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A Haunting Mix
The Light of Faded Stars follows a retired detective on his deathbed who is reflecting on his final, unsolved case—the brutal murder of a young woman. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup for The Light of Faded Stars emerged from a blend of literary influences, personal observations, and a deep sense of duty to honor my friends’ experiences. Stylistically, I was heavily inspired by the works of American writers like Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner, Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Fante, J.D. Salinger, and Jack London. Their mastery of raw, evocative prose and their ability to portray the complexities of the human spirit left a lasting impression on me and shaped the tone and style of my novel.
The idea for a crime story took root as I explored Saint John, often called Fog City. Its streets, steeped in a haunting mix of faded grandeur and lost promises, struck me as the perfect setting for a noir narrative. Despite its challenges, Saint John is a city on the cusp of renewal, and that tension between its past and its potential added depth to the story’s backdrop. In this place, shadows conceal untold stories, yet hope flickers on the horizon.
I also wanted to weave in a backstory about Afghanistan as a tribute to my friends who served there. While I served in the military, I didn’t deploy to Afghanistan, but I witnessed its profound impact on those who did. Including this element felt like a duty to honor their sacrifices and to explore how such experiences ripple through lives and communities. Together, these threads—the literary influences, the atmospheric setting of Saint John, and the Afghanistan backstory—formed the foundation for a tale of mystery, reflection, and remembrance.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition offers endless inspiration for fiction, particularly in its messiness and contradictions. One aspect I find compelling is how people wrestle with their pasts—how regret and unresolved questions can linger like ghosts. In The Light of Faded Stars, the retired detective, facing his final days, is consumed by his last case with Marcel, his partner: the brutal murder of a young woman with such promise. This allowed me to explore the human yearning for closure and the burden of carrying unfinished business to the grave, and to tie it all together with the unfulfilled promise of the city.
Another fascinating element is the tension between memory and truth. As the detective revisits his life, he grapples with his recollections of the case, questioning what’s real and what’s colored by his biases. This mirrors a universal struggle—how we reshape our stories over time, often blurring the line between fact and perception, and how many things fall in the cracks of unremembered time. I think it ties well with the life of small-town folks. There are whispers and stories about everyone, and people’s reputations become more real than the real person sometimes. I wanted my narrator to be from a village like mine, where memory and truth can be two separate things.
Finally, the enduring impact of trauma captivates me. Whether it’s the detective’s decades-long career in law enforcement or the Afghanistan backstory reflecting my friends’ service, trauma shapes people in profound, often invisible ways. It influences their choices, relationships, and sense of self, making it a powerful lens for fiction that resonates with readers on a visceral level. And I wanted to explore the gritty outlook of hard-boiled characters in a philosophical and poetic way, which the reviewer noted and truly appreciated.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In The Light of Faded Stars, I wanted to explore themes that reflect the weight of a life fully lived. Regret stands at the forefront. The detective’s curse is that he meets the body before the person and only uncovers the humanity of his victim as he goes along. Basically, he is always too late, and that has to affect his psyche and outlook.
Another key theme is the passage of time. On his deathbed, the detective feels time slipping away, heightening his urgency to make sense of his past. Time is a palpable force in the story, underscoring how fleeting opportunities for resolution can be. Aging is a universal reality, and by exploring that subtheme, I wanted to offer an answer as to the best way to approach it. In my book, I did not shy away from darker themes, since literary fiction is not just there to entertain but also to help us confront real problems.
The search for closure ties closely to this. The case is an open wound—not just for the detective but for everyone touched by the crime. It extends itself like dominoes in multiple directions and affects various characters. I wanted to explore how people chase that elusive sense of completion and what happens when it remains out of reach. In real life, a detective investigation does not necessarily meet a resolution for all its threads. I read and researched about the experiences of real detectives to help me integrate a sense of realism into my investigation narrative.
