People of Distinction: Renaii West The Wrong Side of the Flame: A Brighid LaFlamme Mystery
by ReadersMagnet | March 2, 2026 | radio interview | 0 Comments
When Benji Cole welcomed Renaii West to his syndicated radio program People of Distinction, the focus was on her mystery novel, The Wrong Side of the Flame: A Brighid LaFlamme Mystery. From the start, Cole described the book as entertaining and fast-paced, noting that readers may find it difficult to put down.
The conversation highlighted not only the mystery at the center of the story but also the strong friendships that drive the plot. In the novel, a group of performers who work with fire comes together to investigate the death of a friend. The story blends performance culture with suspense, placing equal importance on the relationships between the characters.
From Drama Teacher to Mystery Author
Renaii West shared that she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and began her career as a drama teacher at a School of Creative and Performing Arts. Because she often needed plays with many roles for her students, she started writing her own material. That experience helped her learn how to manage multiple characters within a single storyline.
Later in life, she explored creative communities outside of teaching, including belly dancing and Renaissance fairs. Through these experiences, she formed lasting friendships. Many of the people she met during that time became inspiration for the characters in her novels.
She also explained that she enjoys mysteries because they feel like puzzles. She likes gathering clues and fitting the pieces together until the full picture becomes clear.
Presenting Alternative Communities Accurately
A significant part of the interview focused on the communities portrayed in the novel. The story includes Renaissance faires, fire performances, and adult performance venues. West explained that these communities are often misunderstood or misrepresented in popular media.
In her experience, these environments are built on trust, communication, and clearly defined boundaries. She emphasized that respect is central, and personal limits are honored. Rather than portraying such characters as villains or stereotypes, she presents them as everyday individuals with creative interests and strong bonds.
According to West, these are people who could easily be neighbors or trusted friends. Their hobbies may be unconventional, but their values center on loyalty and mutual respect.
Research and Realism
West also discussed the importance of accuracy in her writing. Because the novel involves death and legal consequences, she consulted professionals to ensure the details were correct. Her brother, an emergency room doctor, helped her confirm medical elements of the story. A retired lawyer and judge advised her on legal procedures, evidence handling, and courtroom processes.
To better understand fire performance, she also spoke directly with a fire performer. These conversations helped her portray the performance aspects of the novel realistically.
Brighid LaFlamme: Determined but Not Perfect
The main character, Brighid LaFlamme, is confident, focused, and loyal to her friends. However, West acknowledged that Brighid has flaws. She struggles to let things go and feels compelled to seek answers when something does not sit right with her.
West also suggested that Brighid may rely heavily on her friend group while keeping romantic relationships at a distance. Although she has a strong social circle, she may avoid allowing one person to become too central in her life.
These vulnerabilities make Brighid relatable and prevent her from feeling unrealistic or overly idealized.
A Standalone Mystery with More to Come
During the interview, it was noted that The Wrong Side of the Flame: A Brighid LaFlamme Mystery is a standalone novel. Readers can begin with this book without having read West’s earlier work, Death by Chaos.
West also confirmed that a third novel has been completed and is in the final stages of publication, with more planned in the future.
Conclusion
Renaii West’s appearance on People of Distinction provided insight into her creative background and the inspiration behind The Wrong Side of the Flame. The novel combines suspense with strong friendships and presents creative communities in a grounded and respectful way.
Readers looking for an engaging mystery centered on loyalty, determination, and teamwork may find this book a compelling choice.
Get a copy of The Wrong Side of the Flame: A Brighid LaFlamme Mystery by Renaii West today on Amazon. For more information about the author and her works, visit https://www.renaiiwest.com/.
