About the Author
A lifelong native, Scott Vonn has been wandering the fields, woods, and roads of New England since he was young, climbing over countless stone walls and poking around (perhaps not quite "officially" invited to do so) in the ruins of old homes, yards, and barns.
I really love writing historical mystery and crime fiction because you can craft an amazing story while also learning a lot about history, locations, buildings, traditions, and customs. Most importantly, you learn about people. One aspect of historical research that fascinates me is that those who lived hundreds of years ago have so much in common with us. They worry about a lot of the same things: money, love, family, success, politics, war, and death, just to name a few.
Whether reading old letters, obituaries, or advertisements ("Seeking Brave Lads to Make their FORTUNE at sea!"), I am always reminded of how alike we are and how much we share with our ancestors.
~ Scott Vonn
Today, Scott writes from his home on the Merrimack River that he shares with his wife, who has been giving him most of his good ideas and saving him from his bad ones for over thirty years. Their house was built in the 1780s and originally belonged to a local shipbuilder. It was lovingly restored by the previous owner.
Prior to that, they had the privilege of restoring another home on the river that was built in 1785. The restoration gave this exceptional piece of local history a second act and hopefully another 200 years. Old things are worth preserving!
“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” — W. Somerset Maugham
“What’s past is prologue.” — Shakespeare
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” — Mark Twai
Enduring Themes of Colonial New England
The historical slow-burn mystery and crime novels of Scott Vonn are rooted in meticulous research of colonial New England. His work explores the relationship between crime and the uneven dispensation of justice, as well as the class divides that defined the New World. Perhaps all men were created equal, but their circumstances were not. This makes the rise and success of so many who came before us all the more impressive. Many of the themes and conflicts of the period parallel today's headlines: war, scandals, intrigue, crime, punishment, and thankfully even some humor. Vonn blends the humanity of the characters with the ethos of the time, one that is not dissimilar from today.