…by Karna Small Bodman

Villa d’Este on Lake Como

This incredible hotel has inspired poets, writers and artists from the time of Virgil, and more recently became known as a favorite haunt of Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra and Alfred Hitchcock. I’ve often wondered if the famous producer got inspiration for his films by gazing at the spectacular blue waters, relaxing in the hotel’s many pools or simply reflecting on its storied past.

We’ve had the pleasure of staying there on three occasions, and we learned that there certainly are some interesting characters roaming the area who would make great heroes in any new thriller.

George Clooney’s Lake Como villa

For example, George Clooney bought a nearby villa on the lake. We didn’t see him or his wife, Amal, on our various sojourns, and now, word has it he is considering a $100 million offer for the place. I’m sure the local paparazzi are hoping he doesn’t sell.

Before those trips, I recall an invitation I received to board a friend’s 50′ sloop and sail through the Lesser Antilles. A particularly memorable anchorage was at the island of Grenada, known as the spice island ever since early explorers brought nutmeg to its sandy shores. You can don your scuba gear and visit one of their 32 famous dive sites, pick up lots of local art and sample delicacies at dozens of great restaurants. 

The Harbor at Grenada

However, when it comes to Grenada, the residents will tell you that the most harrowing experience they ever had was back in 1983 when there was a bloody military coup. With a Soviet and Cuban presence on the island and a government “shoot to kill” curfew, American students studying at St. George’s University School of  Medicine cowered on the floor as bullets crashed through their dormitories.

Then, at the urging of the Organization of American States (OAS), President Reagan launched what he called a rescue mission (although others dubbed it an invasion) as US Marines, Army Delta Force and Navy SEALS landed, evacuated the students and restored constitutional order in a matter of weeks. 

The New York Times reported, “The students endured days and nights of terror before the American troops arrived.” And when six military transport planes carried nearly 400 young Americans back to the United States,

“Some were so happy to be home, they knelt down and kissed the ground.” Now imagine how that whole episode could be turned into a heart-pounding thriller.

What type of location should I use in my next thriller? At two recent dinners with friends in Washington, D.C., both groups suggested North Korea.  I haven’t exactly set foot in that country – but I saw it first-hand standing in the tower overlooking the DMZ from the South Korean side.

At the DMZ

While serving in The (Reagan) White House, I was sent to the Far East (Manila, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul) to give talks on administration policies.  Our South Korean Ambassador asked me if there was any special place I would like to see while I was there, and I said, “Yes. Could I possibly go up to the border with North Korea?” And so I climbed aboard an Army helicopter and was transported the short distance to the DMZ (it’s about as far from Seoul as Dulles Airport is from downtown Washington – talk about a tense, close environment!).  I received a briefing from the Colonel in charge and, on a lighter note, he told me that every time our staff has American visitors, the North Korean soldiers rush to the border to gawk at them. And the times the most North Koreans raced to have a look was when our troops hosted Miss Universe and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!

I also learned a lot about the North Korean dictators and their policies that have led to a dire economy, lack of food and scant development of resources (except missiles). Their people don’t even have basic electricity.  One only needs to take a look at photos taken at night by our space Shuttle, of the Korean peninsula to see the stark contrast of lights available to the people of the North vs. the South. 

Night photo from space of N. and S. Korea lights

Now I am now doing research on various locations, especially North Korea, for my next thriller. If any of you has a suggestion  about plot lines or intriguing characters I could incorporate in the new novel, I would love to add your ideas to the mix. We would also like to hear what thrillers you’ve enjoyed that were set in exotic locations. Please do leave a comment below. And thanks for visiting us here on Rogue Women Writers.

…Submitted by Karna Small Bodman