Discovering Heartfelt Stories: Suzanne Haley's Journey

As a passionate reader who has always been captivated by mystery and intrigue, I have spent countless hours delving into the lives of sleuths throughout history. Now, at the age of 75 and enjoying my retirement, I have channeled that lifelong fascination into writing a hybrid narrative story centered around a real-life Cold War mystery. In my upcoming blogs, I will share the process I undertook to craft this new book, detailing how I navigated the challenges of unanswered FOIA requests by turning to AI for assistance. This journey has not only been about writing but also about the deep connection between storytelling and the mysteries that shape our world.

Eye-level view of a cozy reading nook filled with books and a warm light

Finding Solace in Pages: An Escape in My Bedroom

Reading in my bedroom became a cherished refuge, a place where I could immerse myself in stories while quietly honoring my parents' belief that children should be seen and not heard. In the soft glow of my bedside lamp, I would lose myself in the pages of books, venturing into realms of mystery and adventure that transported me far beyond the confines of my room. This silent escape allowed me to explore new worlds and ideas without disturbing the household, fulfilling the unspoken expectation of maintaining my presence as a quiet observer. Each turn of the page was a gentle rebellion against the constraints of my surroundings, a way to express my thoughts and feelings without uttering a word. In those moments, I found not just entertainment but a profound sense of freedom, all while respecting the values instilled in me by my parents. Reading became a bridge to understanding myself and the world, an activity that allowed me to be both seen and heard in the most meaningful way possible.

My passion for reading mysteries began as an escape during my childhood, particularly while reading Nancy Drew on my bed. Growing up in an era when children were expected to be seen and not heard, this nightly routine became my sanctuary.

Finding Her Voice

I discovered my voice by chance. After undergoing my Heart Transplant and while recovering, I realized that life is fleeting. I thought about how, if something happened to me, the girls wouldn't have my recipes for the holidays. This led me to write my first book, "Kruger Family Cookbook." It became clear to me that I needed to document my journey, so I began writing a book with my husband Steven titled "A Change of Heart - From the Board Room to the Operating Room." I wanted the book to capture both my quest to understand why I was given a second chance at life and to honor those who become caregivers during and after surgery. My latest book, "Shadows Over Sumter," fulfills a promise I made to my first husband to continue investigating his father Mike's accident.

The Art of Storytelling

I believe storytelling is an art form that requires the skill—and courage—to capture an audience on a deeply personal level. It’s more than sharing events in order; it’s choosing the right details, emotions, and moments of truth so readers don’t just understand what happened, they *feel* it. The best stories invite people into the narrator’s inner world, creating a quiet sense of connection that says, “You’re not alone in this.”

To do that, a storyteller has to be intentional: shaping pacing, building tension, and knowing when to hold back and when to reveal something vulnerable. Word choice, tone, and imagery all matter, but what matters most is authenticity—because audiences can sense when a story is real. When storytelling is done well, it doesn’t simply entertain; it helps people reflect on their own lives, see familiar experiences in a new light, and carry the message with them long after the last sentence.