Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
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Echoes of Darkness
A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him. The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now? Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse. As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…
- ISBN: 1335080503
- Publisher: Love Inspired
Interview with Darlene Turner 2025
Hi Darlene! Congratulations on your romantic suspense novel, Echoes of Darkness, which released June 24th from Love Inspired Trade. You’ve written a dozen Love Inspired Suspense titles since your 2020 debut, but this marks an exciting new chapter in your publishing journey. What an amazing accomplishment! I have lots of questions for you…
What inspired this particular story, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
I had the idea for the story years ago, but it evolved into something different. I wanted to focus on light vs darkness in a bit grittier storyline to show how we can overcome the darkness if we trust. There’s so much darkness in our world and I wanted to share that even in that darkness, we can be a light—a single light—God’s light shining for all to see.
Without giving too much away, what’s one scene in Echoes of Darkness that was especially meaningful or emotional for you to write—and why?
There’s a scene at the end of the book where my heroine has to face the past—the darkness her father put her through years ago. She comes face to face with that darkness and realizes God wants her to be a single light, so she surrenders to Him. It’s an emotional scene and taps into how we as Christians sometimes fight God and think our way is better. Ultimately, the truth always wins—He always knows best.
How did Echoes of Darkness differ from your previous books in terms of writing or research? Did anything surprise you while working on it?
There was more to research for this book. I looked into protocols of writing to inmates within Canada, different types of drugs, guns, law enforcement procedures, cults, K-9s, military, medical information. I think the most interesting—and scary—is just how many cults are out there. Yikes. We need to shine Christ’s light!
Your gripping stories often explore chilling and emotionally intense themes, and Echoes of Darkness includes a serial killer plotline. How do you navigate writing such frightening material without letting it weigh too heavily on your heart or spirit? Does your faith play a role in helping you process those darker elements?
Unfortunately, the evil in the world is real. The enemy is cunning. But he is not victorious. I’ve always been drawn to the edge of danger—the kind that makes your heart race, your palms sweat, and your breath catch. But not just for the adrenaline rush. It’s in those dark places where the light of God shines the brightest. In my opinion, that’s the heart of Christian suspense. However, writing that kind of story takes balance. When writing these scenes, I have to remember not to stay in the shadows. I have to walk through them and take the reader with me—step by trembling step—until we reach the light on the other side. That’s where hope lives.
In what ways has your faith influenced your journey as a writer—and particularly this book?
My faith is the core in my stories. No matter what my characters go through, they always turn to God in the end. I pray before I start writing and ask God to give me HIS words, not mine. I want to be His light. Someone once said that we write WITH God not FOR God. I like that. He’s right there with me when my fingers are flying across my keyboard, whispering into my ear His words!
Can you give us a glimpse into your writing routine? Are you a plotter, a pantser, or something in between?
I’m a pantser, but I have a little bit of a plotter in me. Haha! I start with an idea and then decide on my hero and heroine’s vocation. Then brainstorm it into a plot line. I develop my characters through a character sketch, establishing their backstory. Then I dive in and write the first three chapters. Because I have to write a full synopsis on every book proposal, that forces me to figure out how my story ends, but sometimes as I sit down to write the book, some events in my plotline change. I don’t always know how the book ends but have a general idea.
Do you have any favorite writing snacks or must-haves in your workspace while drafting suspense? (I imagine something comforting like hot cocoa with marshmallows might be a good go-to!)
Ooo…hot chocolate and marshmallows (and some whip cream!) sounds like a great way to write. I need to do that! Coffee is my go-to drink while writing. Can’t say I have any specific treats while writing, but when I start a new book, my office HAS to be clean. ????
What’s next for you? Are you working on another story that readers can look forward to?
I have a new LIS series called National Park Protectors coming out. Book 1 – Danger in the Wilderness releases August 26th. I’m currently working on the 4th book in that series.
What advice would you give aspiring Christian fiction writers—especially those feeling called to write stories of suspense, faith, and hope?
The best advice I'd give to writer (and this was also given to me) would be to keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you. Read lots in the genre you want to write.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Tole painting (painting on wood), watching movies, going on walks with my hubby.
If you could only read one work of fiction one more time, what would it be?
