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Intrigued By International Espionage
The Flight Enigma follows a couple seeking peace in Magnolia Bluff, only to be drawn into a national crisis when one of their friends becomes entangled in the disappearance of secret stealth technology. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Response: We are always intrigued by international espionage and the intersection it has with the technology world. We love taking technical facts and real world scenarios then place believable characters (okay, fictional) in harm’s way to see what happens. More times than not, the characters advise us of where the story should go and we get surprises we didn’t expect. We’re storytellers.
What inspired your characters’ interactions and backstories with Mike and Ashley? Are they based on anyone you know in real life?
Response: Just about every character we put into our stories has been a real live person we’ve known. Understand that is where we start but then we stretch, pull, and push the character definition so we can stress them and the situation for the drama and realism we want the readers to enjoy. Also, we change the basics of the character for plausible deniability. 😁
What is the creative process like when working together to create your novels and maintain a cohesive tone and voice? How do you handle conflicting ideas about how the plot should develop?
Response: We use our patent pending technology of “Literary ping-pong” to bat the evolving story and characters back and forth between us until we get the polish of the story just the way we want. This literary ‘scrubbing’ also allows us to make the story sound and read like there is only one voice to the reader. Even our first line editor can’t tell who wrote what if we’ve polished the story correctly. As far as creative story conflict, we have always used ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ to arbitrate disagreements when they arise. Know that Breakfield has NEVER won a ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ conflict resolution. 🤣
What is next for the residents of Magnolia Bluff?
Response: You should understand that the town of Magnolia Bluff is actually a global magnet for crime and mayhem. The residents will just have to expand the cemetery and cheerfully accept new business for it.
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JJ receives an urgent request from his longtime friend, Mike Hayes, a high-ranking official in the U.S. military, to tackle a critical segment of a clandestine project. The development of next-generation stealth technology progresses, veiled in tight confidentiality and restricted to those holding top-secret clearance. As pressure mounts, Mike finds himself increasingly distracted by tumultuous relationship issues with his wife, Ashley, and a series of unnerving health concerns. What was once a meticulously planned operation is now teetering on the edge of collapse, with looming deadlines and compromised communications.
Calamity strikes when a key team member gets unexpectedly hospitalized. Their condition defies medical explanation. Amidst the chaos, the project’s crown jewel—the clandestine stealth technology—vanishes into thin air. Federal authorities storm onto the scene, demanding answers, while the local police, led by the relentless Chief Tommy Jager, scramble to uncover the truth, blissfully unaware of the project’s gravity. JJ finds himself thrust into the eye of a looming national crisis, driven by a desperate need to vindicate his friend and unravel the mystery before it spirals further out of control.
Meanwhile, Jo embarks on her investigative journey, determined to uncover the secrets Ashley harbors and the dark shadows that threaten their friendship. Emotions whiplash through anger, heartbreak, and poignant revelations as the tangled threads of their stories begin to unravel. The specter of fear, veiled threats, and deep-seated shame loom over Ashley, endangering every relationship she holds dear.
JJ and Jo navigate this perilous landscape of deception and intrigue. They uncover a labyrinth of lies that could forever alter their lives. With each revelation, the stakes escalate, and the air thickens with danger. Can JJ and Jo piece together the fragmented clues in time to rescue their friends and avert a national disaster?
‘The Flight Enigma’ is a gripping tale of suspense and mystery, where the slender line between loyalty and betrayal hangs in the balance, and every heartbeat pulses with the urgency of truth, begging to see the light of day.
The Flight Enigma
The Flight Enigma dives straight into a storm of suspense, mixing high-tech intrigue with small-town drama. The story follows JJ and Jo, a couple seeking peace in Magnolia Bluff, only to be drawn into a national crisis when JJ’s friend Mike Hayes becomes entangled in the disappearance of secret stealth technology. What starts as a relaxing getaway spirals into a labyrinth of danger, deception, and loyalty. The narrative blends the technical precision of an espionage thriller with the warmth and humanity of a cozy mystery, creating a fast-paced tale that balances high stakes with emotional depth.
The writing is brisk, packed with sharp dialogue and layered scenes that pull you along. I loved how the authors make the technical parts feel real without bogging the story down. The tension builds naturally. It doesn’t rely on cheap tricks, just the slow burn of secrets unraveling. Sometimes, the shifts between domestic scenes and government-level suspense threw me off rhythm, but that unpredictability worked in its favor. It reminded me of life’s chaos, where personal drama and big events collide. The authors write with clear affection for their characters, and that sincerity gives the story its punch.
What really stuck with me was how human the book feels beneath all the mystery. There’s loyalty, fear, love, and betrayal, all tangled up like wires in a jet engine. Jo’s empathy and Mike’s vulnerability make the stakes feel real. I could feel their confusion and desperation, especially as they faced situations beyond their control. The writing style is smooth. It’s emotional, sometimes raw, and full of little moments that make you stop and feel. I caught myself rooting for them even when things looked hopeless. That’s a rare thing in thrillers nowadays.
