Chasing Time follows a retired professor who races against the clock to find a lost magical key that has the power to save his terminally ill wife. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

I’ve heard so many real-life stories of patients, including friends and acquaintances, diagnosed with debilitating or terminal diseases that I wanted to create an uplifting story, albeit fictional in nature, that could provide some hope and optimism even in the most difficult times in dealing with such diseases. I added a fantasy element, i.e., the Janus key, to provide an additional level of suspense and adventure. My experience as a biomedical scientist provided much of the basis for the scientific elements throughout the book.

Tony Lucas is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

The schoolboy Tony is modeled after many of my own experiences growing up in Brooklyn in the 1960s. I reasoned that a history professor was a perfect role for the adult Tony since Chasing Time deals with integrating past, present, and even future events, and what else is history but studying the past and applying such lessons to avoid future mistakes and mishaps. Ann, the wife, is portrayed as a strong and impactful woman, whose unique insights perfectly complement Tony’s grit and determination.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

An important ideal throughout the entire book is the importance of family in providing support and love. Another critical theme is the value of persistence and resilience in achieving goals. Finally, olive oil plays a central role throughout the entire story because it has long been held as a symbol for many of the characteristics I tried to express in Chasing Time including: victory, perseverance, wisdom, and health.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

The saga of the Janus key continued with a new cast of characters. Brian, a disgraced and downtrodden scientist, seeks redemption through his interactions with Julie, a young college student touched by tragedy but determined to achieve her goal of becoming a veterinarian. To achieve their goals, and to prevent a medical tragedy, they must unravel clues to future events provided by a strange Janus key, handed down to Julie from her father. This next chapter in the Janus key series is expected out in early 2022.

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Devastated by his wife’s terminal illness, retired teacher Tony Lucas seeks to recapture a lost magical key from his youth that has the power to predict the future and use it to unravel additional mysteries that could save her. Racing against time as the disease extracts its unforgiving toll, Tony embarks on an amazing quest involving a series of unexpected plot twists, cryptic clues, and memorable characters.

Driven by a strong male lead, this heartwarming book combines realistic medical elements with a hint of fantasy to create a gripping, suspenseful narrative. Reilly spins a compelling tale of a devoted husband’s resilience and perseverance as he pursues a life-saving mission that extends from Ancient Rome to modern-day America to the olive orchards of Spain.