The new book is out on Tuesday.
Look, I’m Canadian–I did not realize, when I set the date, when the US election was, or that I’d be stuck in this place of having to advertise a new release at a time when it seems tacky to do so while still needing to pay rent, and if this book tanks entirely, well, that’s not unexpected given the circumstances. But here we are.
It is, like much of what I write, very heavy on the rage factor–particularly female rage. And while I completely understand why many gravitate toward low-stakes “cozy” (god I have come to hate that word) stuff, that’s never been me. My comfort place is horror and thrillers for a reason–I need catharsis, I need release. I could go into deeper thoughts on the subject–I have many–but this is a soundtrack post.
If this book was a game, it would be a “walking sim”. It was heavily influenced by games like Firewatch and The Suicide of Rachel Foster, so you’ll find those soundtracks on heavy rotation here.
I’m going to just separate the songs by the days in the book, it’s roughly in order of the the scenes (usually my soundtracks are, btw), which I guess might be spoilery though hopefully minimally.
Day One
I’ll link to the full Firewatch soundtrack here because it’s all in one link on YouTube. There’s a good mix of mournful/bittersweet and a little foreboding, which matches a lot of the early part of the book (the book takes place over five days; the situation…escalates). I also like to think of the park ranger in his tower with track 2, “Stay in Your Tower and Watch”.
Federico Landini – “The Timberline“
Exploring the lodge.
Federico Landini – “Awareness Pt 2“
Maya’s childhood room/manager’s suite.
Federico Landini – “The Blanket“
Awaking in the night.
Day Two
Federico Landini – “Dream On“
Federico Landini – “Low Lights“
The crawlspace.
The Newton Brothers – “Echoes of Viola“
A child’s mural.
Angelo Badalamenti – “Final Elevator“
Just before waking alone.
Shusaku Uchiyama – “Wandering in the Dark“
Searching the lodge for Holly.
Day Three
Frederico Landini – “The Investigation“
Akira Yamaoka – “Voices“
Akira Yamaoka feat. Mary Elizabeth McGlynn – “Waiting For You“
I had the Heaven’s Night LIVE concert on a lot as well. Maya is named after MEG (whose voice I absolutely adore); even though this song is not precisely Maya’s POV, it’s on here.
Federico Landini – “Bad Weather“
The workshop.
Akira Yamaoka feat. Mary Elizabeth McGlynn – “Cradle of Forest“
In the forest.
“When you think you’re really alone//Feel the eyes of someone looking in on you”
Akira Yamaoka feat. Mary Elizabeth McGlynn – “I Want Love (Studio Mix)“
Akira Yamaoka – “The Love That Was Lost“
The Newton Brothers – “Love Story“
Watching the northern lights.
Day Four
Federico Landini – “The Tent“
Answering the radio.
Federico Landini – “The Detachment“
Federico Landini – “Mannequin Maddess“
The…altercation in the second-floor hallway with the broken staircase.
Akira Yamaoka feat. Mary Elizabeth McGlynn – “You’re Not Here“
Federico Landini – “Awareness Part 1“
The fire lookout tower.
Angelo Badalamenti – “The Sacrifice“
Leaving the fire lookout tower through the snow.
Federico Landini – “False Notes“
The attic.
Akira Yamaoka – “You Can’t Save Everyone, Butterfly“
The contents of the trunk in the attic.
Akira Yamaoka – “Theme of Laura (reprise)“
Theme for the woman who built a cabin etc
Federico Landini – “Whispers“
There’s a spot toward the end where Maya is said to be singing to herself, the song is “Moon River” (from Breakfast at Tiffany’s) but in this haunting, minor key kind of way. I don’t have a link to that song the way I hear it but this is the vibe (mixed with the vibe of the song below).
Lana del Rey – “Once Upon a Dream“
Day Five
Federico Landini – “The Hollows“
Federico Landini – “Awareness Pt 3“
A visitor.
Federico Landini – “Running Away“
A confrontation in the penultimate chapter.
The Newton Brothers – “It’s You, It’s Me, It’s Us“
Wojciech Kilar – “Love Remembered“
This and the following were the end of the book.
Wojciech Kilar – “Love Eternal“
The Taiga Ridge Murders will be available everywhere on Tuesday, including in paperback and hardcover–the links are live yet, but I’m linking here anyway since very few people read the soundtrack posts and someone is probably more likely to see it after the book is already out.
Kindle | Kobo | Nook | iBooks | Payhip | Paperback | Hardcover
The print is very lovely.
Find the full Soundtrack Sunday overview here.
Writer of horror, mysteries/thrillers, and urban fantasy.
Bought just now (through Payhip so you get a few more pennies). Rage is very validating right now, actually, so your timing is perfect!
Thank you, I hope it gives you something you need right now, even if it’s just a few hours away from…*gestures* everything going on.