Jon Talton's David Mapstone mysteries

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Jon Talton is the author of eight novels, including the David Mapstone Mysteries: Concrete Desert, Cactus Heart, Camelback Falls, Dry Heat, Arizona Dreams and South Phoenix Rules.

Here he shares his thoughts on casting a cinematic adaptation of the Mapstone novels:

One of the most important characters in the David Mapstone mysteries is Phoenix, so filming it to capture the true sense of the city would be critical. Much of the city is flat and low-rise, so camera angle is important. Yet there are also mountains, a skyscraper corridor, Mapstone’s historic neighborhood and all the sleazy parts of town, from the linear slums to rich-trashy Scottsdale.

I have more opinions about the female characters. Lindsey is strong, complex, quietly poetic, a high-functioning fighter against demons. In my mind, I see her as Carrie Anne Moss. My wife, Susan, disagrees and would go more for Claire Danes or a complete unknown. It would depend on the book, of course, because the characters age through the series. In South Phoenix Rules (and Arizona Dreams), there’s also Lindsey’s half-sister Robin: tougher, with a hard past and secrets. Definitely Naomi Watts.

David is somewhat older, bookish, thoughtful but capable. David is also a stylish dresser, in the old-school way of suits and ties. Liam Neeson is too old, but he’s the type. George Clooney, if he could look a little less handsome. Or Clive Owen.

Visit Jon Talton's website.

The Page 69 Test: South Phoenix Rules.

--Marshal Zeringue