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What Makes a Hero
Hero Haters follows a man who has his dream job recognizing civilian heroes until he becomes the suspect in their disappearances. He must now risk himself to solve the mystery of what is happening. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’m intrigued by what makes a hero. There are soldiers and first responders, of course, but I mean everyday heroes. Someone who, without a second thought, risks their lives to rescue a stranger. There are a surprising number of such people, folks who didn’t know how they would respond in such energies until they come upon a fire, a robbery, a drowning. They act putting their lives at risk, the very definition of selfless courage. But for the purposes of my novel, I asked: What if not everyone loves a hero? Worse, what if they hate heroes?
Jake battles his past demons in this novel and has to face his fears to save those he admires, creating dramatic internal conflict. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
By most definitions, Jake would have the right to define himself as a hero, having rescued a boy from a housefire, badly burning his hands. But he’s haunted by the boy’s mother who he failed to save. Still the idea of courage intrigues him when he’s recruited to be an investigator for the prestigious Sedgewick Sacrifice Medallion. Quite simply, he’d rather find heroes, than be one, until circumstances force him to act.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love, courage selflessness. And this unanswerable question. Everyone is a hero in their imagination, but how would I react in the moment?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Give me a break! I’ve just got Hero Haters out the door. Actually, I’m several chapters into my next Jake Ockham/Erik Demidov adventure. I prefer not to talk about a work in progress during this delicate embryonic stage. I haven’t even shared the idea with my wife, and she’s always my first reader. So, I offer my most Canadian of responses: sorry.
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Hero Haters
Hero Haters by Ken MacQueen is not your typical heroic tale. This suspenseful book begins with a short passage, followed by a prologue that grips and holds the reader, drawing them into the storyline before everything starts. As the reader, you’ll quickly find yourself entranced with the haunting story about heroism and tragedy, summed up by Scott Fitzgerald’s quote, “show me a hero, and I’ll write you a tragedy.”
This crime story is chilling, with an air of suspense that captures the reader from the beginning. MacQueen skillfully presents the reader with a clear image of the scene without giving away too much at once, creating an intense atmosphere that’s provocative and thrilling.
The flow of the narration is impressive, with smooth passages keeping the reader in the dark while building momentum until developments become revealed. I found the style and pace ideal, and I never felt rushed or that the storytelling could have been more cohesive. The book’s overall theme, overcoming fear to become a hero, is an unlikely topic that many people can relate to on one level or another. MacQueen presents his perspective on heroism in a refreshing way while pushing the question, what does it mean to be a hero, and how does it involve tragedy?
Hero Haters by Ken MacQueen is a riveting crime thriller mystery. A suspenseful story with an original take on a common theme that has an added personal touch giving readers a deeper connection to its characters. I enjoyed the main character’s predicament and how he must decide if risking everything is worth a heroic act or if he’s destined for an ordinary life. It’s a great read that poses meaningful questions for the reader, especially about how becoming the hero can lead to someone’s tragic end and if this brave act leads to tragic consequences with certainty.
Pages: 329 | ASIN: B0B6T12613
LITERARY TITAN 