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Shadow of the Moon follows a man as he moves from being an uncertain leader to serving as the human anchor of an ancient alien archive hidden beneath the Moon. What draws you to the science fiction genre?
I have been a fan of science fiction since my childhood. I read books about it such as Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth and From the Earth to the Moon. The original movie version of The Day the Earth Stood Still from 1951, Buck Rogers and Lost in Space. I grew up watching these with my family on the weekends. And of course, Star Trek in it’s various forms, Star Wars and all its spinoffs as well. For me it’s fun to write about this and paranormal as well.
Ian grows considerably over the course of the story, evolving from an uncertain leader into someone others depend on. How did you approach his character development?
I modeled Ian after a lot of reluctant leaders, who in the beginning really has very little to do with the idea of being a leader. After he learns about his family and his so-called aunt and uncle in the first book (The Venusians Among Us 2nd edition) he begins to take a strong approach to leading the survivors against the rebels from his own race. He had to do it or else everything else would have fallen apart and they would have lost everything. Even losing everyone’s lives who opposed Gorse.
The book explores the tension between preserving an ancient civilization and protecting humanity’s future. What interested you about that moral conflict?
It fascinates me that there were ancient cultures in the past who compared to today seemed more advanced than we are now. As a race we seem to be going backward as we seem to destroy the earth for profit and gain rather than protecting humanity. The wealthy seem to push for the exploration of space to save humanity rather than doing what’s right to preserve what we have here on this planet. But their motive seems to be profit rather than saving humanity. It reminds me of the movie Don’t Look Up.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the next book you are working on? When can we expect to see it released?
I have already released my newest book titled “The Dream Killer”, and it revolves around the lead character Jonathan Tooms. He has lost his wife and then a short time later his daughter is murdered by a career criminal. After the trial, the criminal is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. As he leaves the court room, he smiles at Jonathan as if nothing really happened. A friend points him in the direction of an ancient race of people who have dwindled in numbers but have a certain skill for finding justice that borders on the paranormal. Jonathan learns much about the ancient race and gets caught up within a feud between two different factions.
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After the daring takeover of the ancient starship hidden behind the moon, Ian and Kendra remain on Earth to protect the thousands left behind. But Howard Gorse has not surrendered. Stripped of the vessel that once guaranteed his power, he becomes more dangerous than ever, tightening his grip on governments, militaries, and the hidden network of followers still loyal to him.
Meanwhile, deep among the stars, the stolen ship races across the universe in search of the lost descendants of the original travelers. What the crew discovers will challenge everything they believed about their past—and reveal that the wormhole that brought them to Earth may not have been an accident at all.
As new worlds emerge, ancient enemies awaken, and hidden civilizations reveal themselves, Ian must prepare for a conflict far greater than the battle for Earth. The fate of multiple universes may depend on secrets buried long before humanity existed.
The adventure continues in this action-packed sequel filled with interstellar mystery, political intrigue, and the enduring hope of finding a home among the stars.
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The Venusians Among Us: Shadow of the Moon
The Venusians Among Us: Shadow of the Moon, by Steve Zimcosky, follows Ian Stanley as he moves from uncertain leader to the human anchor of an ancient alien archive hidden beneath the Moon. With Howard Gorse tightening his grip, Ian, Kendra, John, and Sarah launch a risky one-way mission to reach a dormant ship, find a hostile warp engineer, and prevent a powerful system called the eradication array from turning preservation into destruction. What begins as infiltration becomes a larger question about memory, identity, and whether an old civilization can survive without consuming the people trying to save it.
I liked that the book keeps its focus on pressure. The chapters move through countdowns, failed calculations, locked corridors, damaged systems, and choices made with incomplete information. Ian isn’t treated as a flawless chosen figure. He hesitates, misjudges, and keeps stepping forward anyway. That gives the story a practical spine. The alien technology also works best when it feels tactile: flickering panels, cold corridors, archive columns, unstable displacement fields, and the eerie sense that the ship is not just machinery but a repository with its own buried shame.
