"The first day at college, my professor dropped dead. The second day, I assisted at his autopsy. Let's hope I don't have to go through four years of this . . ." says Jenna Blake, the protagonist of alumnus Christopher Golden's mystery thriller series Body of Evidence. This collection of books about a college freshman is set in Somerset University - but with some name changes and location modifications, the series actually takes place at Tufts.
Last Thursday, Golden gave a walking tour of all the locations on campus he features in the series. For example, his books mention the memorial steps and West Hall - "Sparrow Hall" in his books. Murders have occurred at Cohen Auditorium, Miner Hall, and even on the library roof.
He got the idea for this particular series from an editor who suggested a series about a young, "Scully-like" woman who was a college freshman. Why Tufts? Well, for one, Golden, a Massachusetts native, graduated from Tufts in '89.
"I have very strong memories about the time I spent here...I just loved it. I had a great time," Golden said. "I have such fond memories of the professors that I had, the people that I knew, and just the time that I spent here."
His personal tour, attended by a group of about ten people, began at the bookstore. Golden first led the group to the library, speaking about his books and relating personal anecdotes about his time at Tufts. He pointed out that the library roof was where he concluded his first date with his girlfriend at the time- now his wife. He also laughingly added that it's on the library roof where one of his characters gets "brained." Also part of the store were stops at familiar campus buildings like Miner and West.
"I really enjoyed the tour. I know it was hard trying not to give away plot points," freshman Rebecca Anderson said.
Following the tour, Golden held a book signing at the bookstore and spoke about his current and future literary projects. The latest installation in the Body of Evidence series is Skin Deep, which deals with Jenna's interracial relationship and the murderous tensions that develop on campus. In addition to the Body of Evidence series, Golden has another series, Prowlers, revolving around a character who becomes embroiled in an ancient race of monsters.
Series aside, Golden's novel Straight On 'Till Morning has also just been published. "Morning is very autobiographical despite the horror. It's a coming of age story," said Golden.
The tour was originally Golden's idea. "I loved being at Tufts as well as talking about it. I feel like I still go here when I walk around. Things haven't changed that much," he said.
The Body of Evidence series, targeted at young adults, has reached many young women especially. Golden has been amazed at the positive reaction he has received, particularly from older high school students. Golden's future release is Ferryman, which is due in March 2002.
