A Goodreads user asked John Anthony Miller:

Hi John. is When Darkness Comes based on true hiding experiences in the French catacombs?

John Anthony Miller Hi Faye - How are you? Thanks for the question.
There were some instances of hiding in the catacombs during WWII, but not to the extent that I used for the book. The Germans were well aware of their existence, at least the major arteries, and maintained an underground presence which prevented any of the larger portions from being used. Later, after the war, there was actually a nightclub in one of the entrances. When I envisioned the book, and went to Paris to research it, I had a different location planned. I actually got the idea for the catacombs after reading a National Geographic magazine in which they were featured! Thanks so much for the question. One of the book clubs that follows me asked me something similar. Take care - and write any time.

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