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It’s A Lot of Fun To Write
Not a Shovel in Sight follows a bestselling author as she goes undercover at a shady nonprofit to uncover a million-dollar theft only to find herself tangled in a dangerous mystery. What inspired you to create Alana Lorenz as both an author and an investigator?
Having the character of Alana work as an author means she writes books by herself at home. That way, she was available to help out “undercover” at the nonprofit when the head honcho, Elliott, who is also her best friend’s father, asks her to come back after the theft is discovered.
The dialogue in the book is especially sharp. How do you craft such witty and engaging conversations?
I figure out what kind of person each character is, then just try to imagine how they would express themselves and interact with the other characters. It’s a lot of fun to write. I guess I have a pretty good ear for conversations, too, which helps.
The New York setting feels incredibly vivid. What real-life experiences or research helped you bring it to life?
Oh, I didn’t have to do any research on this part of the story. I’ve lived in New York for thirty-eight years. I put a whole lot of my own experiences of navigating around the city into this book. It’s a great place to live and work! But it also seems to attract a lot of nefarious types or opportunists, too. Ha, I put plenty of those in NOT A SHOVEL IN SIGHT.
If you had to cast Alana and Elliott for a film adaptation, who would be your dream actors?
This is the best interview question I’ve ever been asked! It’s also a tough one. For Elliott: Liev Schrieber or George Clooney. For Alana: Sophie Turner.
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Not A Shovel In Sight
Not a Shovel in Sight kicks off in New York City with a bang or, more accurately, with a million-dollar theft and a missing woman. Our protagonist, Alana Lorenz, is a bestselling author who finds herself drawn back into a former workplace, a nonprofit called Golden Sunrise International Foundation. But this isn’t just a sentimental return, it’s an undercover mission. Money has vanished, employees are acting shady, and Alana’s old boss, Elliott Zane, needs someone he can trust. What starts as a favor quickly turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where nothing is quite what it seems.
The writing style is engaging and crisp, and Quinn doesn’t waste time with unnecessary flourishes. This book reads fast and fun, with dialogue that crackles and characters that pop off the page. I particularly enjoyed Alana’s voice; she’s sharp, witty, and just a bit cynical. Her internal monologue is pure gold, whether she’s sizing up an old acquaintance or mentally rolling her eyes at an obvious red flag. The moment she steps into her old office, you feel the history and tension in the air. Some colleagues are warm and welcoming. Others like the hilariously awful HR guy Hans Holtzapple seem hostile from the jump. That immediate sense of suspicion keeps the pages turning.
What really shines here is the plotting. The mystery unfolds naturally, with just enough misdirection to keep you guessing. The missing woman, Razima, is an especially intriguing element. She’s the one who first noticed the financial discrepancies before disappearing without a trace. Coincidence? Not likely. And then there’s Lance Alderman, a former employee who quit suddenly, giving a flimsy excuse that doesn’t add up. Alana’s skepticism is infectious. She’s asking the same questions we are, and as she peels back layers of deception, the tension builds.
There were a few spots where I wanted a little more depth. Some characters, like Beverly Bannon, feel like they could have been developed further. She’s abrasive and problematic, sure, but I wanted to understand why she was the way she was. That said, the book’s fast pace and sharp humor more than make up for any minor shortcomings. Plus, the setting is a treat, New York in the summer, with its sticky heat and bustling energy, adds a layer of atmosphere that makes everything feel real.
Not a Shovel in Sight is clever, fast paced, and packed with twists that will have you second-guessing every character. Whether you’re a longtime mystery reader or just looking for something fresh and fun, this book is worth picking up.
Pages: 138 | ASIN: B0DX6VF4DG
A Slippery Slope
In The Last Desperado, a miner reflects on his years spent as part of an infamous gang and the regrets he has after decades of criminal activity. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I was inspired to write my story by the real life of my Grandfather, AM Brand. The fictional Al Bullock’s life was shaped by my Grandfather. My Grandfather was born into poverty in Cumby, Texas in 1906. The Barrow and Parker families grew up in the West Dallas slums near Cumby during the same period. Although they never knew each other, all three families shared in their struggles and suffered from the Great Depression.
AM’s family moved to Webb City, Missouri, in 1920 to work in the lead mines in Missouri and Oklahoma. He and his brother Charles had to quit school in 8th grade to work with their father, John, in the toxic lead mines. His father and brother died from silicosis, and my Grandfather lost half of his right lung.
