Raquel Byrnes
@rbyrns
Author of the Ava Cortes Crime Thrillers • DEEP DARK LIES • DARK AS PITCH • FADE TO DARK— OUT NOW! • I’m a stargazer who likes coffee too much.
Coffee in Carlsbad. The butterfly pea latte is still one of my favorites. 🦋☕ #beachtown
I took this photo during a winter vacation in Oceanside, California, a place from my youth. Being there, walking the pier, a story set in the beach town sparked to life. It’s amazing to me that the plot I kicked around during that visit is now a whole book! #DarkAsPitch #crimethriller
I’m so excited to share another Agent Ava Cortes thriller with you all! Back on her home turf, Ava investigates when a former informant is found murdered in an oil drum with strange symbols, uncovering a web of psychological warfare and strange rituals targeting vulnerable victims. #crimethriller
Scenes from our road trip along the coast. We stopped at Glass Beach. The sand really does have smooth glass mixed in. So many pretty colors… #WritingLife
Working on a new character for my next novel and he’s a doozy! Can’t wait to share this case with all of you…soon! #crimethriller #AvaCortesThrillers
If you enjoy fast-paced crime thrillers with riveting characters, intricate plots, and exciting action, the Ava Cortes Crime Thriller series deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. #crimethriller #thriller
You know it’s writitng time when the next binder is ready to be filled with research and notes. Can’t wait to share this next Ava Cortes Crime Thriller with you! #crimethriller #thriller
Luna Red Ripple Peperomia from my sweet hubby to kick off my next writing adventure! Love those red velvety leaves. #writinglife #book4
Gathering all the goodies I collected from my road trip to put in my commonplace journal. #junkjournal #scrapbook
I just returned from an anniversary road trip along the Lost Coast to the redwoods. I’d just finished book three and needed a break. I felt truly fortunate to rest in the midst of such breathtaking nature. #writinglife #humbolt
Scenes from my walk this morning. We saw our friends peeking over the fence… #writinglife
Though my week was super busy, I finally had an opportunity to dig into this bad boy during breaks. Loving it so far… #research #crimewriter
Keanu while I’m trying to edit. 🙄 He’s also squeaking like a rusty door in the wind.
A birthday and a book release in the same week! Thank you for helping me celebrate! 🎉 #writinglife
Coffee break before diving back into the outline for Bk 3. So much fun being diabolical on a Friday afternoon. #crimethriller
Location research is my favorite especially when it involves a cool place to visit nearby. I’m working on possible scene ideas for my Bk 3 outline. Can’t wait to share this story with you all! #crimefiction #crimethrillers
I got a lovely winter surprise this morning! The Christmas Cactus bloomed…
Officially working on Bk 3 research and plotting! You know things are moving when the book binder makes an appearance. #thrillerbooks #crimefiction
I’m currently working on the outline for Bk 3 in the Ava Cortes CBI Thrillers and so far Hollywood is giving up some interesting twists and turns. Stay tuned!
The winter garden had some lovely surprises this morning. The geraniums enjoyed the rain. My white tomatoes are bigger than ever. An odd plant revealed itself to be a turnip. We have more cherry tomatoes for our salad. And this tomatillo pod reminded me of fairy lace. #writinglife
Research for Bk 3 of my CBI series is taking some interesting turns so far. I can’t wait to delve into the hidden corners of Los Angeles in the next Agent Ava Cortes case! #crimethriller #thrillerbooks
Scenes from my walk. A break in the rain provided some time for a refreshing stroll. The Southern California skies rarely disappoint. 😎
I’m so excited to share that Bk 2 in the Ava Cortes CBI Thrillers is nearly complete and I’m starting my outline process for Bk 3! Brainstorming with some coffee and my dry erase board tonight…
New book for my To Be Read pile. I’m playing with the idea of doing a reading challenge next year but I’m not sure if I want to join an organized one or just challenge myself. #TBR
Cozy vibes with Keanu. Overcast and dreamy skies. A hearty dinner. It definitely feels like we’re slipping out of fall and into winter. #writinglife
Former detective Morgan Reed thought he had left the shadows of his past behind—until a viral podcast and a missing ship off the coast of California pull him back into a world where cutting-edge technology meets buried secrets. #crimethriller #thrillerbooks severnriverbooks.com
I love seeing my mismatched teacups find new purpose in the garden. The birdies love them. Maybe a book and a cup of coffee outside is in order. #writinglife