People of Distinction with Benji Cole: Joanne ‘Gram’ Radke and Shirley K. Smith, “The Sanctuary: Romance, Murder & Mystery”

by ReadersMagnet | May 8, 2025 | radio interview | 0

Sharon and Janice opened and ran a new bed & breakfast guest house in a quaint small town. This town has a unique case taking place. Every July 1st, for the past 3 years, murder has happened. A CIA agent, Jason, came in to pose as a handyman at The Sanctuary to investigate the murder case in secret. He was accompanied by his brother, a chef, who would serve at the guest house. The guys both fell in love with the two beautiful owners of The Sanctuary. Who will be the next victim of the murder as July 1st is fast approaching? Who is the murderer? What about the romances? Will they end or continue in a romance of love?

Joanne ‘Gram’ Radke takes The Sanctuary: Romance, Murder & Mystery to the radio program “People of Distinction,” hosted by Benji Cole, and talks about her writing process and her inspiration for the story.

Murder, Murder, Murder…

Benji Cole asked Joanne about the inspiration behind the story. The book intrigues its readers through the murder case that happens on the same day every year, making the plot unique. Joanne recalled that the book was a collaboration between her and her friend, Shirley Smith.

“It was a collaboration of both of our lives, and we figured out what to do and how to write this book. The idea of the multiple murders of once a year on July 1st of the year was actually her idea.”

Romance, Murder, Mystery…

Host Benji Cole went on to ask about the book’s writing process as the book has a well-balanced theme of romance, murder, and mystery. Benji wanted to know how the writers managed to balance each theme without overshadowing the other.

Joanne said, “We were brainstorming a lot to make it smooth and continue to be intriguing because you’re finding out a little bit of the romance, and then you’re going back to the murder plot and what’s going on in The Sanctuary, and you’re back to the romance and back to the murder and forth and back and forth.”

“The most enjoyable books that I’ve read have been the ones [when you’re] just in the middle, just in the climax of that particular plot or scene, then it quickly changes, so you’re going to get back to it. It keeps your interest and your mind working,” she added.

The Representation for the Novel

Benji commended the book’s style of writing. He asked if the title really represents the novel as it offers a paradox to the main plot.

Joanne explained, “[The Sanctuary] is a place of peace and quiet. The book really has a lot of descriptions of the different rooms. It’s a delightful place. Anybody would want to go and visit just with the descriptions of the rooms. You got the two girls and the two guys and sparks fly, and they’re falling in love with each other. And then you got this murder on. It’s intertwining back and forth, so that’s how we started the thought of it because we were at home at our own B&B, with all kinds of different people coming and visiting.”

The Development of the Story

Benji went back to ask about the writing process and how the story developed. Joanne revealed that she and Shirley have different takes when it comes to writing.

“Well, the way I write, it’s like a movie. I see a movie in my head, and it’s like scene-by-scene. I don’t know what’s coming next until I start writing. Shirley’s process was more “Okay, I want this to happen and this to happen and then this to happen.” So we kind of blended our writing styles together. It was quite fun to do together.

Take Away

Joanne Radke shared what her readers could take away from reading the book.

“I hope that they just enjoy the process. Those [who] love the romance would enjoy the romance. Those [who] love to figure out the plot would enjoy that. Just so it’s a really good read, easy read, a joyful read, and they come back just realizing this is a good positive book to read.”

Get a copy of The Sanctuary: Romance, Murder & Mystery by Joanne ‘Gram’ Radke & Shirley K. Smith on ReadersMagnet Bookstore,  Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Visit www.joanneradkebooks.com to learn more about the author and her works.

Check out the full interview on the ReadersMagnet YouTube channel.