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Treasure-Laden Expedition
The Lost Expedition follows a former Indian paratrooper who, while trying to enjoy a vacation in Dubrovnik, gets sucked into a web of danger involving war photographers, mystical relics, and Croatian warlords. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Being an Indian thriller novelist, I felt obliged to have an Indian protagonist in one of my thriller series. I wanted history and global locations. The series had to be educative, too, and preferably, have a link to India. And of course, the protagonist had to handle dangerous situations. Thus was born “Izak Kaurben.” Izak is a play on Isaac, and Kaurben is arguably an Indian-sounding name. Izak Kaurben is an elite paratrooper who, after a bitter experience in a mission (described in the series’ first book, RELIC) wanders the world. Croatia caught my eye as a good kick-off point for the series. So, Kaurben arrives in Croatia, hoping for a peaceful Eastern Europe backpacking experience, and instead, gets embroiled in trouble. THE LOST EXPEDITION follows closely after the events of RELIC. It is nearly a Part II because it closes plot lines opened in RELIC. However, readers have sufficient background to get into the story without reading RELIC. That being said, it’s a more enjoyable read in order.
The Malian Empire and Mansa Musa (the richest man ever) have been on my mind for years. The idea of a fabulous treasure-laden expedition across the Atlantic and the hunt for that treasure is a hook that never gets old. Linking it to Croatia and other key elements — like the ship graveyard in Nouadhibou and slave trade — was the hard part. But, if your review is any sign, I believe I’ve created a plausible and exciting scenario. 🙂
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
If you notice, each “part” of the story begins with a Cast of Characters. I felt it a good way to ease them into the picture without overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed writing Chief Inspector Goran. In RELIC, he is a no-nonsense ‘top cop.’ Here, I had fun ripping away his ‘work ethic’ yet keeping him honorable. Writing the Senegalese characters was challenging, because of the non-linear plot structure — it switches between present-day and flashbacks often — and determining the optimal way to plug them into the events of RELIC.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
I avoid unnecessary action. If my characters can flee instead of engaging, they will do that. Even in an action sequence, I do not labour with distance measurements, specifications of guns and bullets, and physics and chemistry. It has to be quick, like you — the reader — is watching it. This, keeps it light and fluffy, like a good pancake. 🙂
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
I’m on a book-a-year process. The next book comes out in 2025. Without revealing too much, Izak Kaurben will come face to face with a ghost from his past. And there’s a dollop of history, too.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | The Lost Expedition-Behind the Scenes | Amazon
“I need your help,” Goran says, as he unpacks a stash of weapons… “To commit a crime.”
Before Kaurben can stop him, Goran puts his plan into action: ambush a prisoner transport van and free a Senegalese gangster.
The Senegalese can help locate an old Russian fishing vessel. Aboard this ship is evidence that Goran seeks — at any cost — to solve a case that is deeply personal to him.
From Croatia to the world’s largest ship graveyard in Mauritania, to the Archivo General de Indias — the greatest repository of the Spanish Empire’s history in the New World, to the Caribbean Islands, Izak Kaurben is in a race against time and unknown adversaries…
Because the ship has another secret — one that will rewrite history and point the way to a fabled treasure horde.
The Lost Expedition (Book #2 in the Indian Hero series)
The Lost Expedition by Douglas Misquita is a whirlwind of adventure and high-stakes intrigue that spans continents and timelines. It follows former Indian paratrooper Izak Kaurben, who, while trying to enjoy a vacation in Dubrovnik, gets sucked into a web of danger involving war photographers, mystical relics, and Croatian warlords. It’s a breathless chase from Europe to Africa, laced with international espionage, historical mysteries, and ruthless antagonists. Misquita doesn’t just stop at thrilling action sequences; he weaves a layered narrative about sacrifice, betrayal, and what drives people to become heroes or villains.
