Blog Archives
Contrasts Erupt Into Humor
Raptor Canyon follows a gin-brewing recluse, who witnesses a murder, and sets out to investigate what is happening in the canyon. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Discovering ancient petroglyphs in unexpected places off-trail sparks curiosity and imagination: What do some of these unusual shapes mean? Is it possible that some depict extinct dinosaurs? This possibility inspired this key question in Raptor Canyon.
All of your characters are unique, and readers would not automatically expect them to be put together in a story. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
Conflict and contrast between characters display their personalities and also shove the story forward, sometimes in surprising ways. I like to let the contrasts create conflict. I especially like to let those contrasts erupt into humor.
Your novel takes readers through some hair-raising action at times. How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I think the story elements often happen best when the characters are running for their lives. I think you have to tell the story through the action.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The Relic novels are not a “series,” strictly speaking. Sometimes I refer to them as a series, so readers know they are closely related, and involve the same key character, but each is a “stand alone” novel. The next is Moonshine Mesa, set to be released later this month.
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As a fresh graduate, Wyatt is anxious to make his mark among the army of lawyers in a respected Denver law firm. When his boss invites him to tour a client’s development project bordering Canyonlands National Park, Wyatt jumps at the chance, but his boss is not what he seems…
When a treacherous security chief tries to kill Relic, Wyatt is caught in the deadly chase. An unusual pair, Wyatt and Relic must tolerate each other while fleeing through white-water rapids, remote gorges, and hidden caverns. Relic devises a plan to save the treasured canyon but Wyatt must come to terms with the cost to his career if he fights his powerful boss…
A college student with secret ties to the site, Faye joins the kitchen crew so she can spy on the enigmatic project. She catches Relic and Wyatt red-handed, preparing for action. But when she hears their desperate plan, she has a decision to make…
Armed with a full box of toothpicks (and a little dynamite), can the unlikely trio monkey-wrench the corrupt land deal and recast the fate of Raptor Canyon?
A Kinship With the Earth
Moonshine Mesa is the story of the intriguing connection between a lawyer, a moonshiner, and a deputy, all of whom are embroiled in a gripping environmental mystery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This growing technology – carbon sequestration – often reveals conflicting values and reactions and, at the moment, massive amounts of federal and other funding. Each character has a different approach to the project based on their own objectives. When those clash together, things get really interesting.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
I guess my favorite is “Relic.” One scene is when he essentially says to the aspiring lawyer: “no, we are not humans in search of a spiritual experience…we are spirits having a human experience.” That encapsulates his approach to the other characters, the majestic canyons he wanders, and the bad guys who threaten both.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Moonshine Mesa?
That we are all in a deep kinship with the earth.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Hard to say for sure. I would like a follow-up to see if Deputy Dawson and Relic ever get to team up to solve a crime….
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Criminal clients, a pollution mitigation scam, and a million-dollar double-cross make Moonshine Mesa a dangerous place for an aspiring lawyer, an intrepid deputy, and a moonshining hermit.
Something is killing bees, crows, and humans at Moonshine Mesa. When Parker finds suspicious readings at a remote pump station, clients of a prestigious law firm prepare to toss him off a cliff. A gin-brewing recluse named Relic saves him and together they must solve the mysterious deaths, outmaneuver armed drug runners, and rescue an intrepid deputy dedicated to solving the crimes. And all is not what it seems between the partners in these lethal schemes…
Can they unravel these baffling deaths and stem the environmental carnage?
Raptor Canyon
Raptor Canyon by A. W. Baldwin plunges readers into a gripping tale where capitalism clashes with history and ancient relics. Dive into a world where a scheming group, which includes lawyers, unlawfully claims land from an elderly man to set up a resort. Their audacity doesn’t stop there – they plot to place fake petroglyphs on rocks, hoping to lure in more tourists. Yet, within this group, one conscientious lawyer overhears their intentions and bravely opts out, setting the stage for a thrilling chase.
Baldwin’s narrative style pulls you in, effortlessly blending action-packed sequences with realistic scenes that address today’s concerns about preserving natural landscapes. In a post-coronavirus world where we’re eager to explore, it makes us question: At what cost? The story reminds us that as we seek solace in nature, there are those who exploit it for profit, reshaping and even fabricating its history.
I was particularly enthralled by the vivid portrayal of the protagonist’s adventures and escapes. The encounters with sinister characters, the narrow getaways, and the intricate planning elements all craft an exhilarating thriller. While the ending offers hope, Baldwin leaves some threads untied, giving readers a touch of intrigue even on the last page.
