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Stories Of Experiences
Betrayal in the Casbah follows a military attaché as he sets out on a rescue mission to save a downed pilot being held by terrorists. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Most of my inspiration in writing the book came from my military background and experiences while serving for almost three decades. Being a fighter pilot experiencing combat, a base commander in NATO, leadership roles at the highest levels at the Pentagon, and the intrigue of being a military attaché in an extremely unstable country in North Africa. But actually, I combined events of my last two years as a military attaché in Algeria in writing the book. The attempt to rescue a downed American pilot was an actual mission and I used much of what happened while attempting to accomplish that mission in the fictionalized story.
What is your background and experience in writing and how did it help you write Betrayal in the Casbah?
I have always loved the written word and periodically would write little stories of experiences in my life, but nothing serious. Most of my previous writing was of a military nature. Briefings, reports, after action documents, evaluations, etc….. The only formal background would be my bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Terrorism in North Africa, Al-Qaeda, the Barbary Coast pirates, and ancient Roman cities in Algeria.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Escape from Algiers, which is the sequel to Betrayal in the Casbah. Hopefully it will answer many questions that persist after reading my first book. I anticipate the sequel being available at the end of this year or early 2023.
Author Links: Website | Instagram
Nursed to health by the beautiful and mysterious Abella, Mitch returns to duty and is approached by the CIA with a covert mission: to rescue and bring home a downed American pilot being held by terrorists in Algiers. As he plans and prepares for the mission, Mitch and Abella become confidants and lovers, and Mitch discovers she is more than just a nurse working in a military hospital. Together with longtime friend and French colonel Yves Dureau and Mitch’s assistant, Army Warrant Officer Dave McQueen, Mitch and Abella will risk their lives to bring the American POW to safety.
Cyber Larceny
Cyber Larceny by Akintunde M. Lawal is an ambitious work in progress. It is a sprawling tale that offers commentary on cyber crimes, corruption, income inequality, and a host of other socioeconomic issues. Taking place after a major cyber attack on a global scale, the story focuses on James Robert Nushi, a digital forensics expert who works for a firm called CyberKonsult in the UK. Nushi takes leave from his job to go to a cyber security conference in Nigeria. He quickly becomes embroiled in a counterfeit product scheme which has much larger implications. Aided by a local named Debola Wright, the two investigate the crimes while commenting on global cyber security issues, the ramifications of the “internet of things,” and modern life in Nigeria.
The author is clearly very familiar with Lagos, Nigeria, and the surrounding regions, as most of the book takes place there. The descriptions of the residences and attractions of Banana Island are extremely detailed. Many of the descriptions of places like the “Classico Hotel,” and “LucreziaBySujimoto” [sic] feel like they have been taken from brochures from their real-life counterparts because of how well they sell the feel of the locations. There seems to be a lot of quoted material, especially in the numerous “overheard” news broadcasts, that should be sourced if they’re not original.
While I thought the story was interesting I felt that it could have been greatly improved by a thorough edit. I think this is a story worth telling, and the author clearly has knowledge on tech and Nigeria.
Cyber Larceny feels like a testament to the success of a growing country, but also expresses frustration with local and federal level bureaucratic problems, economic disparity, supply chain issues, crime, and hopelessness of the next generations. This is a curious science fiction story that has a lot of potential to tell a unique story.
Pages: 213 | ASIN: B09NS5TDSW
Betrayal in the Casbah
Betrayal in the Casbah is a fascinating new action-thriller by a first-time author and real-life action hero, Ted Kissel. Betrayal in the Casbah revolves around the story of Colonel Mitch Ross. Ross is a former ace fighter pilot who now works as a military attached at the US embassy in Algiers. Set in the early 2000s with threats around every corner, this should be an exciting post for the Colonel. However, Ross struggles with the day-to-day doldrums of Embassy life and especially finds the niceties of professional diplomacy draining. However, Ross’s life is turned upside down when he is attacked and nearly killed at an Embassy dinner. As he is brought back from the brink of death, he falls for the beautiful but mysterious nurse Abella. Once he has recovered, he is approached by the CIA to help rescue a downed fighter held by terrorists. Ross teams up with Abella and his enigmatic French counterpart, Yves, to track down and save the pilot in a race against time.
Not since Jack Reacher has there been a protagonist so clearly inspired by his author. Colonel Mitch Ross and Ted Kissel are clearly one and the same. This lends the book an air of authenticity and realism so often lacking in thrillers. The book deftly blends the lines between fact and fiction. For the most part, the book is exciting and well-paced, making this thrilling novel hard to put down.
As the first book from Kissel, I felt that the dialogue could use some work because it didn’t always flow naturally. The characters are often found to be explaining technical terms to each other for the benefit of readers rather than the plot. The book’s pacing is a slow burn style allowing the readers to immerse themselves in the story. The characters are likable and easy to root for because they feel familiar and what you would expect from high-ranking military.