I’d have to say Ted Dekker’s The Circle Series. Such a powerful set of books that left me saying “Wow” every time I reached the last page!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn't put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God's grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children, whom they homeschooled. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance. Her debut novel releases in 2025.
What inspired this particular story, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
I had the idea for the story years ago, but it evolved into something different. I wanted to focus on light vs darkness in a bit grittier storyline to show how we can overcome the darkness if we trust. There’s so much darkness in our world and I wanted to share that even in that darkness, we can be a light—a single light—God’s light shining for all to see.
Without giving too much away, what’s one scene in Echoes of Darkness that was especially meaningful or emotional for you to write—and why?
There’s a scene at the end of the book where my heroine has to face the past—the darkness her father put her through years ago. She comes face to face with that darkness and realizes God wants her to be a single light, so she surrenders to Him. It’s an emotional scene and taps into how we as Christians sometimes fight God and think our way is better. Ultimately, the truth always wins—He always knows best.
How did Echoes of Darkness differ from your previous books in terms of writing or research? Did anything surprise you while working on it?
There was more to research for this book. I looked into protocols of writing to inmates within Canada, different types of drugs, guns, law enforcement procedures, cults, K-9s, military, medical information. I think the most interesting—and scary—is just how many cults are out there. Yikes. We need to shine Christ’s light!
Your gripping stories often explore chilling and emotionally intense themes, and Echoes of Darkness includes a serial killer plotline. How do you navigate writing such frightening material without letting it weigh too heavily on your heart or spirit? Does your faith play a role in helping you process those darker elements?
Unfortunately, the evil in the world is real. The enemy is cunning. But he is not victorious. I’ve always been drawn to the edge of danger—the kind that makes your heart race, your palms sweat, and your breath catch. But not just for the adrenaline rush. It’s in those dark places where the light of God shines the brightest. In my opinion, that’s the heart of Christian suspense. However, writing that kind of story takes balance. When writing these scenes, I have to remember not to stay in the shadows. I have to walk through them and take the reader with me—step by trembling step—until we reach the light on the other side. That’s where hope lives.
In what ways has your faith influenced your journey as a writer—and particularly this book?
My faith is the core in my stories. No matter what my characters go through, they always turn to God in the end. I pray before I start writing and ask God to give me HIS words, not mine. I want to be His light. Someone once said that we write WITH God not FOR God. I like that. He’s right there with me when my fingers are flying across my keyboard, whispering into my ear His words!
Can you give us a glimpse into your writing routine? Are you a plotter, a pantser, or something in between?
I’m a pantser, but I have a little bit of a plotter in me. Haha! I start with an idea and then decide on my hero and heroine’s vocation. Then brainstorm it into a plot line. I develop my characters through a character sketch, establishing their backstory. Then I dive in and write the first three chapters. Because I have to write a full synopsis on every book proposal, that forces me to figure out how my story ends, but sometimes as I sit down to write the book, some events in my plotline change. I don’t always know how the book ends but have a general idea.
Do you have any favorite writing snacks or must-haves in your workspace while drafting suspense? (I imagine something comforting like hot cocoa with marshmallows might be a good go-to!)
Ooo…hot chocolate and marshmallows (and some whip cream!) sounds like a great way to write. I need to do that! Coffee is my go-to drink while writing. Can’t say I have any specific treats while writing, but when I start a new book, my office HAS to be clean. ????
What’s next for you? Are you working on another story that readers can look forward to?
I have a new LIS series called National Park Protectors coming out. Book 1 – Danger in the Wilderness releases August 26th. I’m currently working on the 4th book in that series.
What advice would you give aspiring Christian fiction writers—especially those feeling called to write stories of suspense, faith, and hope?
The best advice I'd give to writer (and this was also given to me) would be to keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you. Read lots in the genre you want to write.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Tole painting (painting on wood), watching movies, going on walks with my hubby.
If you could only read one work of fiction one more time, what would it be?
I’d have to say Ted Dekker’s The Circle Series. Such a powerful set of books that left me saying “Wow” every time I reached the last page!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn't put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God's grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children, whom they homeschooled. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance. Her debut novel releases in 2025.
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