Raptor Canyon is a must-read for those craving an adventure tale infused with timely environmental themes. Dive in and get lost in Baldwin’s riveting world.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B07G1FFZ29
Moonshine Mesa
Moonshine Mesa by A.W. Baldwin follows the intertwining stories of an aspiring lawyer named Parker, a moonshining hermit named Relic, and an intrepid deputy, all connected by the mysterious happenings on Moonshine Mesa. The Mesa is plagued by a series of inexplicable deaths affecting bees, crows, and even humans. As Parker stumbles upon suspicious data from a remote pump station, he becomes the target of his criminal clients, who are involved in a $55 million eco-scam. Just when things seem dire, Relic, a secluded individual known for brewing gin, comes to Parker’s rescue. Together, Parker and Relic embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the deaths and the pollution mitigation scam. As they delve deeper, they realize the situation is more complex and dangerous than anticipated. They must navigate armed drug runners, intricate schemes, and shifting alliances. Additionally, an intrepid deputy is determined to solve the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. As the partners unravel the layers of deception, they discover that the stakes are higher than they thought.
Moonshine Mesa offers readers a gripping tale of mystery, intrigue, and environmental peril. The characters are multi-dimensional and engaging, each with unique quirks and motivations that drive the narrative forward. Parker’s journey from an ambitious lawyer to a reluctant hero is compelling, while Relic’s enigmatic persona adds an air of mystery to the story. The intrepid deputy’s determination to solve the crimes brings an additional layer of suspense to the plot.
The plot itself is intricately woven, blending elements of environmental disaster, corporate greed, and criminal intrigue. The gradual unveiling of the various threads keeps readers hooked and eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters. The author creates a sense of tension and urgency, particularly as the protagonists face imminent danger from both criminal adversaries and the environmental crisis at hand.
The themes explored in the novel, including the impact of human actions on the environment and the consequences of unchecked corporate ambition, add depth to the story. The intricate web of alliances and double-crosses keeps readers guessing and invested until the end. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the complexity of the plot and the numerous characters were challenging to follow. However, Moonshine Mesa offers a satisfying and thought-provoking read for those who enjoy intricate mysteries with well-developed characters and high-stakes scenarios.
Moonshine Mesa delivers a captivating narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. With a cast of compelling characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, this novel is a must-read for thrillers and environmental intrigue fans. The author’s skillful storytelling and ability to tackle relevant themes make for an engaging and thought-provoking novel.
ASIN : B0CDZHZWMC
The Antidote
Lila, an exceptional student at the University of Indiana, has been bestowed with a prestigious botany scholarship, elevating her summer experience to unprecedented heights. Her current endeavors involve active participation in a groundbreaking project at the esteemed U.S. Department of Agriculture, led by the highly respected Dr. Blackstone. Together, their unwavering dedication revolves around the ambitious goal of mutating mustard seeds to combat the ever-increasing impact of climate change. Amid the routine task of dispatching a package of seeds to a colleague, Lila stumbles upon the lifeless body of Dr. Blackstone, the victim of a heinous crime. Compelled to escape the scene, she finds herself embarking on a thrilling chase through the dense woods, relentlessly pursued by an unknown assailant. Just when all hope seems lost, a fortuitous twist of fate leads her to a nearby highway, where she is rescued by two compassionate gentlemen on a cross-country road trip. Little do they realize that their act of kindness will thrust them into the perilous crosshairs of those intent on pilfering Dr. Blackstone’s groundbreaking work.
The Antidote by A.W. Baldwin is a riveting and meticulously crafted novel that delves into the captivating realms of botany and climate change. The author’s evident dedication to research and profound comprehension of scientific concepts shines brilliantly, rendering this book a captivating read for science enthusiasts. As the story gracefully unfolds, Baldwin skillfully employs captivating dialogue as a driving force, relying on the characters’ conversations rather than excessive descriptions. The author’s engaging writing style swiftly became a personal favorite, effortlessly immersing me in the intricate narrative. While some readers may encounter challenges in comprehending the scientific intricacies intricately woven into the plot, it serves as a testament to the author’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. While the initial chapters skillfully establish the foundation of Dr. Blackstone’s murder, the abrupt transition to Harry’s drug deal in chapter two leaves readers yearning for more, eagerly awaiting the continuation of Lila’s compelling journey. By channeling the narrative through Lila’s experiences and perspectives, the author could maximize the thrilling aspects of the plot, keeping readers fully engaged and on the edge of their seats. This strategic approach would undoubtedly contribute to the overall enjoyment and excitement of the novel.
I highly recommend The Antidote to thriller enthusiasts who crave an exhilarating literary adventure. Its pages promise an enthralling journey, taking readers on a captivating and heart-pounding ride.
Pages: 252 | ASIN: B0BHL93Q19
