The Missing Diary: Crime Scene Kosovo Book 1 by Tasmin Turner
Spirited young lawyer Kit Chase, eager for adventure before she settles into marriage in New Zealand, takes a three-month job with an international law team in Kosovo. It’s only a year after the war between Kosovo rebels and forces of the Serbian/Yugoslavian government, and things are anything but stable. Amongst the chaos, Chase finds herself entangled in an investigation and subsequently the target of an organized crime group. She has to figure out on the fly how to avoid an untimely end, all while bringing a crime boss to justice for the crimes he’s committed — crimes outlined in the diary of one of his victims, which the crime group will do absolutely anything to recover.
Author Tasmin Turner paints a realistic picture of post-war tensions in her no-holds-barred suspense novel, The Missing Diary — and for good reason. Her own career path mirrors that of her protagonist, bringing a searing authenticity to the story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats as Chase struggles to outrun her pursuers. Here, Turner reveals the origins of The Missing Diary, how her own experience colored the narrative and what readers can anticipate in the series’ coming novels, The Price of Justice and Explosive Reprisals.
Q: Where did the idea for The Missing Diary come from?
A: I was inspired to write The Missing Diary during my time working for an international organization in Kosovo between 2013 and 2019. Living in a unique environment in the former Yugoslavia, I was touched by the resilience and open-hearted nature of the Kosovar people. The fictionalized Kosovo in my book reflects this complex backdrop. My legal background and nearly 30 years in international organizations influenced the creation of the fictional Organization for International Development and Coordination. The protagonist, Kit Chase, a young lawyer from New Zealand, navigates this intriguing setting, balancing justice and personal growth amidst Kosovo’s hybrid legal system.
Q: Give us a brief summary of the storyline.
A: When lawyer Kit Chase loses her job, she takes a three-month position with an international law team in post-conflict Kosovo. Her first case involves hunting down the head of an organized crime group responsible for serious, politically motivated crimes. As Kit delves deeper, she finds herself in a dangerous investigation and attracted to a Russian liaison officer. A missing diary holds crucial evidence, and the ruthless crime boss will stop at nothing to keep it hidden. Amidst political intrigue and personal dilemmas, Kit discovers that friends can be enemies and vice versa. The stakes are high, and trusting the wrong person can be deadly.
Q: Tell us about your central character, Kit — what drives her and if there was any real-life inspiration that she is modeled after.
A: Kit Chase is a 33-year-old lawyer from New Zealand with auburn hair and intense blue eyes, driven by a deep-seated desire for justice and love. She’s impulsive, pragmatic and a skilled negotiator, always seeking new experiences. Her character is a composite of many lawyers I’ve known, though not based on anyone specifically. Kit’s journey from naivety to maturity is marked by her determination to prove herself professionally while balancing personal challenges. Her inner conflict between independence and following rules adds depth to her character, making her an effective yet often troubled investigator in the high-stakes environment of post-conflict Kosovo.
Q: Tell us about the venues in the story, and how they impact and relate to the narrative.
A: The story is set in Pristina, Kosovo, a city with a vibrant café culture and a gritty urban environment. The unique mix of Eastern and Western influences and the aftermath of conflict create a compelling backdrop for the narrative. Key scenes unfold in diverse settings, from bustling cafés to the wilderness, reflecting Kit’s journey. The natural environment in Kosovo inspires Kit, and significant turning points occur in the countryside, contrasting with her bureaucratic working environment. This dichotomy of settings emphasizes the conflicts and transformations within the story, mirroring Kit’s personal growth and the unfolding drama of the investigation.
Q: What books are currently on your nightstand?
A: On my nightstand are The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid, part of the Karen Piri series, and CJ Archer’s Glass and Steele series. I’m also listening to the audiobook Halfway by Michael Honnah and Imeldha Eloni. These books offer a mix of thrilling narratives and historical intrigue, much like the elements I weave into my own writing. They provide inspiration and a refreshing escape, fueling my creativity for future projects and deepening my appreciation for well-crafted stories.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from this book?
A: I hope readers relish the thrilling ride and discover the possibilities that can unfold when they step out of their comfort zones. The Missing Diary invites them to experience the gritty realities of post-conflict Kosovo through Kit’s eyes, balancing personal growth and justice. The book explores themes of resilience, courage and the complexity of human nature. As part of a series, with The Price of Justice and Explosive Reprisals following, it aims to entertain and inspire. Ultimately, I hope readers feel empowered to set their own goals and use their strengths to overcome challenges, much like Kit does in her journey.
RELATED POSTS:
Young Lawyer Faces Brutal Crime Boss and Vicious Opponents in International Thriller
Tasmin Turner has a passion for writing thrilling legal dramas set in locations where she has lived and worked. She has several university degrees in politics, law and international relations. She has experienced life firsthand in the places that she writes about.
She is currently living in New Zealand and writes under a pen name for privacy. As well as writing, she enjoys volunteering for causes that she supports, such as the rehabilitation of native bird species. She keeps up her European language skills, such as French and German, and enjoys frequenting the wonderful local cafes in the heartland of New Zealand.
Tasmin Turner invites readers to explore her books and connect with her on social media to stay up-to-date on her latest writing projects.
Take a look at the trailer for her new book The Missing Diary: Crime Scene Kosovo Book 1.
Buy this Book!
Amazon
