Blog Archives
What If
Crimson Scimitar explores the ‘what if’ questions surrounding Osama bin Laden and how things could have turned out differently. I find the setup of the novel entertaining. How did this idea start and develop as you wrote?
I have always been a fan of authors John Grisham and Scott Turow and their legal thrillers and wondered back in 2010, ‘what if’ Osama bin Laden was captured instead of killed? What would his trial under American jurisprudence look like? In my early draft, the twist, I had him acquitted! Then, I heard on TV bin Laden had been killed. My manuscript was shelved for 10 years, until I rewrote the concept adding new plot lines like: (1) terrorists who are coming into our Southern border and not being caught and (2) bin Laden in court would be a ‘show trial’ and I took that to the extreme. I am now challenging lawyers I visit with: how would you have defended your client, bin Laden? Interesting responses.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The American public really knows very little about the intertwined politics of the Middle East or even the culture of Moslem family life. And the War on Terrorism since 2000 is not one act but hundreds of incidents that impact on us which we as normal citizens are unaware. Instead of portraying all terrorists as ‘animals’ I sought to take one character to analyze their motivation and reveal how different events might mould and change their jihadist perspective.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme that may be hard to see within the writing are my nuances on how American social media/television culture gives us a numbing view of reality, of the real world versus those who are dedicated to killing us. I use the reality television industry to provide a backdrop in the hunt for bin Laden. But do I paint a positive perspective of our culture or a stilted view? Another theme that I have written into several of my books (like Crimson Scimitar and Lafayette) are the machinations of ‘ambition’ and how it drives and/or perverts a character.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Their reaction on how they must approach the time to devour a lengthy epic novel (600 pages; which is longer than ‘Moby Dick’, but shorter than ‘Game of Thrones’). But like a thriller with multiple stories to tell, I build with chase & capture scenes, then escape & new chase action, and finally, I must tie all story lines into a crescendo of satisfying ends or teasing with new ‘what ifs?. My beta readers and my editor enjoyed the reading. But I leave the satisfaction, or not, to the public, for it is they who must be entertained. (P.S. I believe they will be.) —spg
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The ‘What if?’ epic novelWhat if, in 2011, Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda jihadist terrorist, was captured instead of killed? How would a trial in the U.S. judicial system look like?
And what if the ones who captured him were stars of a reality TV show trying to boost their ratings.
And what if when bin Laden was captured al Qaeda was planning an attack on the United States, worse than 9/11? Who do you think will come to the rescue?
Finally, would you cheer for a young al Qaeda jihadist who might bring peace to the Mideast?
Crimson Scimitar
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of Americans and people worldwide, forever shaking the world to its core. This devastating bombing of the World Trade Centers, commonly known as the 9/11 attack, ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 3,000 individuals in a heinous act of terrorism. Initially, suspicions swirled around the Taliban, but meticulous investigations later implicated the notorious Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda, led by the infamous Osama Bin Laden.
Within the pages of this gripping novel lies a deep exploration of the harrowing experiences endured by witnesses and survivors of the 9/11 bombing, offering intricate details of the events leading up to the attack and its haunting aftermath. The relentless pursuit of Osama bin Laden, the enigmatic mastermind behind the attack, becomes the focal point, as readers are compelled to ponder over the motivations that drove him and ultimately led to his downfall. The author’s meticulous research delves into Osama’s background, life experiences, and objectives while also shedding light on the subsequent legal proceedings surrounding his indictment.
The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable, and this book offers a poignant portrayal of the profound trauma experienced by those directly affected by the 9/11 tragedy. Although primarily a work of fiction, it serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the far-reaching consequences of religious extremism. Moreover, it astutely highlights the imperfections inherent in our political and judicial systems.
Through its powerful narrative, Crimson Scimitar becomes a compelling reminder of the urgent need for unity and the futility of war. Within the expansive tapestry of court proceedings and the enthralling stories that encircle Osama bin Laden, the novel weaves together suspense, intrigue, and action elements that befit a thrilling tale. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the book’s length and intricacies may present challenges for readers. The multitude of characters and their interwoven storylines can be overwhelming, necessitating careful effort to keep track of their names and narratives.