The strongest thread for me was the tension between preservation and assimilation. The archive is not simply a marvel waiting to be claimed. It carries memory, guilt, and danger, and the later reveal of Dr. Elias Vey gives the story a more disquieting edge. Kendra’s guarded loyalty, John’s nervous humor, Sarah’s analytical steadiness, and Howard’s cold certainty all help define Ian by contrast. The prose is direct and scene-driven, with a steady cadence that favors momentum over ornament, which suits the book’s corridor-by-corridor escalation.
This book is for readers who enjoy science fiction thrillers, first contact and alien invasion tales, lunar mysteries, space opera, and adventure science fiction. Readers who liked the problem-solving tension of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary may appreciate the technical stakes here, though this novel leans more toward alien inheritance, covert factions, and survival under pursuit. The Venusians Among Us: Shadow of the Moon is a measured alien-contact thriller where survival depends less on firepower than on what a person is willing to become.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0H23N5Y7W
The Venusians Among Us
In The Venusians Among Us, Steve Zimcosky follows Ian Mercer, a NASA engineer in Cleveland whose work on mysterious lunar signals collides with recurring dreams of silver corridors, sleeping figures, and a living Venus. When Ian learns he’s connected to an ancient Venusian bloodline, he’s pulled into a hidden world of Guardians, underground facilities, Moon archives, rival factions, and a long war over whether alien technology will free a displaced people or give control of Earth to Howard Gorse and his followers.
I liked how the novel builds its premise through layers instead of dropping everything at once. The early chapters work because Ian’s confusion feels practical: he’s not instantly heroic, he’s exhausted, skeptical, angry, and trying to make sense of a life that’s been arranged around him without his consent. The Cleveland setting also gives the story a grounded texture. Secret tunnels, Lake Erie, hidden elevators, Chinatown warehouses, and old military sites keep the science fiction close to familiar streets, which makes the stranger elements easier to accept.
The book is most effective when it ties personal identity to a larger survival story. Ian isn’t just asked to believe in aliens; he has to accept false deaths, buried memories, genetic truth, political manipulation, and the possibility that his dreams are instructions. Kendra gives the story a needed counterweight because she’s protective but not blindly trusting, and Edward Case adds a useful bit of ambiguity by making betrayal feel tactical rather than decorative. The prose is direct and plot-forward, with short scenes that keep the pace moving. At times, the dialogue explains a lot, but that also fits a story built around revelation, hidden history, and assembling scattered knowledge before the enemy closes in.
This book is aimed at readers who enjoy science fiction, alien conspiracy fiction, space opera, hidden-history thrillers, first-contact fiction, and adventure science fiction with secret organizations and ancient technology. Readers who like the government-paranoia angle of The X-Files mixed with the accessible, puzzle-box momentum of Dan Brown will find a familiar rhythm here. The Venusians Among Us is a straightforward sci-fi thriller about inheritance, secrecy, and the dangerous moment when a hidden past finally wakes up.
Pages: 114 | ISBN: 9798196755156
Spirits From the Other Side
Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased follows a man investigating the accident that almost killed him while he grapples with helping a man only he can see. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I was writing the Polish Dragon P.I. series when the idea of having a spirit from beyond needing a private detective popped into my head. Not wanting to take the Polish Dragon down a different path, I decided to create a new character and have him work with the spirits from the other side. Plus, I have always been intrigued by ghost stories and people who say they can communicate with the dead. I also wrote it simultaneously with the Polish Dragon P. I. The Missing Gambler. Both books are intertwined with the same storyline.
