Interview with Elizabeth Worley

Panama Feminist Noir Thriller Author

In this candid interview, Elizabeth Worley shares the extraordinary journey that led her from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the misty highlands of Panama. At 50, she completely reinvented her life—moving abroad, buying a coffee farm, coming out as gay, and embracing her dream of becoming an author. With humor, honesty, and unflinching insight, Worley talks about the twists, challenges, and triumphs that shaped her and her work.

The conversation explores her deep roots in advocacy, from leading one of North Carolina’s first domestic violence and sexual assault programs to counseling survivors and people exploring gender and sexuality. Worley reflects on how those experiences forged the feminist perspective that runs through her fiction, particularly her debut novel, Chasing Tropical Ice.

Set in Panama’s highlands, Chasing Tropical Ice follows journalist Augusta “Gus” Randolph and retired Air Force pilot Kaye Langsford as they uncover a violent smuggling conspiracy and a missing woman’s case. Their search pits them against corrupt power brokers—both male and female—in a battle where survival means facing uncomfortable truths.

Full Interview: Elizabeth Worley on life in Panama and Chasing Tropical Ice

By Andrea Barton

After growing up in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, getting married young, having kids, and generally checking all the boxes, at 50, Elizabeth rescripted her life: moved to Panama, bought a coffee farm, came out as gay, and became an author. She’s entertaining, forthright, and an all-round delight. Join me in chatting with Elizabeth about turning her life upside-down and her dramatic debut novel Chasing Tropical Ice.

Can we please start by sharing the book blurb for Chasing Tropical Ice?

In the highlands of Panama, a jungle conspiracy turns deadly—and two women are caught in the crosshairs.  (Read more…)

Throughout the interview, Worley discusses the inspiration behind her Panama feminist noir thriller, the real-life influences on her characters, and the joy of crafting a story steeped in justice, identity, and resilience. She also hints at what’s next: a sequel, Chasing Arctic Fire, slated for 2026.

This interview offers both a personal glimpse into the life of a writer unafraid to challenge power and a compelling introduction to a novel that delivers suspense, layered characters, and a vividly dangerous setting.

Purchase on Amazon today!

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