Lastly, the impact of trauma runs through the narrative. From the detective’s years confronting violence to the Afghanistan backstory, the story examines how such experiences leave lasting marks. These themes—regret, time, closure, and trauma—intertwine to create a portrait of a man seeking meaning at the end of his journey. It makes it an existential novel at the core, but, as the reviewer mentioned, there is some humour, entertainment, and poetry to keep the reader positive and engaged.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next project is a collection of short stories about the people of Saint John. It will be a fresque of the colorful people of the Maritimes—a vibrant tapestry of characters who embody the region’s spirit, struggles, and resilience. I’ve already written many short stories for this collection and aim to publish it in 2025 or early 2026. One is currently competing in a literary competition in New Brunswick, which is an exciting step forward. I’ll keep my readers updated on progress through my social media, and I’m eager to share these tales with them!
Author Links: GoodReads | Indigo | FriesenPress | YouTube | Amazon
The Light of Faded Stars
The Light of Faded Stars is a detective novel, but it’s also a sprawling, introspective meditation on memory, mortality, and the quiet devastation of time. The story follows Jack Willington, a retired detective on his deathbed, as he reflects on his final, unsolved case—the brutal murder of a young woman named Evie MacMurrough. With the help of his eccentric, bookish partner Marcel, Jack recounts not only the details of the investigation but also the philosophical undercurrents that haunted both men as they waded through the shadows of humanity and themselves.
I was floored by how the book balanced grit with poetry. The crime scene where Evie is found is brutal, but not gratuitous. It’s haunting. And the prose reads like noir. The first-person voice has this almost cinematic texture—world-weary, vulnerable, even funny in that grim detective kind of way.
What really pulled me in, though, was the relationship between Jack and Marcel. Marcel is the type of character you both want to strangle and protect at all costs. He’s maddeningly intellectual, forever quoting French authors and waxing philosophical about death and dreams. But there’s a tenderness underneath, a haunted soul just trying to hold it together. The scene where Jack catches him hiding in his office, surrounded by French literature and cold coffee, was weirdly beautiful.
Another thing I really appreciated is how the city becomes its own character. Fog City, as they call it, is sad, damp, and falling apart. But the descriptions are lush and honest. There’s a passage during a drive where Jack describes the industrial buildings exhaling smoke and the morning sun fighting through the fog like it’s battling to be seen. It’s so rare to see a city rendered with such gritty affection. It’s not romanticized, but it’s not dismissed either.
Jack’s memory wanders. But it fits the voice. He’s dying. He’s reflecting. It’s messy because life is messy. Some readers might get impatient, but if you lean into the detours—into the tangents about dreams, wars, childhood, guilt—they’ll reward you with insight.
The Light of Faded Stars isn’t just a mystery. It’s a story about the damage we carry and the traces we leave. It’s for anyone who’s ever looked back and wondered what it all meant. I’d recommend it to readers who loved The Road by Cormac McCarthy, or those who like their crime novels with a side of existential dread and a dash of heart.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0DM97NLH7
The Lost Boy
Callum “Cal” Nowak fled the confines of foster care and his small-town upbringing in the Catskill Mountains when he turned eighteen. In New York City, he joined the police force, determined to escape the shadows of his traumatic past and carve out a new life. Fourteen years later, after being placed on administrative leave, Cal reluctantly returns to his hometown, where every street and memory resurrects the pain of his mother’s murder. When the husband of his ex-girlfriend dies in his arms, Cal finds himself thrust into a gripping investigation. Convinced of her innocence, he’s determined to uncover the truth and expose the real killer before she’s wrongfully imprisoned.
How do we confront the weight of our past while forging a path forward? The Lost Boy: A Small Town Murder Mystery Gay Cop Romance by S. F. Williams explores this question poignantly. This enthralling series opener pulls readers in from the first page, weaving a narrative that balances the unraveling of Cal’s childhood trauma with the suspense of a high-stakes murder mystery. It’s a compelling, emotional, and unforgettable read.