The Barrow Gang chose a life of crime instead of backbreaking work like AM. The exploits of the gang depicted in my book are mostly true. The April 13, 1933, shootout in Joplin, Missouri gave them national recognition. During their two-year crime spree, fact and fiction was a slippery slope. I combined myth and reality seamlessly to create the fictional Al Bullock’s role as an unknown Barrow Gang member.
Like Al Bullock transforming his life from poverty to great wealth, my Grandfather’s life followed a similar trajectory. After suffering for 20 years as a lead and copper miner, he quit in 1945 at 39.
He moved to Oregon and started a roadside enterprise in a small town on the Columbia River that included a café, gas station, motel, and a small zoo. He acquired a sea lion a few years later and, without any experience, trained the seal he named Sparky.
In 1954, he sold his roadside enterprise and started on the road in a converted ambulance with a small pool for the seal. He toured the country, hitting sports shows and County fairs, and started playing his seal act at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1956. In his Sparky the Seal act, he was the consummate entertainer appearing on national TV on the Ed Sullivan Show.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most crucial factor for you to get right in your characters?
I framed the actions and dialog of the story characters to fit into this unique time in history with the world on the brink of an economic apocalypse. These desperate times brought out the best and worst in people. I wanted to show how ordinary people react to the challenges of the times. Although my book is fictional, the Bullock family characters and timeline are based in fact. Al Bullock was modeled after my Grandfather. His wife Judy and son Michael were molded after my grandmother and my father.
The Barrow Gang members were based on numerous historical accounts. They were complex people who could shoot and kill someone without hesitation. They could also be compassionate. The fictitious Snyder Gang was modeled after the violent and ruthless criminal gangs during prohibition.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines Al?
There were two defining moments in the story. The first was the Barrow brothers inviting Al Bullock to join their gang. The Great Depression crushed Al’s dreams for a better life. At this vulnerable time in his life, the Barrow brothers offered excitement, easy money, and an opportunity to strike back at the wealthy overseers from the banks and big business.
The second crucial moment in the story is Al Bullock’s decision to do a solo break-in at the bootlegger’s warehouse. He was surprised by the gangster guard and engaged in a desperate struggle with the big man that ended with him unintentionally killing the man. He is devasted by his actions and instinctively knew he has crossed a line of morality, descending from a good, law-abiding man to a thief and killer. Even with his spectacular success, he is haunted by his actions for the rest of his life.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I started writing late in life at 72. Over the last three years, I have written three fiction books. Each book I wrote was based upon a story I imagined. My favorite genre is historical fiction and I plan to write another book this year that would be completed by the end of the year.
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The Last Desperado
Lee Brand’s The Last Desperado tells the gripping story of Al Bullock, a lead miner turned accidental outlaw, as he reflects on his tumultuous past tied to the infamous Barrow Gang during the 1930s. Spanning decades, the novel intertwines the Great Depression’s grit and hardship with the adrenaline-fueled chaos of crime, weaving a rich tapestry of Al’s regrets, redemption, and the weight of choices that defined his life.
Brand’s descriptions of the era, the desperation of the Great Depression, the stark inequities of wealth, and the tension of small-town life are vividly painted. I could almost feel the dust storms, hear the roaring engines of getaway cars, and sense the weight of poverty on Al’s shoulders. One particular standout moment was when Al hitched a ride with Clyde and Buck Barrow. The unease was palpable as their “friendly” chatter gave way to a more sinister tone. The buildup to their gas station heist was so tense I found myself gripping the book tighter. Brand has a knack for cinematic pacing.
The book’s exploration of morality is both fascinating and frustrating. Al is a deeply flawed but sympathetic character. His inner conflict struggling to provide for his family while being drawn into the thrill of crime is written with raw honesty. Yet, at times, his passivity annoyed me. For instance, when he realizes who Clyde and Buck truly are, his hesitance to escape or act feels too drawn out. That said, the complexity of his choices is the novel’s strongest suit. It asks readers tough questions: What would you do in his shoes? How far would you go for survival?
Brand’s writing shines brightest in action scenes. The big shootout in Joplin, for instance, was chaotic, gritty, and cinematic. Sometimes, the dialogue crackles with authenticity, like when Clyde intimidatingly explains their “Robin Hood” philosophy. Other times, it veers into over-explanation, pulling me out of the narrative. Al’s reflections on love and loss, particularly about his wife Judy, added depth but occasionally felt melodramatic. His musings were poignant, though, when he revisited his life-altering choices, like the gut-wrenching confession to his grandson, Jason.