I recommend Crimson Scimitar: Attack on America—2001-2027 to enthusiasts of thrillers, as it offers a captivating and insightful glimpse into the events surrounding the 9/11 attack. Those seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history will undoubtedly find this book compelling and engaging.
Pages: 600 | ASIN : B0BMNVMHX9
In Dante’s Twisted Mind
Miranda Quinn’s life takes a turn from everything going great to everything falling apart. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story in Miranda Nights, and how did that help you create the dramatic ending?
I came up with the opening for the description for Miranda Nights early on…
She has a loving husband and a successful career- who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her best life… until she’s not.
I subscribe to the Whack-a-Mole theory of life. You resolve an issue and just when you think you’re safe… up pops a problem or complication or challenge- something that says ‘not so fast, my friend. Did you forget something?’ And even when you’re facing something really huge, little things still pop up and demand you deal with them. I wanted a happy ending and some closure for Miranda, Eric and their friends and family, but chose to leave a few things up in the air- jobs, health issues, etc.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story and how did it change as you wrote?
I knew upfront that he would be someone from Miranda’s past with a grudge against her, but his background as a police officer and his fanatical views developed over time. The 7 Deadly Sins theme was fun to research and imagine how it would all play out in Dante’s twisted mind.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Much of my story and character development come from how my main characters react to or respond to the plot twists, so for me, they go hand in hand. For me, it’s all part of the fun of writing!
Will there be a third Miranda Quinn story in the future?
Yes- I’ve been busy coming up with new adventures and mishaps for Miranda. The third (and final) installment is in the works!
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Instagram | GoodReads
It’s been two years since her legal advice TV show was canceled, but the former Assistant District Attorney has rebounded with a late-night radio show, Miranda Nights. When her closest friend’s teenaged son gets arrested, Miranda tries to help but the evidence against him is overwhelming. Following a family member’s medical diagnosis, Miranda begins to wonder if her ‘happily ever after’ has been canceled as well.
But the real trouble arrives when a persistent caller, desperate for Miranda’s attention, embarks on an all-out effort to get her to see the error of her ways. Threatening messages and slanderous social media posts escalate to break-ins and arson when a fanatical fan claims to be her only path to salvation.
Miranda Nights is a fast-paced, witty story full of hidden dangers, with a strong and resilient woman at its core.
Miranda Nights
Miranda Nights, by Gail Ward Olmsted, is a fast-paced and engaging novel that effortlessly weaves together elements of women’s fiction and legal thriller genres. Centered around Miranda Quinn, a former Assistant District Attorney turned radio show host, the story takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The narrative unfolds as Miranda’s much anticipated legal advice TV show comes to an abrupt end, only for her to rebound with a late-night radio show. Initially, everything seems to fall into place for Miranda, with a supportive husband and a flourishing career.
However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her friend’s teenage son is arrested, and Miranda finds herself entangled in a case burdened with overwhelming evidence against him. Simultaneously, she grapples with a family member’s medical diagnosis, forcing her to reevaluate her happiness. As tensions rise, Miranda encounters a relentless caller who gradually becomes obsessed with her. This anonymous stalker resorts to increasingly dangerous measures, including threats, stalking, slanderous social media posts, break-ins, and even arson. Gail Ward Olmsted skillfully explores the hidden dangers that permeate Miranda’s life, emphasizing her resilience as she navigates through these harrowing challenges.
Miranda Nights excels in its superb writing style and captivating storytelling. The author deftly builds upon the cast of characters introduced in the first book, introducing fresh problems and dilemmas for them to confront. The interconnected storylines shed light on the difficulties faced in today’s world, particularly the repercussions of “sexting” among teenagers and the legal ramifications that ensue. The primary plotline, focusing on stalking and the violent consequences arising from a misguided sense of moral superiority, creates an intense and adrenaline-filled narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
A notable strength of this novel lies in Gail Ward Olmsted’s exceptional character development and meticulous world-building. The characters share deep, personal connections, illustrating their camaraderie in both mundane daily life and the extraordinary challenges presented within the story. Each character possesses a distinct and authentic voice, but the protagonist, Miranda, truly shines. Her blend of strength, courage, vulnerability, and emotional depth makes her a compelling focal point. Her growth since the first installment adds further dimension and relatability to the story.
