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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.
Alaska Bloodlust
Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is a high-stakes thriller that bridges the tension-filled streets of Memphis and the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska. This gripping sequel to Alaska Deadly thrusts private investigator Race Warren into a whirlwind of danger, deceit, and survival as he battles enemies determined to destroy everything he holds dear.
The story begins in Tennessee, where Warren returns from his harrowing experiences in Alaska, only to find himself caught in another deadly web. Ron Billings, the ex-cop he previously saved, lies comatose in a Memphis hospital, the target of a shadowy conspiracy. This setup propels the narrative into a thrilling journey, connecting urban suspense with Alaska’s treacherous landscapes. The alternating settings are vividly drawn, immersing readers in the stark contrasts between Memphis’s tense streets and Alaska’s untamed beauty.
Askew escalates the stakes with the introduction of anthropologist Kate Hartley, Memphis detective J.T. Duncan, and Warren’s girlfriend, Renae Allen. Each character adds layers to the story, making their interactions feel authentic and deeply engaging. Renae’s abduction becomes a heart-pounding turning point, forcing Warren to return to Alaska to confront a dangerous cult with ties to Inuit mythology. This chilling antagonist, a shaman pulling the strings of a deadly conspiracy, grounds the plot in a unique and terrifying cultural dimension.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, blending intricate character development with explosive action. Warren’s resourcefulness shines as he navigates life-and-death scenarios, but Askew also humanizes him by exploring his inner struggles and past mistakes. Readers familiar with Alaska Deadly will appreciate the nuanced nods to Warren’s growth, while newcomers can easily dive into the narrative thanks to Askew’s careful exposition.
The suspense is amplified by expertly crafted twists, particularly as Warren uncovers the cult’s motivations and its connection to his past. The plot’s complexity is balanced by vividly described settings, from the chilly Memphis morgue to Alaska’s icy expanses, creating a cinematic experience.
Alaska Bloodlust, J.L. Askew delivers a pulse-pounding thriller that challenges its hero to face the limits of his endurance and morality. With its richly detailed settings, compelling characters, and unyielding tension, the novel is a standout addition to the series and a must-read for fans of action-packed suspense.
By The Seat Of My Pants
Alaska Deadly follows a private detective searching for a client’s missing husband, who, while on the case, uncovers a cult and a sex trafficking ring. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
While living in Anchorage from 2009 -2010, I was at a downtown open-air market where many vendors were selling their wares. I met a guide/photographer selling photographs of his work. Looking through dozens of images, I came upon the wolf photo and could not take my eyes off it. Many thoughts ran through my mind, and it was then an idea for the book was formed, only in a vague way, and I immediately bought the photo. A week later, I bought his coffee table book of photographs at a Barnes and Noble book signing. Soon I had scribbled about twenty pages of my ideas for a book, but I set aside until over ten years later when I expanded the rough draft into the 370-page novel. This was done in a year’s time with dozens of rewrites.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Yes, the background of the hero Race Warren is loosely modeled after me. My first job out of college was as a social worker, but Warren is single so, he was able to make the risky transition into a neophyte private eye.
With so many shocking twists to the plot of this novel, readers are kept on edge from start to finish. What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
I see now the novel has some serious flaws, especially with plotting. I wrote the book “by the seat of my pants” with the image of the wolf as a key part. But I didn’t want the supernatural theme to predominate, and I wanted the book to have lots of action, so I intentionally added the plots with the Russian trafficking ring involving two different girls and Warren and the man he was originally tracking, Ron Billings, forming a duo to rescue the females and much of the book deals with the many twists and turns both men face as they try to free the girls. A key method, as I wrote, was to throw obstacles in front of the two heroes and to change the direction the storyline seemed to be going so you’ll see in the book that sometimes the characters inexplicably do the unexpected. I had no “plan” when writing; I made the story as much of a mystery to myself as it turned out to be for the readers, but it all flowed smoothly, and I always felt the story was going on a true path.