What truly stands out is the nuanced portrayal of Cal. Through his perspective, readers are invited to reflect on their own struggles and resilience. Williams writes with a compassion that makes Cal not a perfect hero, but an authentic, flawed, and deeply human character. His journey is raw, relatable, and profoundly moving.
I do feel the storyline occasionally feels a little weighted with unnecessary details. Within the narrative, there seems to be a blending of genres which I believe can sometimes detract from the central storyline. Even so, these moments do not overshadow the book’s many strengths.
The Lost Boy‘s approach to representation is significant. The story offers a refreshing perspective, a gay protagonist whose challenges stem more from his personal history than his sexuality. This kind of storytelling is vital and refreshing, delivering both inclusivity and depth without resorting to clichés.
In the end, The Lost Boy, by S. F. Williams, is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant tale that combines mystery, introspection, and heart. It’s a story that stays with you and one that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the series. A truly remarkable debut.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0DK41MW5J
With Full Intent
Jon Gaskins’ With Full Intent unfolds like a slow-burning bonfire in the heart of 1930s Virginia. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the novel begins with a chilling discovery of multiple murders on a plantation. The narrative hooks you immediately, transporting you to a time when law enforcement relied as much on intuition as emerging forensic science. The story explores the hunt for justice in a community torn by secrets and the lingering shadows of systemic inequality.
Gaskins doesn’t just describe the rolling fields or dusty roads; he places you there, with the smells of manure and tobacco leaves filling the air. The descriptions are sharp and raw, setting a stark contrast to the brutality of the crime at the heart of the story. The pacing, particularly in the first few chapters, builds tension effectively, even if some scenes linger longer than necessary. The characters are a standout feature, particularly Deputy Kendricks, who serves as a lens into the complexities of the investigation. His mix of naivety and determination brings authenticity, especially as he navigates not only the crime but also the entrenched prejudices of his environment. Floyd Williams, the black farmhand who discovers the bodies, is another compelling character. His role highlights the intersection of race and justice, especially poignant when he’s thrust into suspicion simply because of proximity to the victims. These dynamics made me empathize with Floyd, even as I winced at the systemic injustices he faced. Thematically, the book succeeds in exploring the fragility of trust and the consequences of greed. The depiction of the Cannon brothers’ wealth as both a shield and a target is particularly sharp. Scenes involving the safe—both as a physical object and a symbol of secrets—stood out as both metaphorical and plot-driving. The novel’s treatment of burgeoning forensic science is another highlight. Kendricks’ visit to the Bureau of Investigation’s lab was a fascinating window into early criminology, showcasing both the potential and the limitations of technology at the time.
With Full Intent is a gripping historical thriller that thrives on its evocative setting and layered characters. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy crime dramas with a strong sense of history and don’t mind a bit of narrative indulgence. It is a story that lingers, reminding us of the human cost of justice and the ever-present scars of history. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with moral complexity and atmospheric depth, this one’s for you.
Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0CZV272RY
Spiritual and Reverential
In Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), a young man and his family find themselves the target of a deadly revenge plot tied to a Navajo deity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote a book, Caught in a Web, that was published in 2018. At the end of the book, there was the secret- a made-up version of what took place in the house where 4 members of MS-13 were killed. The secret was the idea of three cops who, out of protection fabricated the story. As long as the secret was never mentioned or spoken of, everyone should have been safe. It was this final chapter in Web that was the springboard for Black Yéʼii. I felt it created a wonderful opportunity for me to develop another story, one with three converging storylines that mesh and join at the ending.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
It came organically. I’m a pantser, not a planner. I might have an idea of what I want to write when I sit down at the computer, but there are times when characters have a mind of their own and I follow their lead. The Navajo are spiritual and reverential towards the earth, and in particular, dreams, visions, and symbols. I knew about Yéʼii from my research. There are many, much like the Catholics have many saints. But the Navajo will never mention by name, or speak of Black Yéʼii because they feel if they do, they are inviting it into their lives. Black Yéʼii literally translates most closely to The Evil One, the subtitle of my book, and it is this evil that permeates MS-13 and other antagonists in the book that I draw on. In a scene from the book, George and Brian, two protagonists who are themselves spiritual, compare Black Yéʼii to Satan, and the evil he brings into the world.
