Setting can shape a story as strongly as any character. It gives readers atmosphere, history, mood, and emotional contrast. When a novel moves between two very different places, the result can make the story feel richer and more memorable.
New York and Washington offer that kind of contrast beautifully. Upstate New York carries a sense of old roots, close communities, changing seasons, family history, and hidden stories tucked behind quiet streets. It is a place where neighbours notice one another, where old houses hold memories, and where the past can feel close enough to touch.
Washington, by contrast, often suggests distance, reflection, and a quieter rhythm. Its coastal beauty, misty weather, and wide natural spaces can give characters room to think, heal, and remember. When a character comes from one place and finds herself pulled into trouble in another, the shift in setting creates tension and curiosity.
In Bernadine Cottrell’s In The Backyard, this contrast works especially well. Lillian Wood usually lives in Sequim, Washington, but her visit to upstate New York places her in the middle of a mystery she never expected. The change of location makes the story feel both personal and unfamiliar. She is with family, yet far from home. She knows the comfort of loved ones, yet must face a disturbing discovery in a quiet neighbourhood.
The New York setting gives the mystery its depth. The town, the cemetery, the family home, the backyard, and the surrounding community all become part of the investigation. Each location holds a clue, a memory, or a hidden truth. Against this backdrop, Lillian’s calm wisdom and sharp curiosity stand out even more.
That contrast between home and away adds emotional weight to the novel. It reminds readers that mystery can find us anywhere, even during a simple family visit.
For readers who enjoy cosy mysteries with strong settings, family warmth, humour, suspense, and an unforgettable senior sleuth, In The Backyard by Bernadine Cottrell offers a charming and engaging read.
Read this book now, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/197195067X