The Flight Enigma is a thrilling read that surprised me with its heart. It’s perfect for readers who love mysteries with real emotional gravity, and for anyone who enjoys smart characters thrown into impossible situations. Tech lovers will appreciate the details, but it’s the relationships that make the story soar. The Flight Enigma feels like a modern twist on Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October, but with more heart, sharper humor, and characters who feel like real people caught in extraordinary danger.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0FKKNQSB4
The Devil Is In The Details
Enigma Jewels follows a relentless pursuit across the Caribbean as a cyber-sleuthing team races to stop a shadowy criminal mastermind exploiting sunken treasure, cryptocurrency, and cartel chaos. What inspired you to set Enigma Jewels in the Caribbean, and how did the location shape the story’s tone and pacing?
Three years ago, we were instructors on an Authors at Sea seminar in the Caribbean. The challenge was given to us as “Can you write a story set in the Caribbean?” Rox and Charles sketched out some thoughts, which quickly became an outline, but with one problem: the story was too large for just one book. Being the ever-inventive writer that she is, Rox stated, “We make this a trilogy”. Charles had trouble grasping the obvious, so she postulated even further. Each book will have an evil half-brother from the same criminal dynasty as the central character, who needs to be taken down. The Enigma Heirs have to get the goods on the ecological gangster Philip Pliant in Enigma Tracer. Then the second criminal, Mateo Hernandez, must be toppled from his perch in Enigma Forced, to halt his fentanyl and human trafficking business. This sets the stage for the Heirs, Gracie and JJ, to focus on the slipperiest criminal brother, Julian Lafluer. Julian has his criminal business hiding in plain sight in the Caribbean. The reason? That’s where he can hunt for precious stones lost over the centuries to hurricanes, high seas piracy, and just plain bad luck. You can hunt for lost coins with a metal detector, but how do you hunt for precious stones lost 300-400 years ago?
Julian Lafluer remains an elusive figure. Was that a deliberate choice to heighten suspense, or will we learn more about him in future books?
(spoiler alert!) Apologies, but we can’t answer that question and still keep the ending a secret. But we can tell you this, Julian has made it through two previous books due to his superior skill and cunning, so why can’t he make it out again?
How did you research the technical aspects of crypto laundering and harbor operations to make them feel authentic but accessible?
Breakfield and Burkey are technologists by trade. In the technical world, the devil is in the details. Details are what we focus on to help tell accurate and compelling stories. The bad actors from the Darknet are getting brought to justice more frequently these days, and we study their modus operandi and the take-down methods the authorities use to bag them. Our research serves as the background thinking to justify the R-Group’s tactics in their attack. The technical details and harbor situations must be accurate so the reader can follow the story without doubts about authenticity. The fictional writing rule is: Fictional stories have to make sense.
The banter and emotional depth among the Enigma Heirs really stood out. How do you approach writing such dynamic, believable team chemistry?
We spend a great deal of time on our books to ensure the story flows correctly, the characters are believable and multi-dimensional, and the character dialogue is authentic. We leverage our patent-pending technology, which we call ‘Literary ping-pong’, to bat the characters, dialogue, and story back and forth to achieve a high degree of polish to the novel we are working on. After we are satisfied, our first-line editor will address any imperfections, followed by our genre editor, who will use her fillet knife to cast out the literary demons that constantly intrude.
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However, Julian’s obsession with acquiring precious jewels may have led him to a new venture: harvesting gems from sunken ships in the Caribbean. Treasure hunting is a cutthroat business where no one can be trusted, and Gracie and JJ find themselves facing their most formidable adversary yet. Julian, the cleverest of the trio, is always one step ahead, and as they delve deeper into his operations, they uncover a complex web of money laundering and secrets.
As they race against time to solve the puzzle and bring Julian to justice, Gracie and JJ must confront their pasts and the shadows that haunt them. With treacherous hazards at every turn, their pursuit of justice becomes a test of courage and resolve as they navigate the murky waters of deceit and peril.
Enigma Jewels is a gripping techno-thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Award-winning authors Breakfield and Burkey weave a suspenseful narrative that will leave readers enthralled from the first page to the last. The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure fans will love this fast-paced and action-packed novel.
Enigma Jewels
Enigma Jewels takes readers on a breakneck chase across the Caribbean, following Julian Lafluer, the last member of a notorious criminal family, as he struggles to escape justice. After his human trafficking and drug operations are dismantled, Julian turns to laundering money and harvesting precious gems from sunken ships. The Enigma Heirs, part of the R-Group and CATS teams, are hot on his trail. From crypto deals to cartel connections, the heroes face deadly traps, twisting betrayals, and brutal choices as they work to bring down a man who always seems one step ahead. It’s a techno-thriller packed with action, danger, and some clever cyber-sleuthing, all unfolding against a backdrop of stunning island settings and gritty underworld dealings.
