The Elusive Price of Justice follows the Nelson family’s turbulent journey through corruption, loss, and redemption as they confront their past and fight for a future where justice might finally prevail. What were some sources that informed this novels development?

For several years, I was employed by a real estate development firm, not unlike Mesquite Development Company. I observed firsthand the extent to which some developers would go to procure IRS Sec 42 tax credits which were awarded competitively and readily turned into equity cash for their projects. Having worked in commercial real estate for many years I have always been fascinated by real estate developers who are the ultimate entrepreneurs, willing to gamble everything on an uncertain end outcome. Quite often, they adopt a lifestyle as if every project is a roaring success, even before it gets off the ground. I dealt with several such people over the years.

What inspired you to intertwine the high-stakes world of crime with the deeply personal struggles of the Nelson family?

Honestly, I thought it would make a good story. Sadly, our local governments often leave themselves open to corruption, with after the fact monitoring non-existent. Travis Nelson easily thrived in that world; confident he could always talk himself out of any predicament. Matt was of a completely different ilk.  He was very bright and insisted on doing things the right way. Conflict with his father was inevitable despite a son’s absolute love for his dad. 

Thematically, the story delves into justice and accountability. How do you define “justice” in the context of this novel?

I suppose there are two lines of thought. There is justice as handed out by our legal system (i.e. following the laws and accepting the statutory consequences if you don’t.) The other is that those who have done things the right way succeed in the end and those who don’t experience dire consequences. As mentioned above many real estate developers seem to believe they are accountable only to themselves or to the system up to the point where they will get caught. Matt Nelson was imbued with a credo of always doing the right thing even if no one was watching.

Diane’s evolution from a neglected wife to a resilient businesswoman is inspiring—what message did you hope to convey through her journey?

From the outside most people might have assumed she had a idyllic life, with a handsome successful husband, adoring children, magnificent home, and lacking for nothing that money could buy. We see in the novel that this was hardly the case. She was depressed on well on the way to alcoholism, when Travis disappeared. Ironically, those circumstances opened up a whole new world for her in which she blossomed. Clearly, don’t ever give up, a new and much brighter world may be just around the corner.

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website