From the get-go, the writing draws you in with its cinematic quality. I found myself completely transported to the blistering heat of the Sahara or the tense standoffs on Abhita, a fishing trawler with secrets. Misquita’s prose bursts with energy, and he has a knack for setting the scene with visceral detail. For instance, the opening description of the Saharan caravan felt like stepping into a vivid, sun-soaked mirage. Sometimes the attention to description comes at the expense of pacing. The book has moments where the thrill pauses to indulge in world-building, which can either be a welcome immersion or a slight drag, depending on your taste. What stands out in The Lost Expedition is its unpredictable character dynamics. Izak Kaurben is a compelling protagonist, tough but haunted by a past he’s not keen on revisiting. The uneasy alliance he forms with Chief Inspector Josip Goran is electric, especially in scenes where their moral codes clash. These intense, morally gray partnerships are the soul of the story, though at times, I felt the secondary characters, like Yamba Bagayogo, fell into predictable tropes and could’ve used a bit more depth. The plot’s ambitious scope ties back to real and fictional history, which is impressive but occasionally overwhelming. Misquita throws in references to the Malian Empire, Soviet psychotronic experiments, and Croatian war crimes. These threads are fascinating, especially when they intersect with modern-day geopolitical games. But they also make the book dense, and I found myself wishing for a bit of breathing space to fully appreciate each plotline. A particular highlight was the scene in Nouadhibou, where the characters navigate the world’s largest ship graveyard. The atmosphere drips with tension, the rusted ships looming like ghosts of past crimes. It’s moments like these that demonstrate Misquita’s strength in blending action with a sense of history and place.
The Lost Expedition is a thrilling ride, but not without its bumps. It’s perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding action with a global scale and a historical twist. If you’re a fan of Matthew Reilly or Clive Cussler, you’ll probably devour this book. Misquita has crafted a fast-paced narrative brimming with vivid settings, complex characters, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. Just be prepared to strap in and keep up this isn’t a story that waits around for anyone.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0DFHW4V3Q
I Wanted To Bring Out The ‘Lion’
Lion – Most Wanted follows Aslan as he breaks a high-value target out of a Russian supermax prison and becomes the most wanted man in the Middle East. What were some sources of inspiration that informed the development of this novel?
1) My visit to Budapest, Hungary
2) A sex-trafficking ring operating in England
3) The Bosnian war
4) The theory that the Syrian civil war is over oil/ gas pipelines
5) The British hacktivist who become a social media consultant/ hacker for the Islamic State
6) The film, Eye in the Sky
What were some obstacles you felt were important to developing Aslan’s character in this book?
I wanted to drive home the point that, all Aslan wants, is to get out of his circumstances. I needed a clever way to really let him be left alone which needed the ancillary characters’ motivations to be equally developed.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Aslan escapes from the Hungarian gang. It is brutal because I wanted to bring out the ‘lion’ , no holds barred.
What can readers expect in book three of The Escape Series?
For now, I haven’t considered a trilogy for The Escape Series. This is primarily because I want to move to a new series (of which 4 books are in development). But one can never tell: I might bring Aslan back. Everybody loves stories in which trouble finds the hero who has given up a dark past 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
Lion – Most Wanted
Having made the decision to turn his back on freedom and conduct a daring jailbreak from a Russian prison, Aslan Terzi is now the most wanted man in the world. Hunted by agencies and mercenaries, with little to no allies, he must rely on all his skills if he is to come away with his life. Driven by their own motives, his enemies will not rest until he is dead and buried. But the one thing Aslan knows how to do is fight and his enemies will soon learn why he has been given the title, The Lion.
Lion: Most Wanted by Douglas Misquita is the second book in the authors thrilling Escape series. It follows up on the events of the first book and continues the story of Aslan Terzi, who is now on the run. I really enjoyed this book. It was a rollercoaster of an adventure that is filled with high octane thrills and intense action. I enjoyed it so much that I could not put the book down and finished it fairly quickly.
