “idol” and replicate their acts.

What makes these killers even more dangerous is that they don’t always stop at imitation. In many cases, they escalate—pushing beyond the crimes of their predecessor to make a mark of their own. This is something the police in The Putney Bridge Killer are quick to realize. The copycat in the novel isn’t just trying to follow the path of the original Surrey Stalker. He’s doing it with a new level of precision, and the threat he poses seems to go far beyond mere mimicry.

How Do Copycat Killers Choose Their Victims?

For many copycats, the victims are secondary. They are chosen not based on personal connection but on their resemblance to the victims of the original crimes. The idea of “recreating” a scene or fitting a pattern is what matters most.

In The Putney Bridge Killer, the victims share eerie similarities to those from the past. But the real mystery is how the killer has such detailed knowledge of the original murders—details that weren’t public knowledge. How could someone know so much? And why are they resurfacing now, after all these years?

The Role of the Media in Copycat Killings

Another critical aspect of the copycat phenomenon is the influence of media. High-profile coverage of a murder often fuels the fantasies of a copycat, giving them all the ammunition they need to step into the limelight. The attention lavished on notorious killers, interviews, documentaries, even fan groups on the internet, all feed into their desire for notoriety.

In The Putney Bridge Killer, the media quickly picks up on the similarities between the new murders and those from the past, which only serves to heighten public fear and stir up old wounds. As the pressure mounts on Detective Miller’s team, it becomes clear that they are up against not just a killer, but a person who is feeding off the chaos and fear he’s creating.

Copycat Killers in Fiction and Real Life

Some of the most notorious copycat killers have taken inspiration from infamous cases—trying to replicate the exact methods and signatures of other murderers. For readers fascinated by the psychological depth of crime thrillers, understanding the mind of a copycat offers a chilling glimpse into the dark allure of imitation.

In The Putney Bridge Killer, the stakes are high. The original Surrey Stalker was brought to a violent end, but with the resurgence of this new killer, Detective Miller is forced to question everything he thought he knew about the case. Could it be that the nightmare isn’t over after all?

The Putney Bridge Killer by Biba Pearce is releasing on 22nd May 2025 (Joffe Books). Sign up to Biba’s newsletter for updates, or FOLLOW her on Amazon or on Social Media for notifications. 

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