Acclaimed Author Caroline Cleveland to Grace Spartanburg’s Hub City Bookshop

Thrilling Legal Drama

Caroline Cleveland, a notable labor and employment lawyer will be swapping her courtroom attire for book-signing pens, as she showcases her debut novel “When Cicadas Cry” at the renowned Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg. A decade in the making, Cleveland skillfully threads a narrative filled with suspense, murder, and courtroom drama drawn from her extensive legal experience.

Origin of the Story

The novel toggles between two riveting homicide cases, the first set in 2017 and the second unfolding 34 years earlier. Zach Strander, a South Carolina lawyer, and Addie Stone, his detective and love interest, delve into the convoluted cases involving racially charged murders and hidden past secrets that seem to slowly intertwine. Cleveland shared that the concept of “When Cicadas Cry” sprouted in her mind around a decade ago and evolved with the characters.

A Unique Narrative Style

What sets “When Cicadas Cry” apart is the first-person narration provided separately by Strander and Stone. Further intrigue is added by the anonymous killer’s commentary, detailing aspects from the cold case. Cleveland explains, “As I was trying to write this book, I was thinking about ways to make that old murder feel new and fresh to readers. I was trying to figure out the craft of the story and the killer was talking in my head. I need to let the killer talk directly to the reader.”

Bringing Characters to Life

Interestingly, Cleveland remained unsure about the gender of the central character during the initial stages of crafting the novel. Eventually, she decided to feature dual protagonists. “They are partners in every way. They met while working cases together and their relationship escalated into a romance,” Cleveland highlights. This decision to create a duet of protagonists lends a dynamic energy to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Author Visit Details

Caroline Cleveland is all set to visit downtown Spartanburg’s Hub City Bookshop on September 12. During the event scheduled from 6 pm to 7 pm, Cleveland will engage with readers, sign copies of the novel, and perform a reading from “When Cicadas Cry“. This promises to be a great opportunity for local literary enthusiasts to meet the author, engage in interesting discussions, and get a deeper insight into the thought process behind this riveting novel.

More Information

For more information on the book signing event and other related updates, visit hubcity.org. So, mark your calendars, bring along your curiosity and companion bookworms, and immerse yourself in the world of Zach Strander and Addie Stone in “When Cicadas Cry“.