The plot of the story was easy to follow and fairly straightforward, but the magic happens in the adrenaline fueled way the author delivers all of it. The language is descriptive and visceral and really moved the story along at a nice pace.
Although layered with subplots and a multitude of characters, it wasn’t difficult to follow. Each character was essential to the narrative and I felt I really understood each of their motives and agendas. While this is the second book in a series I think you can still read this book as a standalone novel without feeling lost. This is due to the great writing which catches the reader up where necessary, but also due to the fact that this is easily a self contained action adventure novel.
Lion: Most Wanted is a slick and explosive action-thriller that is wildly entertaining and fun to read.
Pages: 221 | ASIN: B09ZJCG8CZ
Our Decisions Define Us
Trigger Point follows Luc as he must stop a terrorist plot while navigating a political and religious web of corruption as a deadly team is hunting him. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
I was intrigued by “The Islamist: Why I joined Radical Islam in Britain, What I Saw Inside and Why I Left” by Ed Hussain, “Radical Islam: Past, Present, and Future: What Moderate Muslims Will Not Tell you” by Anita & Vann Boseman, “God’s Wolf: The Life of the Most Notorious of All Crusaders: Reynald de Chatillon” by Jeffrey Lee, “A Common Word Between Us and You” by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, Kingdom of Jordan. There was also “The Entity: Five Centuries of Secret Vatican Espionage” by Eric Frattini. At the time of writing, the book was prohibitively priced to the extent I asked myself, ‘Who does not want us to read this?’. All-in-all, I wanted to challenge the stereotype of a terrorist and show that everybody has a propensity for violence if not checked.
Luc Fortesque is a consistently entertaining character. What were some character motivations that you felt were important to developing him throughout the novel?
In the first book of the series, The Apocalypse Trigger, Luc is the bad guy. Readers will hate him. By the time I wrote The Immortality Trigger, he seemed like the guy I wanted to return. So I set him on this path of redemption. He’d done some pretty nasty stuff and has always attributed his life-choices to external stimuli. But at the end of the day, our decisions define us, and who we become. That became the theme and we see it resolve in Trigger Point. The bad guy finds his soul, his righteousness. Also melds with my belief that everybody is doing what they can to survive in this world.
Was there anything taken from real life and put into the story?
Plenty. All the locations, vehicles are factual. Raynald de Chattilon and Nur ad Din were sworn enemies during the crusades. The syncretism of Catholic and Maya beliefs is real as is the ritual and the construct of the typical Maya village. Zombie Deer Disease is real, as is the (questionable) research that I caught onto and used to great effect. The Swiss vaults described in the book exist and nobody knows the true extent of the wealth or secrets stored there. The Japanese Unit 731 existed and its research was co-opted by the US after WWII. The Chinese AI entity is based on fact – Western companies are indirectly providing the expertise much to the concern of their home nations. I’ve done my best to be non-offensive yet informative in my exposition of Catholism, Islam and religious trends.
This is the third book in your Luc Fortesque Adventure series. What can readers expect in book four?
Visitors to my website will observe I’m happy doing trilogies before moving on to something fresh. For now, there won’t be another Luc Fortesque book. I’ve got another hero coming up and yet another that I’m concluding in another series. Then I’m contemplating a wild prehistoric adventure. Who doesn’t ?
Author Links: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | GoodReads | Instagram
Trigger Point
![Trigger Point: A Luc Fortesque Adventure by [Douglas Misquita]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kqGkZFbKL.jpg)
The third Installation of the Luc Fortesque series, Trigger Point by Douglas Misquita is an action-packed thriller. The novel follows the journey of Luc, who has acquired secret knowledge about an impending terrorist conspiracy. Forces are sent to get hold of Luc, as his knowledge puts the Holy See under the criminal radar. A former agent Raymond Garrett is on a mission to expose the EI Fantasma, but the drug mafia also has some plans in store for Garrett. Now the question is, will they be able to pierce through the veneer of rampant internal corruption, barbarism, and history of betrayal? Or will they be defeated in the face of intense corruption within the government and religious bodies?
