In the majority of contemporary adult espionage thrillers I’ve read, the story has often been placed in classic conflict areas such as the Middle East, Afghanistan, Russia, and China. And of course, if it’s an American espionage thriller, then Washington, DC.
These setting locations provide ample story fodder for plotlines, history, and connecting the narrative to real-life events, political intrigue, and relevant themes. But they’ve also been done a lot.
In my espionage conspiracy thriller The New Dawn, I begin my story in the political intrigue of DC, but for the secondary global location I move to the rich, atmospheric landscape of modern Italy, immersing readers in the country’s vibrant food, coffee, and wine culture.
I’ve been asked why Italy, and that’s a great question. For one, it just felt right. But that’s not really an answer. Maybe it’s my love for the ancient architecture and scenery. Maybe it’s my obsession with Italian food and drink culture. Or maybe it’s because some of my favorite books have used that setting.
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In Ally Carter’s young adult spy series Gallagher Girls, I relished the brief jaunt to Rome the main character Cammie Morgan took, explored in book five. Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan is a historical fiction novel based on true events that follows an Italian teenager’s journey in World War II from joining an underground railroad to becoming a spy for the Allies. Then one of my favorite indie author books, The Suicide Tree by Shayla Raquel, takes her main character who is a hacker on an adventure in Italy.
For as long I can remember, Italy has always called to me, so writing a book that takes place outside of Rome in the Lazio region was an alluring opportunity to immerse myself in Italian vibes. It also gave me extra reason to travel to Italy, which I talk about in my blog post “Traveling Through My Story Setting—Arrivederci Roma.”
For this post, I want to share my locations, why I chose them, and how I incorporate them into my espionage conspiracy thriller, The New Dawn.
Washington, DC, & Virginia
Washington, DC, and Virginia are staples in the American espionage thriller genre. Not always, but often, there is at least one character who is stationed at or visits these locations. And if not there, it’s Camp David in Maryland.
I wanted to instill in the beginning of the book this classic American political location for a true espionage thriller experience. I wanted to ground the reader first in the country which my character, Caterina Ellis, has lived since she was nine years old. Plus it was the natural location I needed to bring together my initial cast of characters.
Lazio Region of Italy
In the adult espionage novels I’ve devoured, if Italy was a major setting, I found most often that it was a historical novel. That’s not to say it isn’t used as a setting in modern espionage thrillers. Locations like Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sicily, and Florence are staples in fiction. But my conspiracy thriller focuses more on the atmospheric details of the Italian culture. Less of a travel guide or useful major city in which to place my characters, but more of an experience.
I want readers to experience the rolling hills, red poppies, and neat rows of grapes. To taste the culinary offerings which evoke comfort and nostalgia, and sample the wines in their correct regions.
When I knew this book needed to be an international conspiracy, I decided to highlight Italy’s Lazio region in the contemporary espionage thriller market because it captured my imagination and I wanted to broaden the setting from merely a major city.
I chose Rome because it perfectly fits into Caterina’s backstory, but mostly the Lazio region because I wanted to incorporate the peaceful countryside. Some of my favorite moments traveling through Italy was soaking in all the beautiful fields outside the train windows. Its countryside is effortlessly beautiful, and when we happened upon a vineyard with its neat rows, calm washed over me.
In addition to the scenery, I love the food and drinks found in the Rome area. My favorite dish growing up was carbonara, so I had to make that dish my character’s childhood favorite too. Jumping to present day, I actually buy pasta imported from Italy and have purchased Italian flour for baking because it is better for your body than American versions. Italy was also the first country to ban lab-grown meat in 2023, and I applaud them for it! Okay, okay, I’ll retire from my non-toxic digression and return to books 😅
I am not a native of Italy and I don’t have ancestry in Italy (to my knowledge). I simply love the scenery, architecture, vineyards, cuisine, coffee habits, and wineries of this place. In my thriller, I share my love for this beautiful country’s offerings with readers, whisking them away on an unforgettable food, wine, and scenic tour.
I’d love to know—
What is your favorite setting location in thriller books and why? Discuss in the comments below!
This thriller is not yet published. Publishing journey updates are posted on this book page.
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S.J. Siedenburg is a thriller & fantasy novelist, an editor, and a bibliophile with a passion for stories and helping writers finish their novels. She’s the author of the guidebooks Character Presentation, Before the First Draft, and the How to Write a Novel online course. Six of her short stories have been published through writing contests. Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5