We chat with author Kieran Scott about The Getaway, which is a taut locked-room mystery that follows a group of longtime friends who confront their darkest secrets―and deadliest impulses―on the brink of a hurricane.
You have written more than fifty novels for children and teens, eight of which, written under the pen name Kate Brian, have been New York Times bestsellers. What inspired you to start writing novels for adults? And What drew you to the thriller/suspense genre, in particular?
There were a few things that inspired the shift into the adult market. First, I had this one story I had always wanted to tell—the story in WISH YOU WERE GONE—and when my father passed away, I felt finally free to tell it. That was definitely one for adult fiction, so I found myself writing my first adult novel. I also realized around that time that I’d been a legal adult for 22 years and had a few stories to tell to my peers! And finally, I felt pretty disconnected from my teenaged years at that point. I didn’t really feel that I could write a teenager who felt authentic to the current readership. As for the thriller question, I discovered my love for writing mystery thrillers when I wrote the PRIVATE and PRIVILEGE series, so if I get to choose, that’s the genre I’m writing in.
If you could describe your new novel, THE GETAWAY, in five words, what would they be?
Oooh tough one! I’d say “character flaws lead to death.” I know you were probably looking for five adjectives, but I think this sums it up!
What can readers expect?
Secrets, back-stabbing, naivete, female friendships, multiple murders, drama, twists and turns, lots of bad weather, two cheeky teenagers and one adorable chihuahua.
Where did the inspiration for THE GETAWAY come from?
I’m at the age where people are starting to get divorced, go to couples therapy, explore—shall we say—alternate marital living arrangements. It got me thinking about how people always discuss how divorce affects the kids, for good reason, but I never really hear people talk about how divorce affects the friend group. What if you had a close group of four or five couples and the keystone couple in that group—the relationship everyone sort of looked aspired to—broke up? How might that change things and what might transpire?
Why do you think we, as readers, are so interested in stories about rich people behaving badly?
I think readers get a lot out of these stories, because there’s the aspirational aspect—you get to see the big houses and the lavish decorating and the incredible clothes, cars and parties. But then you also get the satisfaction of seeing these people who have all these unattainable things as human, as flawed, as potentially more flawed than we are. There’s something about that peek into their humanity that makes us feel better about our own humble lives. Also seeing a narcissistic billionaire who uses their money as a weapon get murdered can be fairly satisfying. As long as it’s, you know, fictional.
Critics have praised you for your excellent character development. THE GETAWAY features a pretty large cast of characters – four visiting couples, as well was the hosts and a few surprise guests. Were there any characters who were easier to write than others?
I somehow find the people most unlike me the easiest to write. I think it’s because I’m able to say, “Okay, obviously I would do this, so let’s have her do the exact opposite.” In this book, I found Suzy really easy to write, because I am not one to cause drama or challenge others. I’m basically allergic to confrontation. There’s a scene early on where Suzy questions the authority of her kids’ camp director, and it made me very uncomfortable as a person, but was very easy to write. I also enjoyed writing the teenaged twins because I have two teenaged boys, and I think the way they live and think is so interesting. They veer slightly toward caricatures of influencers, which was just fun to write.
What personal fears or fascinations found their way into this book, intentionally or not?
Well, I’m terrified of hurricanes and tornadoes, so that’s an obvious one. I also have this recurring nightmare wherein my husband dumps me for another woman and then doesn’t care at all that I’m upset. Which is HILARIOUS because he is the most loyal, loving, sanctity-of-marriage believer you’ll ever meet. Like sitting here, I can’t even imagine him doing this, but my subconscious is apparently terrified of it. Therapists have told me in the past that I have a serious fear of abandonment, which is where I assume the nightmare comes from. It definitely informed the Lincoln/Lily dynamic.
If readers take one thing away from your book—beyond being wildly entertained—what do you hope it is?
I hope it makes people think a bit about their relationships and what they mean to them. How far are they willing to go to maintain them? What do they find tolerable in friendship and where do they draw the line?
What films, art, and music have influenced your writing?
I think the TV shows and films I’ve been consuming all my life have really informed the way I craft my plots. My mom watched Hill Street Blues and LA Law and Miami Vice, so I was hooked from a young age. These days I watch everything from The Lincoln Lawyer to The Diplomat to Will Trent to The Night Agent. It’s basically mysteries, thrillers, spy stories, crime dramas. It all feeds the mystery muscles. When I’m writing, I listen to classical piano or string trios. I find the music calming and it helps me concentrate.
Who are some of your favorite authors, and how have they impacted your writing?
I read a lot of literary fiction and romance, which might surprise some people. Some of my favorite authors are Jennifer Weiner, who has helped me learn how to create layered characters, and Maeve Binchy, who was so talented at creating large casts of characters. I also adored the late, great Sophie Kinsella, who always made me laugh. Recent insta-buys in the mystery category are Richard Osman, Deanna Raybourn and Nita Prose.
What are some of your favorite recent reads? And what are some upcoming thrillers you can’t wait to get your hands on?
I loved Margot’s Got Money Trouble. The voice was so vivid and authentic and I thought the relationships were so well-drawn. As for thrillers I’m looking forward to, The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen looks amazing. I adore a sister story and a psychological thriller sister story? Say less. Also, My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney has the sickest pitch ever. I only wish I’d thought of it.
