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No Superheroes, Just Ordinary People
The Vulnerable follows a renowned climate activist who moves to Florida after being targeted by extremist groups, and his dreams of a quiet life are destroyed when his family faces one crisis after another. What inspired the setup of your story?
Great opening question. First, it was important for readers to know that Dick DeCosta was determined to do his part to protect the environment but not at the cost of jeopardizing the safety and welfare of his family. Next, I intentionally thrust the flawed characters into vulnerable and suspenseful situations, dealing with crimes, betrayal, family wounds, and secrets, against a backdrop of worldwide crises.
Unlike most thrillers, there are no macho superheroes or hideous villains; just ordinary people and their families confronted with emotionally crushing setbacks, leaving them vulnerable. How each one reacts to their situation is why there are multiple storylines and the latitude to touch on many social issues, including the existential crisis of our time, climate change.
My objective was to develop relatable characters that readers could sympathize with and keep reading to learn about their outcomes, while exploring social issues without belaboring them. I’m pleased that the Literary Titan and other editorial praise consistently echoed that, as did the following Amazon reader’s summation. “Customers find this book to be a compelling read with complex characters. They appreciate the storytelling, with one customer noting how it weaves family drama with broader societal issues.”
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Capitalizing on the gamut of human emotions, introspection, or philosophical perspectives is essential to producing entertaining fiction and creative nonfiction. We’re human, not infallible. We make mistakes, we have regrets, and most of us learn from them or make more bad choices.
I’ve discovered that creating interesting stories with relatable people will evoke emotions and inner thoughts about your characters, so you can trust where they will grow and lead you next. Intricate plotting and foreshadowing are necessary and fun, too, but you have to feel for your characters or your readers will be disenchanted quickly. It may be old school and requires substantially longer stories, but I prefer writing from an omniscient third-person point of view over the typical first-person drama. I want the readers to know and feel what the characters are going through, but not know what lies around the bend.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As noted by your Literary Titan’s book reviewer, I did not shy away from tough topics: domestic abuse, opioids, political extremism, and corporate corruption. But I focused more on the vulnerable characters who endured: betrayal, loneliness, love, loss, grieving, and family loyalty. It was also essential to recognize the health issues that seniors often face, and how the vulnerable were affected by the pandemic, and how everyone is affected by climate change.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I’ve been compiling a short story collection for a memoir, Simpler Times in The Spindle City. It’s set in my hometown during the sixties and early seventies, which ranges from the wonder years to the Vietnam War and the counter-culture. I planned to publish it by the end of the year, but book signings, tours, and marketing commitments for The Vulnerable may delay that and the start of a follow-up thriller.
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In a world teetering on the brink, where climate change fuels devastating wildfires and a pandemic erupts, The Vulnerable plunges into the heart of interconnected lives, revealing a tapestry of crime, secrets, and suspense.
Dan DeCosta’s life implodes after he falls for Robin O’Rourke, the fiery redhead stalked by her violent ex, thrusting Dan into a terrifying ordeal with the law, financial ruin, and fighting for his life. Dan’s father, Dick DeCosta, a renowned climate activist targeted by extremist groups, had relocated to Florida to escape their wrath. But Dick is forced to return to Boston, embarking on a frantic race against time to rescue his son and find Robin. Meanwhile Dick’s wife becomes ill, and his daughter flees wildfires. Long-held family secrets threaten to erupt, testing the limits of loyalty and love.
The Vulnerable explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal against a backdrop of escalating worldwide crisis. From the blizzards of Massachusetts and the burning California landscapes to the sun-drenched shores of Florida, a relentless pursuit of justice and survival unfolds.
Will these vulnerable souls find strength in each other and withstand the perils thrust upon them? The answers lie within the pages of this gripping and unforgettable thriller.”
The Vulnerable
Ed DeJesus’ The Vulnerable is a suspense thriller that weaves together a tangled web of crime, family drama, and societal corruption. The story follows multiple characters, but at its heart, it centers around Dan DeCosta, an environmental engineer caught in the crosshairs of powerful enemies. His father, Dick DeCosta, a former solar energy entrepreneur and author, is entangled in the fallout of exposing corporate gaslighting on climate change. Meanwhile, a series of violent crimes, personal betrayals, and ominous threats ripple through the lives of various interconnected characters, from single mothers trying to escape their pasts to law enforcement officers struggling with moral dilemmas. The book balances high-stakes action with intimate emotional struggles, making for a gripping read.
DeJesus doesn’t just stick to one storyline, he juggles multiple perspectives, each one adding another layer to the mystery. While I appreciated the depth, there were moments when the frequent shifts between characters felt overwhelming. At times, I found myself flipping back to earlier pages to keep track of who was connected to whom. That said, this ambitious storytelling approach kept me on my toes. The author has a knack for weaving together different threads into an intricate plot. Take, for example, the storyline of Robin O’Rourke, a woman trying to escape her abusive ex, only to find herself tangled in something even more dangerous. Her arc is particularly gripping and one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The writing style is punchy and straightforward, making the book easy to devour despite its complexity. DeJesus leans into dialogue-heavy scenes, which makes the characters feel more real. However, sometimes the exposition gets a bit heavy-handed. There were moments when the characters would explain things in a way that felt more like a news report than natural conversation. That said, when DeJesus lets the action speak for itself, like the intense confrontation scenes or the eerie moments of foreboding text messages, the tension is palpable. One standout example is when Dan receives threats from extremists after his father’s book on climate change stirs up controversy. These moments hit hard and elevate the suspense.
What I loved most about The Vulnerable was its social commentary. It’s not just a thriller, it’s a book that forces you to think. The novel touches on issues like climate change, political extremism, opioid addiction, and even corporate corruption. DeJesus doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and he presents them in a way that feels deeply personal rather than preachy. One of the most haunting subplots involves Dan’s wrongful termination and the underhanded tactics used against him. The way his downfall is orchestrated feels chillingly plausible, making it one of the book’s most compelling aspects.
The Vulnerable is a strong debut that delivers both suspense and substance. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy thrillers with multiple viewpoints, morally gray characters, and a plot that mirrors real-world issues. While the shifting narratives can be a bit dizzying at times, the payoff is worth it. If you like books that keep you guessing while also making you reflect on society’s biggest issues, this one’s for you.
Pages: 374 | ISBN : 1644568098
LITERARY TITAN 