Miranda Nights is an unforgettable, enthralling, and thought-provoking novel. The intricate plot, filled with surprises and mystery surrounding Miranda’s stalker, ensures a riveting reading experience. Fans of women’s fiction and legal thrillers will find this book to be an absolute must-read.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0C2ZT5K97
The Slow Moral Collapse
The Unsealing follows two attorneys as they descend into the world of corruption in the upper class during the Gilded Age. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The Avenging Angel Detective Agency™ Mysteries are what I like to call ‘whydunits’ – not ‘whodunits’ as in the classic Agatha Christie type mystery. I like to explore what motivates people, sometimes very ordinary people, to do extraordinary things. (Many of which are criminal, immoral, or in shockingly poor judgment.) In The Unsealing, I explore the slow moral collapse of two initially high-minded attorneys and friends, who succumb to the temptations of wealth, power, and sex. It’s a very human story, but with the additional interest and complexity of being set in a very different time from our present day and one with very different attitudes toward just about everything.
I find that my characters reveal their stories to me gradually. There are times when something appears in my mind’s eye – a scene, a snippet of conversation, a sound or smell – without any apparent connection to the story I think I’m telling at the time. So I wait … and eventually the connections are revealed, and I write them down. I think of myself more as an observer than as a creator: I am emphatically opposed to making things up. If that all sounds a bit mystical, then I am guilty as charged, but it’s the way it happens to or for me. The title The Unsealing was (in part) inspired by this slow process of revelation, in which the characters themselves share with us more and more of their lives and innermost desires as the book progresses. I hope that readers will enjoy that unveiling of a story that my characters knew all along and which they chose me to write down.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
I grew up in Buffalo, and have always been fascinated by the place. In 1901, Buffalo and its neighbor, Niagara Falls – were the Silicon Valley of the day: a hive of innovation and bustling commerce across a number of industries. Buffalo was at the time the eighth-largest (and fastest growing) city in the United States, and it was in many ways ‘the place to be’ for the young and ambitious. Today, though, the city’s population is smaller than it was in 1890, while the United States’ population has expanded fivefold, and clearly the centers of innovation have gone elsewhere. How that happened and why – what seeds of decay were sown even in the city’s heyday – is a very intriguing and complex story, and one I like to tell. And that, too, is a human story – how it can take many years for bad decisions or bad karma to catch up to you. But they always do.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
I suppose that I’ve always been captivated by the written word’s mysterious ability (not unlike music) to conjure up thoughts and emotions in people I have never met, never will meet, or who may not yet be born. My greatest goal is to transport people to another place and time, show them things they can never see any other way, and then bring them safely back. If I think about artists who have inspired me, Emily Dickinson and Jim Morrison would be at the top of the list. Both of them were obsessed with the notion of peering beyond the boundaries of ordinary human experience and guiding us through those sometimes unusual psychological landscapes – and all at no risk to ourselves, other than a challenge to our settled ways of thinking.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
The Unsealing is the first in a series of books, the Avenging Angel Detective Agency™ Mysteries. Some of the characters from The Unsealing will continue on in future volumes, but many new ones will appear – and each book is a free-standing, independent story that does not require that one read the books in any order. That said, I think readers who follow along as the books appear will be rewarded with a deeper appreciation of the back-stories of their favorite characters. But it’s by no means a requirement. Thus far I’ve completed four Avenging Angel manuscripts, and they’ll be published over the next two years or so, and I’m working on the fifth now. If readers enjoy them, they’ll keep on coming.
Author Links: Website | GoodReads | Instagram
Named BookLife “Editor’s Pick” – “… Written with grace and power, capturing the moment that electricity lit up the world …”
Love, Lust, and Murder in the Gilded Age …
Buffalo, New York, 1901 … a muscular, young city, Queen of the Lakes … The Electric City … where the money spent to build Newport mansions and Park Avenue townhouses is made, plays host to the world’s greatest fair, the Pan-American Exposition and its 8,000,000 guests. Yet the city is only weeks away from disaster, when a crazed anarchist will assassinate President McKinley.