I really liked the fast pacing and sharp dialogue. The writing felt fresh and unpretentious. It didn’t get bogged down in technical mumbo-jumbo, even though tech plays a big part in the story. Instead, the authors kept things moving with quick scene cuts and tension that never let up for long. There were points when the banter between characters made me smile, even during life-or-death moments, which made me root for them even harder. I found myself genuinely worried for Gracie, JJ, Marian, and Brayson. These aren’t perfect action heroes. They’re messy, stubborn, smart people who make mistakes but don’t quit. That made me care about what happened to them, which is a rare feeling when you’ve read a lot of thrillers.
The story dives deep into areas like cryptocurrency tracking and harbor patrol operations, adding a rich layer of technical detail that some readers may appreciate for its authenticity. Julian’s character stays intentionally shadowy, emphasizing his role as an unpredictable and elusive threat. This approach keeps the suspense high, though it may leave some readers wanting a closer look at his personal motivations. Overall, the complexity of the plot and the constant shifts in momentum create an exciting and engaging experience.
Enigma Jewels is a thrilling ride that’s perfect for anyone who loves fast-paced, clever stories about cybercrime, loyalty, and survival. If you’re a fan of series like Mission: Impossible or NCIS, or if you enjoy books that mix technology with real-world danger, you’ll probably eat this one up. I had a blast reading it and would happily dive back into the world of the Enigma Heirs anytime. It’s gritty, smart, and just the right kind of wild.
Pages: 272 | ASIN: B0F1KS39PD
The Bonds of Siblings
The Dream follows a girl with the unique ability to communicate with animals who has a dream sending her and her brother on a dangerous quest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Great question. Breakfield and Burkey wanted to create a fantasy for young people, hoping it would increase their interest in reading. We added games at the end of the print version to reinforce the learning aspects of reading. For a portion of the story, we used the foundation of a First-Place award we earned for our One Act play.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
We are delighted you enjoyed our characters. We invite anyone reading this story to share their favorite character and why. Rox was particularly taken with the dragon. Yes, we pulled from our youth when imagination drove playtime. Memories of interactions with our siblings helped frame the relationship between Destiny and Valerian. Characteristics of our respective children are also woven into the relationship. The strong bonds of siblings will withstand any obstacles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One aspect we felt was important is following your dreams to help make them a reality. Another is helping others without thinking of what it might give you. Too often, young people today ignore a problem or situation where their involvement could make a positive difference. We hope the young readers will discover other positive elements from The Dream.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The Dream is a stand-alone story, and we do not currently envision it as part of a series. However, we have some ideas for other stories targeting this age group that we are keeping on hold for now. Our next project will be aimed at the young adult audience, with the final installment of our Enigma Heirs Trilogy, titled Enigma Jewels, set to be released in the spring of 2025.
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Destiny has a gift. Her brother, Valerian, believes in her but still must protect her. Her confidence is unshakeable, and her heart is pure. To protect her, Valerian must accompany her on the quest.Will Valerian’s devotion to Destiny overcome his doubts?
When will he see the dangers along the journey as opportunities?
Can he learn to communicate with the animals like Destiny?
Join the quest to find out how to reach goals with the help and cooperation of others. Helping others can change the outcome. You may go faster by yourself but travel further with valued friends.
Passion for Technology
The Ransom Enigma follows a former model and her husband, who move to Magnolia Bluff only to discover a blackmail letter at their housewarming party, leading her husband to become the key suspect in a murder case. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The simple answer is having parties that didn’t go quite right. For example, have you ever planned a big event that seemed to grow legs and get out of control? Things like the wrong catered food, not enough ice, partying that lasted way too late, police asking for the music to be turned down, or neighbors mad because your friends parked on their lawn? With our passion for technology, we chose a ransom demand, and it took off from there.
With engaging and likable characters and plenty of action, readers will find it hard to put this book down. What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
That’s a tricky question. We crafted many scenes to create the right amount of suspense. Lily gets the attention of a handsome European gentleman when Jo realizes her comatose husband is accused of murder. Developing the criminal characters was fun, especially with so many bad guys to choose from. We think readers will love chasing all the threads. We aim to have all the scenes play together to deliver a satisfying story to the fans and new readers.
Can you tell us about a book or author that has greatly inspired your own work?
Rox loves the storytelling of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, which she considers high benchmarks. Charles is a lifelong fan of everything Kevin J. Anderson, with a special emphasis on the Dune books where he collaborated with Brian Herbert.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for the town of Magnolia Bluff and the direction of the next book?
