How Andrea Bartz’s Travel Writing Background Influences Her Destination Thrillers (Exclusive)

**Andrea Bartz: Crafting Thrillers with a Global Twist**

In an enlightening discussion at the Camp Unwritten Retreat in Moab, Utah, bestselling author Andrea Bartz revealed the inspiration behind her compelling thrillers, which often draw from her own experiences as a travel journalist. Speaking to PEOPLE on June 9, she elaborated on how her adventures abroad inform her narratives, making them vibrant and multifaceted.

Bartz, who is known for her gripping novels, has set stories in various evocative locations, from the fictional Isla Colel in her latest thriller, *The Last Ferry Out*, to the stunning mountain ranges of Chile in *We Were Never Here*, a selection of Reese Witherspoon’s book club in 2021. According to Bartz, the essence of travel provides a unique backdrop that enhances the thrilling elements of her stories.

“Travel is such a great setup for a thriller,” Bartz remarked. “When you’re on vacation, the rules don’t apply.” She pointed out that people often behave differently while travelling, becoming bolder and more willing to take risks they wouldn’t usually consider. This transformation in a person’s character creates ripe opportunities for unexpected drama.

“The people you encounter have no preconceived notions of who you are, and you likewise know nothing about them,” she noted. This anonymity creates intrigue and highlights the potential for secrets, making it a rich terrain for storytelling. According to Bartz, such dynamics can lead characters into troubling situations, which is a key component of her thrillers.

However, not all of Bartz’s settings mirror idyllic holiday destinations; her diverse range of locations serves varied narrative purposes. For instance, her novel *The Spare Room* is set in a mansion during a period of lockdown, demonstrating how different environments can evoke distinct atmospheres. “Setting plays a crucial role in my work,” she explained. “Sometimes I desire to create a sense of expansive freedom akin to a holiday, while other times, I aim for a claustrophobic feel.”

Bartz’s thematic focus extends beyond exotic settings. Early in her writing career, she noticed that many thrillers predominantly featured heterosexual romantic relationships. As a single person, Bartz recognised that the complexities of friendship, particularly among women, were often overlooked. “I sought to write stories that spotlight female friendships, with all their complexities, highs, lows, and sometimes horrific undercurrents,” she explained.

This unique angle not only sets her apart in the crowded thriller genre but also enriches her narratives with the exploration of intricate social dynamics. Bartz is intrigued by the enigmatic nature of close-knit friendship groups and the secrets that often lie beneath the surface. “There’s always something left unsaid, some darkness that exists within close relationships,” she stated.

As her latest novel, *The Last Ferry Out*, gears up for its paperback release on June 16, anticipation continues to build. Readers can look forward to another thrilling journey crafted with Bartz’s signature attention to detail and vivid world-building.

Her experiences as a travel writer feed into her creative process, allowing her to infuse her fiction with authenticity and a sense of place. “I’ve been fortunate to explore various destinations,” Bartz reflected, “and I aim to capture those details that make a place truly unforgettable.” Her goal is to provide readers with a three-dimensional environment that not only draws them into the story but also stimulates their imagination.

As travel continues to inspire her work, Bartz’s novels remain a testament to the allure of adventure, the thrill of the unknown, and the complexity of human relationships. Readers seeking a dose of intrigue set against evocative backdrops will find her books a delightful escape.

*The Last Ferry Out* is currently available for preorder at bookstores across the UK and beyond, ensuring that fans of Bartz’s work can add her latest tale to their collections. Through her artful storytelling, Andrea Bartz continues to capture the essence of what makes travel and human connections so exhilaratingly unpredictable.