And less than a mile from the spectacle of the Pan-American, a web of love, lust, and intrigue is forming within the elite enclave of Ashwood. Alicia and Edward Miller may be one of Ashwood’s most envied couples, but inside the walls of their luxurious home, a toxic malice is brewing. When simmering and sultry Alicia falls for dashing Ivy League attorney Arthur Pendle, on whose mysterious income he and his longsuffering wife Cassandra – facing demons of their own – live fast and high, infatuation soon curdles into something sinister and obsessive.
Meanwhile, the beautiful Sarah Payne – who from girlhood has dreamed of becoming a detective – struggles to find fulfillment in a man’s world. Trapped in a loveless marriage to a dissolute dentist — who has become dangerously dependent on ether and alcohol — Sarah befriends the unhappy Ed Miller and is drawn into the deadly drama inside the Millers’ disintegrating marriage.
When Edward comes into possession of a trove of explicit letters from Arthur to Alicia – love letters, to be sure, but also a confession of much darker doings – he and Sarah, along with the Pendles, are plunged headlong into a deadly whirlpool of official corruption, graft — and murder.
Inspired by Buffalo’s true crime ‘murder of the century’, in The Unsealing Robert Brighton recreates a world at once utterly strange and strangely familiar. Pitting detective against detective, husbands against wives, and set against the backdrop of Gilded Age splendor and excess, The Unsealing is a gripping, psychological tale of forbidden pleasures and fathomless pain.
Contains three original interior scratchboard illustrations.
Join Robert Brighton on a journey into the real Gilded Age in an electrifying tale of scandal, love and murder – and the birth of the Avenging Angel Detective Agency. Get your copy today!
Justice Was A Struggle To Achieve
If Trees Could Testify follows a defense attorney who is investigating and trying a double homicide that has more questions than answers. What inspired you to write a fictional novel based on this real case?
The actual case upon which my book is based generated a significant amount of publicity, particularly in the Asheville area of the western NC mountains. As is noted, I was the principal defense attorney and therefore privy to information that would be subject to varying degrees of privacy concerns. Those factors, combined with a need to protect both the innocent as well as the potentially guilty, gave me no choice but to fictionalize the account to some degree.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
The plot twists really weren’t planned or sensationalized as they were based largely upon an accurate rendition of how the case transpired, although I did take the liberty of injecting some degree of diversion with regard to characters such as the draft-dodging son of the snake-handling minister.
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?
The “mystery” was not overly difficult to recount in that it was based on events that had essential components of an intriguing story already built in. Many rabbits were chased in the form of biker gangs, organized crime, etc., but the essential and unfortunate message was that justice was a struggle to achieve for both defendants and victims. Human impacts can be lingering and strong when our system fails to fulfill its purpose.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book will likely be a sequel to my first, that being “Pioneer Paddling Colonial Carolina.” I am an avid kayaker with a data base of over 350 bodies of water, but also a history buff with a passion for paddling in historical areas wherever they are found. I hope to expand and update the Carolinas, but also include much of Florida together with parts of Virgina, Georgia and Tennessee. Thank you for asking.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
On a quiet summer night in 1983, two elderly siblings were tragically murdered in their colonial, Georgian-style home across from Big Laurel Creek. Known for their distrust of banks and having a collection of antiques, gold, and silver coins, it was naturally assumed that robbery was the principal motive for the double homicide. The murders captivated a close-knit rural community for nearly two decades, as the local family roots of the victims dated all the way back to the early 1800s.
During the years that followed the senseless tragedy, a time during which the home was boarded up and abandoned, local folks rumored that they had occasionally seen the house lit up like a Christmas tree at night. There were also stories where the ghost of an elderly woman, walking and swinging a lantern, was reportedly seen along the highway which runs adjacent to the property. Some county residents have further claimed to have seen this apparition standing in a window on the second floor of the home during the time that it was vacant.
