Power and Government Corruption
The Valhalla Project centers around a private investigator and attorney who become entangled in a case involving a teenager with autism who becomes an easy target in a murder investigation. Where did the idea behind this novel come from?
Regarding David, the 19 year old autistic man, it was really an exercise for me to delve into someone with a different personality, and express his emotions and fears. His character was born out of my attempt to create a character that would have an exceptionally deep relationship with a smart dog.
What drew you to write a mystery that expands from a local tragedy into a much broader examination of power and influence?
The broader examination of power and government corruption is often the basis of my novels.
One of the novel’s most unsettling moments is watching David become vulnerable during police questioning. What did you hope readers would take away from those scenes?
The takeaway is that our government and law enforcement is unfair to many members of our society, especially those with disabilities.
If readers remember one thing after finishing The Valhalla Project, what do you hope it is?
To not trust our government and elected officials at face value.
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Nineteen-year-old David Jacobs discovers the body of a murdered woman while walking his dog through Pelham Bay Park. He does exactly what any innocent person would do—he calls the police.
Within days, he’s arrested.
Autistic, trusting, and unequipped to navigate a relentless interrogation, David accepts a plea deal for a murder he didn’t commit. His future disappears behind prison walls while the real killer walks free.
Former NYPD detective-turned-private investigator Dan Burnett knows the case doesn’t add up. His investigation leads to a controversial data center project, where corporate greed, political corruption, and billions of dollars collide. Someone has already killed to protect it—and they’ll kill again to keep the truth buried.
Witnesses stop talking. Evidence disappears. Every lead brings Dan closer to the truth—and closer to the people determined to silence him. Every day David spends behind bars is another day stolen from his life. To save him, Dan must expose the truth before the conspiracy claims another victim.
A gripping crime thriller packed with relentless suspense, plot twists, and unforgettable characters.
Posted on July 27, 2026, in Interviews and tagged author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, crime fiction, ebook, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, Larry Terhaar, literature, mystery, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, story, The Valhalla Project, thriller, writer, writing. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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