Douglas Misquita’s use of lucid language complements this intricately woven story. Trigger Point does an amazing job at keeping the reader glued to the pages from the beginning till the very end with action that is easy to follow and a story line that is deeply intriguing. Although the novel contains a plot that can easily stand on its own, you should definitely check out the previous two novels in the same series–The Apocalypse Trigger and The Immortality Trigger. Written in the same vein as the works of Dan Brown, this story aptly captures the nuanced deception running through various international, political and religious institutions.
This is an action thriller written for action thriller fans. It contains all the high points I wanted in a high stakes crime fiction novel, and one of the best character developments I’ve seen in a series in this genre. There are multiple twists throughout, leading to a tense reading experience. However, the incidents, while highly entertaining, are still grounded in reality, possibly due to the thoughtful descriptions and exposition throughout the novel. The author has brilliantly executed an array of ideas into a comprehensive whole, utilizing a unique writing flair that I’ve come to expect in Douglas Misquita’s novels.
Combine the intricate nature of Dan Brown novels, add the intensity and political web of Robert Ludlum’s Bourne series, with the world building of Michael Crichton and I think you’ll understand what Trigger Point has to offer readers. The characters in the novel are as intriguing as the storyline itself. Never for a moment, did I feel that these are not real-life human characters. They come alive with their virtues and vices combined, giving them a human touch. The author has put extra attention towards the development of each character, making them even more appealing to the readers.
The complex yet easy-flowing storyline, the rounded characters, and the infusion of action make Trigger Point an enthralling read that immerses readers in a tumultuous world full of adventure.
Pages: 417 | ASIN: B08S7Q8JSD
Ingram’s Nightmares
Douglas Misquita Author Interview
Spectre is the thrilling conclusion to your Kirk Ingram saga. Do you feel like you accomplished everything you wanted to with this series?
I know I said ‘thrilling conclusion’ in the synopsis that appears on the back of the book, but I wonder if we’ve seen the last of Kirk Ingram. That said, I feel extremely satisfied with what I’ve accomplished with Spectre, and how it augments the previous two books in the series. For example, in book #1, Haunted, I gave Ingram frequent nightmares, which is stereotypical of a protagonist with a troubled past. But then in Spectre, I used that element and exploded it into an entire book by positing the question: What if Ingram’s nightmares aren’t what they seem? The Kirk Ingram stories stand alone, but readers will appreciate the elements in Spectre that tie them into a trilogy.
How do you think the story, and your writing, has changed throughout the series?
A good aspect of self-publishing platforms is the hassle-free option to update previous books. I have the advantage that my reader base isn’t (yet) in the thousands and millions, so why not make an improvement? When book #2 – Diablo – released, I reviewed Haunted and spruced up the tone of the book, even thrashing sections I saw no point in this time around. I’ve certainly matured as an author. One simple way to see that is the ratings on Goodreads have improved with each book. My plots have always been complex and I’m finding new ways to keep that complexity interesting to the readers. Another constant in my writing nowadays is I always want to educate my readers. Even if my stories are fiction, I set them against the backdrop of contemporary events and locations, so that my readers learn something besides the entertainment value.
This book is exceptionally well written and wastes no time getting to the action. What were some goals you set for yourself in this book?
Thank you for the compliment. Key locales for the book were inspired by a vacation in Italy. I wanted to feature the imposing Christian and Roman edifices. Next, I wanted Ingram to have closure. In Haunted he lost his family; I wanted him to get over his guilt, to live his life to the fullest. I’ve always been interested in history, and Spectre gave me the opportunity to tell a story that converges from two different timelines. And finally, I wanted to write a paranormal story, but one that stands apart from the usual. And I believe, I’ve done that.
What is the next project you’re working on and when will it be available?
