Research for Where’s the Quetzal?

Research for Where’s the Quetzal? was as simple as diving into my memories. Okay, and a visit to Fort Pickens (more about that in a moment). I grew up in Gulf Breeze – 6th-12th grade and went to college in Pensacola, so I’m very familiar with the area. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the research that inspired book #2 in The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series!

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Visiting Pensacola as I did research for Where’s the Quetzal?

• Since this series has been grounded in Pensacola, I wanted to make sure I captured every detail of its coastal charm, from the historic architecture to the white-sand beaches. In high school, my P.E. class would travel by school bus (hot, sweaty, stinky) over the bridge to the beach and swim in the sound. So many of my childhood memories are tied up in the beach.

Historical events

• Pensacola’s history spans centuries, and in the book, the characters visit Fort Pickens and learn more about Geronimo and his “stay” at the fort.

• One thing I learned more about in my research for Where’s the Quetzal? was the shipwrecks of Don Tristan de Luna, a conquistador from Mexico. He left Vera Cruz in the 1500s with 12 ships and over 1000 people with the intention of colonizing the Pensacola area. A hurricane took care of 7 of the ships and killed many of the people.

Landscape & weather

• Pensacola’s natural landscape and seasonal weather play a big role in the story. Book #2 takes place in the spring – no hurricanes in this one!

Sensory experiences

• To fully immerse my readers in Pensacola’s atmosphere, I use sensory details that bring the setting alive, from the warmth of the sun on the sand to the sound of waves and the smell of salt in the air.

• By layering in these details, I hope to make Pensacola feel as vivid to my readers as it does to the characters.

Fort Pickens history

• Construction began on Fort Pickens in the early 1800s. It was designed and constructed to defend Pensacola Bay and the Pensacola Navy Yard and Depot from foreign attacks. The fort at that time was the largest brick structure on the Gulf of Mexico, and it was under Union control during the Civil War. In my research for Where’s the Quetzal? I learned more about the fort than I knew before!

More about Where’s the Quetzal?

Wondering what Where’s the Quetzal? is about? Look no further!

Peg Howard has planned the perfect baby shower for her oldest daughter. But the return of Estelle and Roger Keaton disrupts her peace, reigniting old mysteries.

A chance discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives.

With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried.

In a tale full of twists and turns, Peg confronts her deepest fears, facing an adversary more cunning and unexpected than anyone anticipated. Join Peg and her friends on a journey through intrigue and peril, where bonds of friendship and family may be their only salvation. Will they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will the past come back to haunt them all?

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of the pictures my daughter and I took at Pensacola Beach and Fort Pickens as I did research for Where’s the Quetzal? The book releases Feb. 25, 2025! You can read book #1 in the series here:

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 38 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)