Mike Cobb, author of The Devil You Know and its sequel You Will Know Me by My Deeds, discusses his writing journey and the inspiration behind his character-driven crime novels. Cobb began his writing career with Dead Reckoning, a historical crime fiction novel set in 1895 Atlanta, based on the real-life murder of a prominent merchant. Fascinated by crime, particularly cold cases, Cobb weaves his passion for history and storytelling into his work.
Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Cobb’s books focus on characters like Billy Tarwater, the protagonist of his recent novels. Cobb describes Billy as a reflection of his younger self, embodying a strong connection to his Atlanta roots. For Cobb, compelling characters take precedence over plot, with their development guiding the story.
The author also delves into the darker aspects of his writing. His upcoming book will fictionalize the execution-style murder of a young woman he knew personally, a case he has investigated for years. Cobb acknowledges the emotional and personal risks of addressing real-life tragedies but feels driven to explore them through fiction.
In discussing crime fiction’s evolution, Cobb emphasizes the power of subtlety, preferring to leave graphic details to the reader’s imagination. He believes this approach enhances the impact of his stories. Additionally, Cobb touches on the role of historical fiction, blending fact with creative storytelling while ensuring an engaging narrative.
With a fourth book set for release in April, Cobb remains dedicated to shedding light on unsolved mysteries and societal issues through his unique blend of historical context and character-driven plots. Readers can find his works on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more about Mike on his website:
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