Foul Play at Seal Bay

The setting feels so inviting and full of character, but I wonder if that was planned from the start or developed during writing. What inspired the depiction of Seal Bay?

The small-town vibe is cozy but sometimes feels too perfect. Did it enhance the story, or did it make the mystery feel less realistic?

The main character feels relatable and warm, which made me root for her. I'm curious whether her traits were inspired by real people or purely fictional archetypes.