Did you plan the tone and direction of Detective Dean’s story, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
It came out organically as I was writing this story. The difficult part was making sure that this story fell in line with the Polish Dragon story which I mentioned above. The Cameron Dean story is told in the first person, and the Polish Dragon is told in the third, and I had to make sure the writing style was reflected properly in each storyline. Sometimes things would pop into my head that helped me write the story, and I was wondering if I was actually getting help from beyond. I do believe that our loved ones still look down on us and help us whenever they can.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
I always try to put into each story some things from my own life. They might be places where I grew up, schools that I attended, or businesses or things from the old neighborhood that no longer exist. Some people have actually mentioned that when they read my books. Especially people that I grew up with and relatives. For me, adding something personal makes the story more believable.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I have been considering doing another book which is why I ended this one the way I did. It more than likely will be after the holidays, though. It would mean writing two series at the same time. That may prove to be quite a challenge. Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased and The Polish Dragon P. I. series, one for the spirit world and one for the day-to-day world.
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Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased
In Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased, author Steve Zimcosky presents a gripping narrative that masterfully blends the elements of a mystery thriller with a touch of the supernatural. The story unfolds with Detective Dean awakening from a coma, caused by an incident involving a truck six months earlier. Dean’s memory of his life prior to the accident is fragmented, leaving him to piece together his past while grappling with intense and haunting recurring nightmares.
A compelling twist in the tale occurs when Dean, alone in his hospital room, notices a mysterious figure at his bedside — a figure invisible to others. Seeking understanding, he turns to Francine, a psychic, who reveals that Dean’s near-fatal accident has unexpectedly heightened his sensitivity to the supernatural. Through Francine’s guidance, Dean learns that the apparition is Sammy, a man Dean had relentlessly pursued in his law enforcement career before Sammy’s untimely death. The plot takes a fascinating turn as the hunter and hunted form an unlikely alliance, seeking to solve the twin mysteries of Dean’s attempted murder and Sammy’s death.
Zimcosky’s narrative style is exceptionally immersive, drawing the reader into each scene with richly detailed descriptions. The story’s uniqueness lies in its blend of genres, offering a fresh take on the murder mystery by incorporating elements of the supernatural. The dynamic between the living Detective Dean and the spectral Sammy adds a layer of depth to the storyline, exploring themes of redemption, closure, and the unresolved threads of a life abruptly ended. The portrayal of Sammy’s emotional journey, as he revisits significant locations from his life, is handled with sensitivity and depth. Zimcosky skillfully evokes empathy for Sammy, allowing readers to viscerally experience his turmoil and longing for resolution.
This novel deserves high praise for its inventive plot and Zimcosky’s keen attention to detail. His ability to create vivid, engaging scenes makes the book a compelling read. I recommend Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased to anyone seeking a mystery that ventures beyond the conventional, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience. Zimcosky’s talent for weaving intricate narratives is evident, making this book a standout in its genre.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0CKVJ9HXY
Took On A Life Of Its Own
Murder at Manzanar follows a private eye with a knack for finding things others cannot who ends up uncovering more than he anticipated. What was your inspiration for the mystery that must be unraveled?
2022 was the 80-year anniversary of the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II. I had been reading quite a bit about it and wondered how I could weave it into a story. As part of my research, I came across how many Japanese families had to just walk away from their homes and businesses never to see them again because of unscrupulous people, who conned them out of everything they owned. They were only allowed to take what they could carry when they were dispersed to various camps around the country. It wasn’t until 1990 that the US government paid out reparations to those who survived the internment camps. I thought about how interesting it would be to see how one Japanese family was conned out of their business and how the wrong came full circle to the detriment of the person who stole it.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
It developed gradually and I had some input from one of my Tai Chi students who happens to be a Buddhist priest she told me about a story that she thought would be interesting for a book and I asked her if I could use part of it and she gave me the permission to do so. From there the story took on a life of its own and I just put down on paper.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The backdrop for my story is pretty much the same as all of the Polish Dragon P. I. stories. They, mostly take place in Northeast Ohio where I was born and raised. On occasion, Tom or Suzie may travel away from Ohio but always return to their home state. I like to share little tidbits about where I grew up. People don’t realize what a great place Northeastern Ohio is to live in. Things have changed over the years and Cleveland is a top vacation destination. It even has quite the food scene for all of you foodies out there. Right now Cleveland has three chefs who were named semi-finalists for the James Beard award. Time magazine calls the James Beard award the Oscars of the food world.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers next time?
