From Law Enforcement to Fiction | R.L. Carpentier on Small Town Mysteries & the Catskills

What happens when a law enforcement career becomes the inspiration for compelling small town crime fiction?In this episode of Zenith Exposure, we sit down with author and longtime law enforcement professional R.L. Carpentier, whose nearly two decades in law enforcement have given him a unique perspective on people, communities, and the realities behind crime.R.L.'s debut novel, Our Lady of the Overlook, is the first book in a mystery and crime procedural trilogy set in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Drawing from his real life experiences, R.L. creates characters with authentic voices and stories shaped by the people he has encountered throughout his career.We explore the connection between law enforcement and storytelling, what makes small town mysteries compelling, and how real people and real experiences can influence fictional characters.R.L. also shares his passion for the Catskill Mountains, hiking, and the rural communities that provide the setting for his stories, including his experience completing the Catskill 3500s and traversing the 24 mile Escarpment Trail in a single day.Whether you're a mystery reader, crime fiction fan, hiker, or simply fascinated by the intersection of real life experience and storytelling, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of a writer's creative process.Follow Zenith Exposure for more conversations about storytelling, crime fiction, law enforcement, adventure, and personal journeys.