Matt Barrows and Jessica Beebe Bring Their Crime Thriller Muddy the Water to Life with Unstoppable Creativity
Award-Winning Siblings Redefine Crime Fiction
Matt Barrows and Jessica Beebe discuss their crime thriller Muddy the Water, revealing their creative process, newsroom inspirations, and sibling dynamics while offering insights into co-writing and crafting compelling, multi-perspective storytelling.
Matt Barrows and Jessica Beebe are a formidable sibling duo who have taken the literary world by storm with their debut crime thriller, Muddy the Water. A gripping tale of deception, identity, and the complex interplay of truth and lies, their novel has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Literary Global Book Award for Debut Fiction. While both come from accomplished careers in journalism, their shared passion for storytelling and their ability to weave vivid narratives have crafted a book that is as thrilling as it is deeply thoughtful.
Matt brings with him over two decades of experience as a sports reporter, covering the San Francisco 49ers, while Jessica’s work as a journalist, editor, and TV news producer has taken her from the fast-paced corridors of the White House to the chaotic heart of newsrooms. Together, they’ve transformed a long-standing idea from Matt’s early career into a meticulously crafted story that pulses with tension and intrigue. From the newsroom dynamics to the chilling journey into the mind of an undiagnosed psychopath, their collaboration is a masterclass in blending journalistic precision with creative flair.
Barrows and Beebe masterfully blend journalistic expertise with gripping storytelling, delivering a crime thriller that captivates, surprises, and lingers long after the final page.
From Newsroom to Novel: The Birth of Muddy the Water
The idea for Muddy the Water was first conceived in 1997 when Matt, then a young journalist, imagined a scenario in which a new reporter arrived at a newsroom under false pretenses. The concept lingered for years until 2020, when he shared it with Jessica, who immediately saw its potential. With her research skills and Matt’s deep understanding of narrative tension, they embarked on the journey of writing their debut novel together.
Their collaboration wasn’t without its challenges. Writing from multiple perspectives — a killer, a detective, and a reporter — required careful coordination to ensure the story remained cohesive and engaging. The duo also explored the psychology of their antagonist, Ben Broome, an undiagnosed psychopath whose manipulative charm and chilling actions drive the novel’s suspense.
Award-Winning Success and What’s Next
Following its release, Muddy the Water quickly gained traction, earning the Literary Global Book Award for Debut Fiction. The recognition is a testament to Matt and Jessica’s commitment to authenticity and meticulous research, which included consulting coroners and studying real-life newsroom dynamics.
As for what’s next? The sibling duo has confirmed that a sequel is in the works, promising readers another thrilling dive into the world of deception, crime, and investigative intrigue.
“It is really gratifying to be recognized for our work,” the authors shared.
Advice for Aspiring Co-Authors
For writers considering co-authoring a book, especially those with journalism backgrounds, Matt and Jessica emphasize the importance of setting clear ground rules and embracing the benefits of collaboration. Their process involved dividing chapters based on character perspectives and meticulously editing each other’s work — a strategy that, despite a few sibling disagreements (including a lively debate over the term “seagull”), ultimately led to a polished and compelling novel.
With their unique blend of journalistic expertise and storytelling finesse, Matt Barrows and Jessica Beebe have not only delivered a standout debut but have also set the stage for an exciting new chapter in their literary careers.
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