Suspects came and went as the case investigation spanned three different sheriff administrations. “Who done it” rumors abounded, with theories of involvement ranging from organized crime to outlaw biker gangs to even local family members. Finally, almost eighteen years after the murders, warrants were issued charging a father and two of his sons with having committed the crimes. The defendants maintained their innocence throughout the course of the legal proceedings, which blazed a trail of intrigue with numerous twists and turns along the way.
According to Fred Hughes, at the time the publisher and editor of the Madison News-Record and Sentinel, a Hollywood film crew was interested in producing a major motion picture based on the case. As noted in a subsequent editorial, Hughes was “reasonably certain” that the story could have made the silver screen, as it was full of “stranger than life events.”
This book should be categorized as a fictional mystery novel which is based on the true story of the murders and subsequent prosecution of those accused. Names have been changed to protect the innocent (as well as the potentially guilty), and a haunting tale is told with a focus on the search for justice for both victims and defendants. Colorful characters, including the draft-dodging son of a snake-handling minister, intertwine with more serious undertones as a surprise ending eventually unfolds. The author, William Auman, was the principal defense attorney in the actual case, and provides the reader with a dramatic and informative account of what was otherwise a tragedy to many.
If Trees Could Testify
If Trees Could Testify is an exciting crime novel about a cold case involving the murders of two well-off, elderly siblings. After police received a tip of dubious origins, a father and two sons are arrested for the murders. The story follows Alex Reynolds and his legal team in rural North Carolina and the surrounding areas as they try to untangle the details of the decades-old case. We meet quite a colorful cast of characters ranging from a biker with hooks for arms to an overeager, over-green public defender to an old Sheriff who may not have been all that he seemed.
The author, William D. Auman, just so happens to be the defense attorney who worked on the actual case on which If Trees Could Testify is based. The tale is laid out extremely well, giving the reader a period of discovery through flashbacks and pithy legal banter. The author also adds a nice bit of history for the locations, such as Madison County, Asheville, and the French Broad River, really bringing them to life.
The dialog is snappy but sometimes falls into the trap of having too much legal-ese. Auman blunts these moments with the author’s notes, which some may find helpful, but it breaks up the flow for me. The dialog seems a little too idealized at times, where the good guys are overly good, and the bad guys are really bad. Sometimes I felt like the author may be too close to the material. However, he is very passionate about the law and adequately defending people who are innocent until proven guilty.
If Trees Could Testify is an intriguing legal drama that offers readers suspense and some surprising moments. Actual crime readers will enjoy this thrilling novel as they follow along with Alex and his team to get to the bottom of this mysterious murder.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B099KT1PBR
The Smallest War
The Smallest War, by Mark Sheehan, is a rollicking action tale of political intrigue. The global balance of power is at stake when viral sabotage leads to an international incident in the Bering Sea, which happens to be home to a massive, newly discovered oil reserve. Calling upon a little-known process laid forth by the charter of the United Nations, the Russian Federation seeks to solve a potentially world-ending dispute with the United States of America through a “Small War.” Through a series of bizarre circumstances, the US team is made up of a ragtag group of individuals who were chosen not for their skills but for their failures.
The Smallest War is quite a ride. While the fantastical story is grounded in reality, the reader must embrace their suspension of disbelief to follow the events leading up to the “small war.” Impossible viral attacks, an absolute dereliction of duty by the US Department of Defense, the military-industrial complex pulling all the strings to guarantee nothing but massive warfare, while the Russian federation uses dirty tricks and a loose interpretation of international law to get their way… on second thought that all seems incredibly feasible.
I had a good time reading The Smallest War, despite some shortcomings. It reads very much like a Hollywood blockbuster, with locations spanning the globe, giant action set pieces, and characters ranging from damaged, struggling anti-heroes to absolute villains who will do anything to accomplish their goals. The characters are tried and true tropes of the genre: the Americans feature greatest hits such as the strong dumb guy, the mouthy rich guy, and the level-headed woman who can pull the team together. Each has their own flaws that bring a bit more to the stereotype.
The Smallest War: an action-adventure thriller is a riveting military and war novel. Readers will encounter suspense and thrills in each chapter as they wait to find out how this small war will play out and who will end up with control over the oil.
Pages: 406 | ASIN : B0B7P4ZKMF