Race Warren is a well-written character that draws readers into his world. Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, of all the characters, Race is my favorite, and I have lots more to say about him. As a “seat of the pants” guy, I’m not planning a series, but I am working on the sequel to Alaska Deadly, which I believe will be a better book than its predecessor. I say this because of the many readers who gave Alaska Deadly their close attention and posted honest reviews that included bits of constructive criticism. The “feedback” will enhance the sequel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Surviving a deadly encounter with an assassin, Warren realizes someone doesn’t want Billings found.
Since the fugitive is key to the mystery, the private eye tracks Billings to a remote arctic village where
Warren meets Dr. Mark Dunbar, head of a science team studying ancient beliefs that may have led to
the bizarre killing of a native woman. Hoping to get information, Warren befriends the scientists as they
uncover a cult involved in animal shapeshifting, findings that fit with rumors the girl was killed by a
mythic wolf.
Warren finds Billings, an ex-policeman searching for his daughter, Carrie, taken by Russian Andrey
Volkov, head of a human trafficking ring. The private eye and ex-cop join forces, flying to a North Slope
oil town where the daughter is believed held in the sex trade. Failing to find Carrie, the two break out
another captive, Myra, who reports the daughter is held at the Russian’s Anchorage estate. Warren and
Billings flee south with the girl, battling Volkov henchmen along the way.
At the village, the scientists learn a tribal shaman attempted a child sacrifice, but the boy miraculously
survives and is rescued from the wilds and placed in a covert foster home. Believing the child is still in
danger, Dunbar seeks Warren’s help as the team concludes their study and prepares to present their
findings in Anchorage where they arrive just as Myra’s rescuers deliver the girl safely to the authorities.
In an assault on Volkov’s mountain fortress, Billings frees his daughter then returns with her to Memphis
while Warren stays behind for a final task. After he locates the boy and his caretaker in an old apartment
building, Warren faces an unspeakable evil that has killed twice and is bent on destroying the child.
ALASKA DEADLY: A Novel
Private investigator Race Warren embarks on a captivating journey in the company of Claire Billings, who enlists his expertise to locate her missing husband, Ron, in the wilds of Alaska. Against the backdrop of this intriguing investigation, Race encounters an unsettling account of a woman’s tragic demise at the hands of a mysterious creature. Ingeniously, he begins piecing together the puzzle, drawing connections to Ron’s last known whereabouts. Amid his quest for the truth, Race forges an unlikely bond with Medford, a witness to the unfolding enigma. However, the plot thickens as Medford inexplicably vanishes, casting suspicion into the shadows.
Alaska Deadly by J.L. Askew paints a rich tableau of suspense and intrigue, weaving a tapestry of crime and thrills at a deliberate and immersive pace. The narrative comes alive through vivid detail and engaging dialogue, seamlessly interweaving threads of Inuit culture, ancient Alaskan heritage, and anthropological nuances. The story gracefully blurs the lines between reality and fantasy as Race Warren meticulously uncovers the threads of suspicion that tie these bewildering incidents together.
Anchorage, portrayed as a seemingly ordinary yet practical town, becomes a backdrop for uncovering a web of secrets that stretch back to ancient beliefs, enigmatic rituals, and mythical elements. At its heart, the story resonates with the potent force of a father’s love and unyielding determination. The tension escalates with the introduction of criminal enterprises, most notably a human trafficking ring, layering the narrative with an added dimension of suspense. Race Warren emerges as a resolute investigator, seamlessly adapting to various challenges, while his partnership with the scientific team highlights his versatility and resourcefulness. Claire Billings, driven by an unwavering parental devotion, is a testament to the power of love and commitment. The contrast between Race and Billings regarding their motivations adds a compelling dynamic, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity.
In Alaska Deadly, J.L. Askew masterfully crafts a tale that not only entertains with its enigmatic twists but also delves into the intricacies of human nature, ancient beliefs, and the enigmatic allure of myth. The story’s ability to seamlessly meld suspense with cultural exploration is a testament to the author’s skillful storytelling.
Pages: 432 | ASIN : B0BZB4R54X
LITERARY TITAN 