I found the incorporation of Navajo mythology a compelling addition to this psychological thriller. What kind of research was required to put this book together?
Thank you! I appreciate your question. I worked with Navajo on words, Navajo phrases. I try in all my books to be as exact as I can be. Readers are quick to spot falsehoods. I worked with a wonderful woman, Brenda Hat from the Navajo Nation, and with the Navajo Nation Museum, along with various websites on the Navajo. I am a recipient of a podcast featuring a Navajo elder and his son as he explains Navajo culture. My interest in and love of the Navajo actually began when I started reading Tony Hillerman, who I believe was the first to incorporate Navajo beliefs and mysticism into his stories.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can fans expect to see it released?
My next book is tentatively titled Dead of Night, and because I’m still writing it, there is no release date as of yet. My publisher, Black Rose Writing, has been a wonderful home for my writing, and once I finish it, I will submit it to them, and they will determine the publication date. Dead of Night is another thriller-crime-mystery, and it takes place both in Milwaukee and in Waukesha, both in Wisconsin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Facebook | Website | Substack | Amazon
Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?
Black Yéʼii (The Evil One)
Black Yéʼii is a gripping psychological thriller that plunges readers into the duality of love and evil in a small Wisconsin town. The story weaves between past trauma and present terror as Angel Benevides, his mother, and his friends made up of adopted brothers become the targets of a deadly revenge plot tied to the enigmatic and fearsome Navajo deity, Black Yéʼii. The book begins with a chilling home invasion and murder, setting the tone for a narrative filled with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and shocking twists. Lewis masterfully interlaces Navajo spiritual elements with the gritty realism of crime, creating a world where loyalty, courage, and survival are tested at every turn.
Joseph Lewis writes with an unflinching eye for detail. The opening chapter hooked me immediately, its brutal depiction of the home invasion was both horrifying and mesmerizing. His vivid descriptions made Carmen Benevides’s fear palpable, and the attackers’ malice leaped off the page. Lewis’s knack for pacing is remarkable. Each scene flows naturally into the next, leaving no room for filler. The dialogue is sharp and often tinged with an authenticity that adds layers to each character, particularly the enigmatic George Tokay.
The incorporation of Navajo mythology into a modern crime thriller is both unique and compelling. The concept of Black Yéʼii as a metaphor for the darkness within human nature is thought-provoking. I particularly enjoyed the moments where George reflects on his cultural heritage, it brings a poignant depth to the narrative. I felt that the supernatural elements were sometimes underutilized. While they added intrigue, I wished the story explored more of Black Yéʼii’s mystical presence rather than keeping it primarily symbolic. The balance of cultural richness and crime drama is a fresh take that sets this book apart. Angel’s tragic arc is heart-wrenching, and his vulnerability contrasts sharply with the cruelty of his attackers. George Tokay, as a central figure, is fascinating. His connection to both the spiritual and physical battles in the story gives him a unique edge.
The camaraderie among the brothers is a highlight, especially their moments of quiet reflection at the lake. These softer scenes provide a necessary counterpoint to the violence and elevate the story from a simple thriller to something more emotionally resonant.
Black Yéʼii is an intense and thought-provoking read that merges psychological tension with cultural depth. While its graphic content won’t be for everyone, those who appreciate dark, character-driven thrillers will find it hard to put down. I’d recommend it to readers looking for a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.
Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0DH8P5TNV
Red Herrings
Torment – A Harper Jones Novel follows a detective haunted by the unsolved murder of his former partner who winds up investigating a gruesome crime leading him to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my all-time favorite series is Criminal Minds, and I have always been fascinated by how/why an evil mind works the way it does…the motivations/experiences that contribute to a person’s character. Nature vs. Nurture?
I felt this novel’s supporting characters were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I would have to say I enjoyed writing for Medora. She was cast as both a victim and a vigilante/antagonist. Somewhere in her captivity, a switch flipped, and she became empowered and independent. Her methods of retribution and revenge were obviously not preferred, but they allowed her to achieve her goal of revenge.
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?
You pretty much nailed the most difficult part, which is giving enough to tease the reader without giving away the ending. My biggest difficulty was that I wanted to offer enough “red herrings” to keep the reader guessing, while at the same time not making the storyline too convoluted to where the reader gets frustrated or confused. I tried to walk this line by having a lot of dialogue, and have the characters “think out loud.”
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
Pawns is about half-written. It revolves around a series of political murders in Wolf Hollow, as well as delving into Harper’s past, with an old foe from his military days coming back to haunt him, endangering those that he cares about. At the same time, Harper and Angie’s romantic rebirth will be tested as the tension in the seaside town begins to ratchet up.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
On an early fall morning, the sleepy oceanside town of Wolf Hollow awakens to a gruesome crime. Alison Newton, an innocent young woman who was senselessly murdered six months ago, has been dug up and brutally violated.
Veteran Detective Harper Jones, the lead investigator in her murder, is called upon to track down the offender, and he quickly realizes that this isn’t some random act. Instead, he discovers that a ruthless serial killer has descended upon Wolf Hollow with his own cruel motives.
Harper and his new partner, Medora Dunning, must track him down quickly before he strikes again, all the while slowly learning that not everything and everyone in this unsuspecting paradise is what they seem.
Complex Story About Murder
Hell’s Heart follows a small-town sheriff whose dying father asks him to look into a cold case to prove a man innocent and find the real killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live in Florida so I feel at home writing about it. I wanted a fictitious small- town police department so I didn’t get entangled with department hierarchy. The west coast north of Tampa seemed a good out-of-the-way place. The idea started as a short story, two classmates in abusive families conspire to kill their abusers, but figure out how to get away with it. The story expanded into a more complex story about murder, illicit drugs, and a deadly assassin who uses snakes to murder her victims.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Jake Long was the easiest. He’s a troubled guy on a lot of fronts, he committed a crime in the past, his crumbling marriage, and his dying father. I enjoyed writing the banter between Jake and Maxine, his rookie cop. And, of course, the bad guys are always fun, especially a beautiful, deadly woman. Poor Nell was fun also.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I knew the twist at the end but was stumped as to how I’d pull it off logically. I do some outlining, but very loosely. I have to know the direction the story is heading and then I fill in details as I go along. Sometimes the story takes a turn I think is good, so I go with it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have four other books on Amazon. All have won top prizes in The Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palm Awards. Two, Hell’s Heart, and Downhill Fast won book of the year. I have one I haven’t put on Amazon yet. The title is Dirty Hazel and the Cat Woman. And I’m in the middle of one I’m having a blast with titled, Sundown Highway. Stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In Oakley, Florida, in 2005. Frank Jackson and Diane Ferguson are killed with a pipe wrench. The problem? Frank and Diane have no connection. Guy Fowler was convicted but claims to have been drunk at home when the murders occurred. Fingerprints on the wrench say otherwise. Retired police officer Bart Long, now riddled with cancer, believes Fowler is innocent. As a last request, he asks his son, small-town cop Jake Long to find the real killer. Jake wants no part of the cold case that nearly cost his father his marriage. But when Nell Stoner reports her boyfriend missing, Jake is drawn back in time. Neck-deep in the double homicide, Jake contends with an unfaithful wife, illicit drugs, killer twins, and a psychotic woman who uses snakes to murder her enemies.