Breakfield & Burkey signed up for our fourth season with the Underground Authors to deliver another cozy mystery. Our esteemed Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles colleagues each provide satisfying stand-alone mysteries with their unique flair. We hope your fans will enjoy the entire collection of excellent stories. Our target for August 2025 is called The Flight Enigma. Stay tuned.
Author Links: Charles Breakfield | Rox Burkey | Amazon
Emails are sent. Lily offers to provide all the side dishes to complement the barbeque. Chief Tommy Jager bartends until the last guest leaves. The teenagers act as servers. Guests dance outside until the wee hours. Toasts are made to honor JJ and Jo’s dearest friends. Max the Labrador will clean up the crumbs.
After the last guest departs, JJ finds a housewarming gift addressed to Jo. She excitedly opens it and gasps with dismay. Someone left behind not a present but a blackmail letter. Jo crumbles into tears, fearing they must sell and never return. Her outraged husband swears to kill the wretched blackmailer. Unfortunately, the Chief of Police cannot unhear the threat.Two days later, the police find JJ unconscious next to a dead man.
Who will help her navigate this investigation?
Who knows the blackmailer?
All the world’s problems rest on her shoulders as her greatest love lies in a coma.
The Dream
The Dream, written by Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey, is a spirited young adult fantasy that follows siblings Destiny and Valerian as they venture beyond the safety of Settlefore’s walls in search of a deeper truth, spurred by Destiny’s vivid dreams. Their journey takes them through enchanted forests, encounters with mythical creatures, and challenges that test their bond and courage. The story combines elements of adventure, imagination, and personal growth, all while exploring themes of destiny, trust, and transformation.
I found the writing style engaging, though at times overly descriptive. The authors excel at creating vivid settings, like the forest paths and the towering figure of Soarant the dragon, which feel alive and magical. However, I felt some dialogue was overly explanatory, pulling me out of the moment. I appreciated the humor sprinkled throughout, particularly Valerian’s grumbles about Destiny’s whimsical dreams and her growing ability to communicate with animals. The ideas in The Dream shine when the characters confront moral dilemmas. Destiny’s insistence on helping the wounded Tusker, despite the danger, demonstrates her pure-hearted bravery. This moment reminded me how even small acts of compassion can ripple outward. Conversely, Valerian’s reluctance felt relatable—who hasn’t second-guessed a big decision when safety was at stake? The balance between his pragmatism and her optimism drives much of the story’s emotional depth. By the end, the tale wove itself into a thoughtful reflection on courage and change.
The Dream is a delightful read for young adults who enjoy fantasy adventures with heartwarming lessons. It’s particularly suited for readers aged 14 and up who value stories about self-discovery and the power of dreams. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and dialogue, its imaginative world and endearing characters make it a journey worth taking. I’d recommend it to fans of The Chronicles of Narnia or Howl’s Moving Castle. Let your imagination run wild with this enchanting tale!
Pages: 51 | ASIN : B0DLYPDLGM
The Ransom Enigma
Step into the vibrant world of Magnolia Bluff, Texas, and prepare for a gripping thriller in The Ransom Enigma, the latest offering by Breakfield and Burkey as part of The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. With a fresh twist and high stakes, this novel promises to keep readers on edge. Jo, a former top model from Brazil, seeks a quiet life after the chaos of her career. Instead, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of extortion and danger. Alongside her tech-savvy husband, JJ, she becomes entangled in a shadowy game of blackmail. Breakfield and Burkey masterfully develop Jo’s character, showcasing her emotional turmoil alongside her unyielding determination to protect her family and preserve their idyllic life—no matter the cost.
The supporting cast adds richness and complexity to the narrative. JJ’s sharp business acumen and protective instincts are skillfully portrayed, offering a striking balance to his grounded, empathetic nature. Joyce, a believable and dynamic local realtor, breathes life into the setting, while Brandon, a former New York detective, brings investigative prowess to unravel the mystery. These characters are vivid, relatable, and integral to the plot’s momentum. The story unfolds with unexpected twists that defy predictability. The authors expertly weave elements of cross-border crime, small-town intrigue, and advanced technology into a narrative that captivates from start to finish. Magnolia Bluff, with its vivid descriptions and lively spirit, feels tangible and immersive, a town brimming with secrets waiting to be unearthed. Breakfield and Burkey’s approachable writing style draws readers in, combining sharp dialogue, dynamic action, and evocative detail into a seamless reading experience. The tension mounts with every scene, compelling the reader to keep turning pages until the smartly crafted resolution.
The Ransom Enigma is a thrilling tale brimming with complex characters and high-octane action. Whether you’re visiting Magnolia Bluff for the first time or returning for another adventure, this novel adds depth and intrigue to the series. For readers seeking the perfect mix of suspense, vibrant characters, and unexpected turns, this story delivers in every way.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0CZLGZRHR
LITERARY TITAN 