A Season of Suspense: James Courter’s Latest Novels Captivate Readers
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
This fall, Jim Courter, a seasoned voice in the world of fiction and a former Writing professor at Western Illinois University, has given readers much to ponder. His latest mystery novels, Reflecting Pool and Murder Happens, released just months apart, dive deep into themes of morality, justice, and identity. Together, they solidify Courter’s reputation as a writer who crafts characters as complex as the mysteries they unravel.
Reflecting Pool, published by Peasantry Press in September, continues the story of private investigator Barry Pool, first introduced in Courter’s 2018 novel Rhymes With Fool. The sequel plunges Pool into the aftermath of his own dark decision: the murder of a neo-Nazi criminal. Haunted by guilt and pursued by enemies seeking vengeance, Pool must grapple with his choices as he navigates life on the run.
Courter explains, “In Rhymes With Fool, Barry Pool was the hunter. In Reflecting Pool, he’s being hunted. Not only that, but his conscience won’t stop reminding him that he has committed murder.” The novel doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity—a hallmark of Courter’s writing, saying that
“It represents a realistic look at who we are as humans, situated somewhere between the angels and the apes.”
If Reflecting Pool showcases Courter’s knack for psychological depth, Murder Happens, published November 26 by Histria Books, underscores his ability to blend humor with suspense. The novel, Courter’s first completed mystery manuscript, introduces an unlikely sleuth: an underemployed mall security guard who is drawn into a string of murders. Written years before Courter’s debut novel, Murder Happens finally found its place in the literary spotlight after a two-decade journey to publication. “It’s still my favorite of all I’ve written,” Courter shared. “I think it’s the best.”
Courter’s path to becoming a novelist was shaped by his early success as a short story writer, with work appearing in publications across the U.S., Canada, and England. A Pushcart Prize nominee, Courter also gained recognition for his essays, which have graced the pages of The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, and Smithsonian.
Reflecting on his years teaching writing at WIU, Courter described the relationship between teaching and writing as “symbiotic.” Lessons learned from crafting short fiction often found their way into his classroom and vice versa.
A longtime Macomb resident, Courter values local literary connections. His books are available at New Copperfield’s Bookstore in Macomb, the owners of which have been supportive of Jim and his work, support for which he shared his tremendous gratitude.
For Courter, the vitality of local bookstores and libraries reflects the health of a community’s cultural life.
“I wish more people would put their phones down and pick up a book. I say that not out of self-interest, but for the health of our culture and of civilization.”
As Courter’s stories make their way into the hands of mystery enthusiasts, they do more than entertain—they challenge readers to confront the gray areas of morality and justice. With Reflecting Pool and Murder Happens, Courter proves that his writing is as much about the human condition as it is about solving crimes.