Hello John Santana Fans,

Every John Santana mystery begins with a single question: What if? That simple curiosity is the spark that ignites an entire series, but bringing a mystery to life—and sustaining it over multiple books—presents both daunting challenges and unforgettable rewards. As I reflect on the journey of writing the Santana series, I wanted to share some behind-the-scenes insight into what it truly takes to keep readers guessing, book after book.

Writing a mystery series is much like assembling a thousand-piece puzzle without the benefit of the picture on the box. With each new installment, I strive to balance the familiar elements that readers love—St. Paul's moody atmosphere, Santana's relentless pursuit of justice, and the ever-present sense of danger—with fresh twists and unexpected turns. The process is as exhilarating as it is demanding. Sometimes the story takes on a life of its own, leading me down paths I hadn't anticipated, and forcing me to dig deeper into the psyche of my characters and the city they inhabit.

There’s also a unique satisfaction in revisiting characters and settings that have grown richer with each book. The evolving relationship between Santana and Cruz, the secrets lurking beneath St. Paul’s surface, and the moral gray areas they navigate all become more complex with time. Each novel is a new opportunity to explore how past events shape present choices, and how the city itself becomes a character, influencing every investigation. For me, the greatest reward is seeing how these threads come together to create a tapestry of suspense that keeps both writer and reader on edge.

The Puzzle of Crafting a Series

One of the greatest challenges in writing a long-running series is maintaining suspense and originality. Each novel must stand on its own, while also deepening the world and characters returning readers have come to know. Finding new ways to surprise both you and myself as the author keeps the process fresh—but it also means constantly pushing the boundaries of my imagination.

Detective John Santana has evolved with every case, shaped by the city of St. Paul and the moral dilemmas he faces. Balancing his personal growth with the demands of a tightly woven plot is a delicate dance. Sometimes a character refuses to cooperate, or a twist emerges that changes everything I thought I knew about the story. That unpredictability is both the challenge and the reward—it keeps me, and hopefully you, on your toes.

Why I Keep Writing Mysteries

The true reward of writing a mystery series is the connection with readers. Whether it’s an email about a favorite twist or a conversation at a signing, your enthusiasm fuels my creativity. Each new installment in the Santana series is an opportunity to explore fresh themes—like the intersection of technology and crime in Shadow Falls—while revisiting the familiar streets of St. Paul and the characters who call it home.

Of course, there are days when the plot seems impossible to untangle or the right clue remains elusive. But those are the moments that make the breakthrough so satisfying. Every solved puzzle, every completed draft, and every new release is a shared victory with you, the readers who have followed Santana’s journey from the very beginning.

Stay Engaged: Upcoming Releases and Special Offers

If you’re new to the series, or want to revisit where it all began, you can download a free e-book copy of White Tombs—the first John Santana mystery. For a deeper dive, explore the full series and latest releases on my books page.

For the latest news on upcoming signings, book launches, and exclusive offers, keep an eye on the events calendar.

Thank you for supporting the Santana mysteries and for being a vital part of this ever-evolving story. Your passion for great crime fiction inspires me to keep writing—and to keep sleuthing for that next big twist.

Stay curious and keep sleuthing! 🕵️‍♂️📚

Christopher