Next up, is book #3 in the Luc Fortesque series, Trigger Point. It will be available fall 2020.
Author Links: Facebook | GoodReads | Twitter | Website
![Spectre: A Kirk Ingram action thriller by [Misquita, Douglas]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mMQYusAoL.jpg)
More than 2000 years ago, the deeds and words of a Jewish carpenter seeded an ideology that inexorably spread across the known world. Who was he, really? Conspiracies, doubts, faith abound.
300 years later, Constantine marched victoriously into Rome. In a move befitting a shrewd politician, Emperor Constantine sought to legalise the radical religion proclaimed by the hitherto persecuted Christian sect with the ulterior motive of crowning himself godhead of a united empire.
But what if there existed others, who possessed the same powers as the Christ, and threatened the emperor’s new religion, and upset his ambitions?
June 2017: A remote abbey in the Italian Alps is attacked by an ethereal force. Every one of the abbey’s gifted residents is murdered, save for its newest resident, Jovanni Rossi.
A passenger jetliner makes an emergency landing at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport with seven casualties aboard. The perpetrator: former FBI agent, Kirk Ingram.
Seeking answers, Jovanni Rossi and Kirk Ingram must team up and face an incredible reality-altering truth.
Pursued by a vengeful father, a relentless contract killer and a sadistic gangster, the pair find themselves embroiled in a grander conflict between good and evil…
And they are the only people who stand against a dark force arising out of medieval times to consume the Earth!
Spectre
![Spectre: A Kirk Ingram action thriller by [Misquita, Douglas]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51t7xEsqWCL.jpg)
Spectre: A Kirk ingram Action Thriller is practically a movie in its embryonic stages. It features a tortured protagonist accused of being the perpetrator of a heinous crime, a tragedy-stricken sidekick, and perhaps most interestingly, the history of Christianity woven throughout the plot.
The story begins in 33 CE with a vague and mystifying account of a Jewish household. We are then brought forward 300 years, where a power-hungry emperor attempts to popularize the new religion Christianity and claim it for his own. However, we discover that there are people with supernatural powers, almost otherworldly that add conflict to the situation. Now, in the present day, former FBI agent Kirk Ingram is thought to be the killer of nearly all of an abbey’s residents. Using his wits and increasingly untrustworthy body, he pairs up with the last remaining resident of the abbey, Jovanni, in order to solve the mystery and save the world from mysterious dark forces.
The book lives up to its title- it is most definitely an action packed, thrill heavy ride; I can almost visualize a Tom Cruise scene accompanied by a hardcore, brainy backstory. I particularly enjoyed this novel because it reminded me of my science nerd phase, where I was a hopeless Dan Brown addict. Some parts of Spectre reminded me of the Da Vinci Code– maybe because of the religion-forward detective work that was happening. But at the same time, Douglas Misquita’s own voice was unquestionably distinctive. I would think of it as Da Vinci Code meets James Bond meets Kirk Ingram’s particular brand of panache. I found myself comparing it to a lot of movies- which I would assign as a hefty compliment to the book. I have read so many thrillers where the authors waxed poetic on their knowledge of spy-related stuff, and while educational, I am hardly reading thrillers for their didactic value. Douglas Misquita kept it to the point: it was informative without losing its entertainment value.
The author’s incisiveness and knowledge also shone through in all the parts where he linked the past and present; religious movements and their effects. Kirk Ingram and Jovanni are also in no manner the flawless heroes. Kirk has a troubling past and faces ethical dilemmas throughout the book; not to mention a body that can betray him at any moment. I enjoyed this aspect of the character- it adds depth and dimension to what can often and unfortunately turn out to be a two-dimensional untouchable action machine.
Spectre: A Kirk ingram Action Thriller is a riveting and engaging story that I would recommend. Nothing like a religious conspiracy theory filled thriller to keep you up all night!
Pages: 359 | ASIN: B07YDV1YWT
LITERARY TITAN 