The story has continued with two more novellas following Murder at Manzanar. They are The Dragon is Missing and Finding Ami. In these two books, Suzie gets more of the spotlight, especially as the first title states Tom ends up going missing and Suzie must find him. In Finding Ami, she has to do a lot of the work because, well let’s just say Tom was out of the picture. I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I like writing them.
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Murder at Manzanar
Murder at Manzanar is an incredibly detailed and exciting story written by Steve Zimcosky. The gripping story follows a retired police officer who is also a talented private detective. Tom Sipowicz is contacted after a Buddhist statue is broken, revealing an old envelope addressed to Hideki Sakura, who no one knows who this is. Tom is employed to trace the owner of this mysterious envelope. Along the way, Tom interacts with several elders, who openly discuss their personal experiences of Japanese Internment camps. The eye-opening stories bring the reader’s attention to the atrocities many individuals faced during World war 2 at the hands of the US. This is an essential piece of history cleverly placed within this comprehensive book. The author describes in detail the process of finding the missing Hideki Sakura, speaking to many people with whom the protagonist may never have interacted otherwise.
I think this book is a fabulous read. It keeps the reader focused, and the author has an eye for details. I believe each character, from Tom to the elders he talks to throughout, is described in a way the reader can picture, which creates a good image of the story in the reader’s head.
Zimcosky creates a heartfelt story that discusses history in a remarkably well-written subtle way, which the reader can take away with them once the book is complete. The book’s pace is perfect for teen readers, keeping them engaged in the plotline. The addition of historical information is an added bonus that educators will appreciate. I think the writing style sets an excellent image for the reader and keeps them intrigued, allowing for an easy, relaxing read.
Murder at Manzanar is a captivating cozy mystery that draws on history and exceptional character development to keep readers interested. This short and fast-paced novel is perfect for picking up and reading on a lazy afternoon or when you need a clean intriguing mystery to solve.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0B3S7ZFHQ
Bringing Dark History Into the Light
Hanging Cloud follows a PI that tries to find a missing man and ends up uncovering a multigenerational conspiracy that leads to threats on his own life. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
In the past I had read about the government’s attempt at assimilating Native Americans into a lot of the urban areas in the United States. When I did the research I found out what their real intent was and felt that it needed to be shared, so I created a way to use it as part of the plot in the story. Many people have no idea that this even took place back in the 1950s. As it states in the book the whole intent was to get the Native Americans off their reservations so they could sell the land and also the hope of having them intermarry so they could just eliminate all Native Americans. It’s a part of our history that is kind of kept in the dark.
Tom Sipowicz is a great detective that captures the interest of readers. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted someone who had grown up with adversity in school but had a wonderful family life. He found his calling by being a Military Policeman and later a Cleveland Police Officer and then a detective. His martial arts training keeps him in shape and the character building that comes along with that training is invaluable to him both as a police detective and a private investigator. He’s the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back but not someone you would want to cross.
How did you decide on using the Native American Community as a focus for your novel?
A while back I had read an article about a man who grew up in a very loving family, had a great education and career. He later found out that he was adopted and that he was a Native American. For some reason, the article had popped into my head when I was looking to start another book and I thought that would be a great plot for a story.
What kind of research did you have to do to make sure you were accurately portraying the Native American culture?
My research involved checking out various websites and double-checking everything that I found to make sure it was as accurate as possible. A few years back I had met some Native Americans through another person and learned quite a bit from them as well. That helped me in writing the book and trying to keep it as close to reality as possible. The Native American Community has a lot to offer if people would just listen to them when they speak about their lives and what goes on in their communities. Their way of looking at the world makes sense.
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