Writing Dark Stories With a Kind Heart: Crime Thriller Author Luke Murphy on ‘Finders Keepers

If you enjoy dark, twisty stories but do not want pure shock value, this episode is for you. In this conversation on The CrazyFitnessGuy® Show, host Jimmy Clare talks with international bestselling crime thriller author Luke Murphy about his novel “Finders Keepers,” how he writes intense scenes with care, and what draws him to complicated characters like Calvin Watters, a PI forced back into the dangerous Las Vegas red‑light district to stop a string of escort murders.

Luke shares the real‑life inspiration and research that went into “Finders Keepers,” including how he balances gritty realism with respect for readers who may be sensitive to violence. Jimmy and Luke also discuss how Luke structures his many twists and turns, how long the book took to write, and what keeps him coming back to the Calvin Watters series.

This episode is a good fit for autistic and neurodivergent listeners who like crime fiction but appreciate content warnings, thoughtful storytelling, and a peek behind the scenes of how thrillers are built. You will get an inside look at Luke’s writing process, his hockey‑to‑author career path, and how he continues to grow both of his mystery series.

Key take‑aways from the episode:

• What “Finders Keepers” is about and who Calvin Watters is as a character

• How Luke Murphy comes up with so many twists and keeps readers guessing

• How long it took to write the book and what the drafting process looked like

• How Luke approaches gritty topics and settings like the Las Vegas red‑light district

About the guest – Luke Murphy:
Luke Murphy is the international bestselling author of two mystery series: the Calvin Watters Mysteries (“Dead Man’s Hand,” “Wild Card,” and “Finders Keepers”) and the Charlene Taylor Mysteries (“Kiss & Tell,” “Rock‑A‑Bye Baby”). Before becoming a full‑time author, he played six years of professional hockey before retiring in 2006.

Connect with Luke:

• Website & books: https://www.authorlukemurphy.com/

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• This episode was created and edited using Podcastle: http://www.podcastle.ai

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Fitness Disclaimer:
For educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health or fitness changes. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.