Blog Archives

Spirits From the Other Side

Steve Zimcosky Author Interview

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.

Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

A terrible accident leaves a detective hospitalized in a coma at a local hospital. It appears to be more than just a mere accident. Was someone trying to kill the detective? Was he getting to close to the person he was investigating for drug trafficking? As he goes through his rehabilitation he sees someone that no one else can see. Who is this person? Are they real? Detective Cameron Dean calls on his friend and former partner Tom Sipowicz aka The Polish Dragon to help him solve this case. Unbeknownst to both of them their two cases begin to overlap.

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

Buy Now From Amazon