I took a trip down the coast from Morecambe to spend a few days in Lytham, Lancashire.
The purpose wasn’t a holiday. It was research. I’ve had a story idea simmering for months, and I wanted to see if Lytham could carry the weight of it.
I hired an Airbnb on Agnew Street, a large Victorian terrace with character and just the right amount of faded grandeur.
The moment I walked through the door, I could see a family living there. Respectable on the surface. Shadows lurking in the corners.
The neighbourhood gave me plenty to work with. Agnew Street itself has that mix of comfort and unease.
Rows of terraces, each one holding its own secrets. Step outside and you’re in a middle-class community where appearances matter.
Jaguars, Audis, Range Rovers lined up like badges of success. All polished. All suggesting stability. But it’s exactly the kind of place where cracks can form beneath the gloss.
Just around the corner I found Serpentine Walk, a narrow alley that cuts along the train station car park.
Even the name feels loaded. I walked it during daylight, but I could picture it after dark.
A character taking a shortcut. Footsteps echoing. A shadow lingering too long.
The landmarks stood out as well. The windmill on the Green, picture-perfect.
The stretch of green itself, manicured and calm, overlooking the Ribble Estuary.
Lytham Hall with its history and grandeur. Lowther Pavilion with the statue of Bobby Ball keeping watch.
They all have an air of respectability, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what might be happening away from the stage, away from the neat lawns and theatre lights.
What struck me most about Lytham is how contained it feels. A small community. Everyone knows each other—or thinks they do.
It’s a place where secrets can thrive behind closed doors. Where the pressure to keep up appearances can become unbearable.
Where a single lie could ripple out across the whole town.
As I walked through the streets, I kept asking myself: who lives here? What are they hiding? And what happens when the façade slips?
Lytham gave me all the answers I needed. It’s the perfect setting for my next domestic thriller.
Claim Your Free Domestic Thriller Novella
If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my location scouting for future stories, you might like to get a free taste of my fiction.
When you join my newsletter, you’ll receive The Lodger, a gripping domestic thriller novella about secrets, lies, and the danger of letting the wrong person into your home.
It’s completely free for subscribers, and you’ll also get updates on my latest releases, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive offers.