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KPBS Midday Edition

San Diego Political Scandals Inspire Parts Of T. Jefferson Parker's Latest Novel

The cover of "Then She Vanished" is pictured.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
The cover of "Then She Vanished" is pictured.

One of San Diego’s best-known writers is out with a new thriller.

T. Jefferson Parker’s new novel "Then She Vanished" weaves San Diego headlines and characters, that we almost recognize, into an alternate universe of suspense.

Parker told Midday Edition on Friday the characters in his books are sometimes inspired by people he has met, interviewed or seen on television.

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"In this case, Dalton Strait is an East County politician, kind of a hardscrabble guy and I composed him out of various political families and politicians I've seen and known operating in this area for decades. There's no scarcity of 'corrupt politicians' to choose from, so Dalton Strait is a composite sketch of some people you'll recognize and some people you won't," he said.

And once again, Parker’s pensive, professional private eye Roland Ford has to sort out all the answers, except for himself.

T. Jefferson Parker is a New York Times bestselling author and a three-time Edgar Award winner. He joins Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss his latest book.

Parker will be participating in Facebook Live events on Friday and Tuesday.

T. Jefferson Parker’s new novel "Then She Vanished" weaves San Diego headlines and characters, that we almost recognize, into an alternate universe of suspense.