In a recent essay, I was asked to discuss my inspiration for The Plus One, weddings, representation in thrillers, and the dark side of humanity.
A few years ago, my husband and I were lounging by the pool at an all-inclusive resort in Cabo. I was drinking a pina colada – as one does on these sorts of vacations – when I noticed wedding ceremony taking place down the beach. The sun rose higher in the sky, and, every time I looked over at the happy bride, groom and their guests, I found myself imagining if their smiles were genuine. About the tensions and complications that often arise amongst family and friends during such a high-pressure event.
I found myself asking: Wouldn’t a destination wedding be a great setting for a book?
Click here to read the full essay. You can also read the first chapter of The Plus One at the end of the essay.