T.L. Bequette is a criminal defense attorney turned writer. Located in Oakland, California, most of his practice involves defending accused murderers. His outlook on the criminal justice system’s need for reform, the unbalanced jury selection process, and his fight for those receiving harsher sentences than they deserve, is what fuels his writing. Bequette’s writing is inspired by his time in the courtroom where he has tried over 20 murder cases. His skill in delivering closing arguments and presenting the stories of his clients to the jury make him a master storyteller. Good Lookin’ is his debut novel and weaves his expertise from the courtroom into the page of a thrilling mystery.
FMM: You are a criminal defense attorney turned writer. What led you to write your break-through novel, Good Looking: A Joe Turner Mystery?
I’ve always loved to write creatively, but a legal career provided no outlet. In fact, the law discourages creativity. The law is the law, after all. So, writing has provided a welcome release.
FMM: Your outlook on the criminal justice system must have played a role in your novel. Share your perspective.
I practice criminal defense in Oakland, California. Most of my practice involves defending inner-city youths accused of murder. My career has exposed me to a culture that was foreign to me and most people. Growing up in certain areas carries with it a set of problems that most of us, thankfully, never encounter. The story of Good Lookin’ exposes some aspects of that life. I think it’s a story that needed telling.
FMM: Your novel is full of suspense and mystery to the very end. Why was this important through your storytelling?
I tried to write a book that I would want to read. I tend to like stories in which suspense builds throughout, and mysteries that the reader can try to solve along the way. Finally, I love a good twist at the end. Hopefully, Good Lookin’ has all of that.
FMM: Can you share a moving scene that will capture the audience’s attention?
Two seminal characters in the book are nine-year-old twin boys. They are victims of abuse in the foster system. In one poignant scene, they are separated from each other. By that point in the book, the reader is really rooting for the twins, so the scene is heartbreaking: “They had said goodbye before, but they both knew this one was different. Damon sat on the couch, tears, streaming down his face. He wanted to say something to Jesse before he was led away by the police. He wanted to say he was going to find themselves a good home where they could play on baseball teams and eat hot pizza from a restaurant and watch cartoons on Saturdays. But he knew it wouldn’t help. He knew what his twin was thinking. He always did.”
“A rigorous, thoroughly engrossing mystery from a writer with immense potential.“
– Kirkus Reviews
FMM: What surprised you the most as you were writing?
I was concerned that the courtroom scenes would be boring to the reader. As I wrote, though, I realized that over the 25-year legal career, I have plenty of courtroom stories to draw upon that are anything but boring.
FMM: Who will enjoy this book the most?
Most obviously, fans of legal thrillers. Also, I think that lovers of old-school whodunnits will find it right up their alley. I believe the book has the depth to be a good book-club choice. It’s a thought-provoking, twisty mystery with a dash of humor and romance. Hopefully, it has something for everyone.
FMM: What’s next for you?
I believe the protagonist defense attorney is worthy of a series, so another Joe Turner Mystery is in the works. I certainly plan to keep writing.
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