The Last Desperado is a gripping tale with a lot of heart. It’s a raw, emotional, and action-packed novel that captures the chaos of desperate times and the weight of human choices. If you’re into historical fiction with a touch of crime drama, this one’s for you. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page.
Spies on the Silk Road
Spies on the Silk Road by Oliver Dowson is an exciting and inventive tale that plunges the reader into the intricate world of covert operations. Following a team of “repurposed spies” who must recover stolen high-tech medical equipment worth millions, the novel blends action, humor, and character drama with the backdrop of the ancient Silk Road. The storyline combines corporate intrigue with personal stakes as the eclectic team tackles both professional and personal conflicts.
One thing I really appreciated about the book is its humor and relatability. Ronald Jones, a retired schoolteacher turned accidental spy, is a delightful and unexpected protagonist. His bumbling yet earnest nature is both endearing and entertaining. Early in the book, Ronald’s mishap with a Russian document had me laughing. Yet, beneath the humor, the novel layers Ronald’s longing for relevance and purpose, making him more than just comic relief. Dowson’s knack for balancing levity with depth really shines here.
The writing is also brimming with wit and detail, though it occasionally wanders. For instance, there’s a scene where Maria spends hours snooping on LinkedIn and crafting messages to potential contacts. While the mundane details reflect Maria’s meticulousness, they bring down the pace. That said, Maria is a standout character. She is sharp, resourceful, and unafraid to use her charm and guile. Her budding friendship with Sonia, a bitter ex-employee of the group’s former boss, adds an unexpected layer of emotional authenticity to the otherwise high-stakes mission.
The plot takes its time to shift from the team’s internal dynamics to the actual mission. But once the story picks up, the combination of espionage, danger, and clever twists makes for a thrilling ride. The meeting at the Ritz Carlton in Almaty and the shadowy dealings there felt like something out of a spy movie, making it tense and engaging.
Spies on the Silk Road is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of humor, adventure, and intrigue. It’s great for fans of unconventional spy thrillers or character-driven stories with a quirky edge. The book is a delightful escape, packed with surprises and memorable personalities. Dowson’s ability to make the world of corporate espionage so entertaining left me eager to see what adventures these “repurposed spies” take on next.
Pages: 286 | ASIN: B0DJR6KQHC
Afflicted With Vengeance
Alaska Bloodlust plunges a private investigator into a fight for survival as he faces a deadly cult tied to Inuit mythology, navigating a web of danger that stretches from Memphis to Alaska’s wilderness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I lived in Alaska a full year and inspiration came from a meeting with a backwoodsman who worked as a guide and wildlife photographer. He had 100s of pictures and after looking through his entire collection, the image of an arctic wolf stood out and I bought it on the spot. There was something about the wolf I couldn’t explain and for a long time I couldn’t get it out of my mind but later it became the basis for my novels. The picture hangs on my office wall and is also on the cover of Alaska Deadly.
Race Warren is a deeply layered character. How do you approach developing his personal struggles alongside the action?
Warren often relies on instinct when he’s in a pinch and the unexpected happens but at other times when quick action is not required, he still prefers a proactive response. He tries to be prepared for any contingency but if caught off guard he relies on an inner sense to direct him. He never lets an adversary gain control of a situation if he can help it and a main rule is to never wait on an opponent to make the next move. But his biggest fear is that he might let down those he loves and these inner struggles beset him throughout the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The principal theme is revenge, which is the driving motivation for the villain Kallick Smith but as the narrative unfolds and Warren sees the great evil wreaked by Smith, the young private eye becomes almost single-minded in his determination to set things right. This near obsession with Smith may lead the reader to suspect Warren himself is afflicted with vengeance. The theme of love appears early in a casual way but becomes more central as the book progresses and Warren tries to balance destroying evil with saving those he loves.
What research went into depicting the cult and shamanic elements of the story authentically?
I read several books on werewolf mythology and shapeshifting which looms large as an underlying influence in the native cult although it is never instantiated in the story. These elements form the basis for the sect’s religion which was delved into more deeply in the previous book but in Alaska Bloodlust these themes appear as undercurrents and any suggestion of the supernatural is left unfulfilled. But all of these motifs both shade and shape the shaman’s (Smith) primary motivation which is revenge. Smith appears as a principal figure, fleshed out and revealed as an arch-villain bent on destroying Race Warren as well as other main characters.
LITERARY TITAN 