Betrayal in the Casbah is an action-packed thriller novel. This riveting foreign suspense novel will excite readers from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of Mitch Ross’s adventures.
Pages: 358 | ASIN : B09MZKTNCN
Driven By His Intellectual Curiosity
Writ Reveal follows a diplomat that heads to assignment in Kuwait, where he discovers ancient Islamic writings and is thrown into a conspiracy that puts his life in danger. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My inspiration for Writ Reveal essentially started with my research of reports of 1972 findings by German scientists of palimpsests, re-purposed Quranic writings, purported to pre-date the life of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, an ‘incendiary’ discovery, if true. I found these reports to be a fascinating overlay to another historic event, that of the 1258 razing of the great city of Baghdad by the Mongols. I connected them to real exhumations of Iraqi war dead from the 1990 Iraqi invasion of and subsequent expulsion from Kuwait. All this provided a convenient and terrifying backdrop for protagonist Clayton Haley, fresh off his survival of plots, conspiracies, and terror in prequel Messianic Reveal!
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I intentionally keep my protagonist credible, not heroic. He does not seek conflict, yet responds to it with the best of his ability when he faces it. He’s driven by his intellectual curiosity and his concern for his colleagues and friends, which gives him the courage to face the growing threats he encounters. He resents being characterized as a ‘glory hound’ yet is compelled to keep pulling threads of mystery and conspiracy as the hunt for his primary antagonist comes into focus.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It’s essential that Writ Reveal, like its prequel Messianic Reveal, seems plausible. I love it when readers ask if these stories are true! Most incredible aspects in both books are indeed either true, or widely believed in the Middle East. I also like to explore how religions of good people are often exploited or manipulated by power hungry individuals. I expose much of this exploitation in my books while ensuring faiths and the people themselves are not denigrated.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m very pleased to note that Babylon Reveal is in production and will soon be edited. I anticipate a release in early 2023, followed by Prophecy Reveal in 2024! Both will continue Clayton Haley’s journey into historical intrigue, clash of belief systems, and terror.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Haley restarts his diplomatic career, this time in Kuwait, where still-present trauma from the 1990 Iraqi invasion haunts local denizens. Haley’s exhumation of mortal remains ferries him figuratively and historically upriver to both modern and ancient Baghdad. He finds himself on course to salvage ancient writings, including Quranic palimpsests, manuscripts that potentially pre-date Islamic Prophet Mohammed’s visions, a truly epic reveal if realized.
As in the prequel’s Messianic Reveal, Haley stumbles into the combustible mix of religion and politics, resulting in rare scrutiny of one of the world’s largest religions. Re-joining the story are his Green Beret and intelligence friends, as well as a spectral, wealthy Bin Laden scion and his henchmen eager to eliminate Haley’s meddling, as all parties race to the reveal of the ancient writs secreted away during the 1258 razing of Baghdad by Mongols. Writ Reveal further develops Haley’s complex character and introduces new companions to help him in his discovery of the religious divides in the Middle East, and why they matter to and how they shape U.S. political ends. Writ Reveal offers bold introspection into how cruelly religious interpretation distorts and exploits the faith of the masses.
Writ Reveal
Writ Reveal is the second book in the Clayton Haley series written by Ethan T Burroughs and is the follow-up to Messianic Reveal.
Writ Reveal picks up not long after Messianic Reveal left off. Knowledge of the first book is helpful but not essential; Writ Reveal is easy to jump into. Following the fallout from Messianic Reveal, Haley is restarting his diplomatic career in Kuwait, a country haunted by the 1990 Iraqi invasion and bloodshed. Haley’s new role leads to the exhumation of human remains that soon drags him to Baghdad.
Haley is no good at staying out of trouble, and soon his curiosity gets the better of him again, and he is engulfed by a new conspiracy. During his trip to Baghdad, he finds himself on track to salvage ancient Islamic writings that predate the Prophet Mohammad’s visions.
This discovery threatens to upheave the middle eastern status quo and bring centuries of Islamic teachings into question. Unsurprisingly, this makes Haley an unpopular man, and soon all sides are gunning for him. Thankfully he still has his old green beret friends and intelligence colleagues for backup.
Reading Writ Reveal feels very much like reading a mixture of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Much like Brown, Burroughs is adept at taking historical fact and blending it with modern-day fiction. However, unlike in The Da Vinci Code, the conspiracies in Writ Reveal are far less outlandish and far more believable. Nevertheless, Haley’s character will remind readers of Ryan, and much of Writ Reveal’s contemporary political story would fit nicely into a Clancy novel.
However, Burroughs sets himself apart from Clancy and Brown in how he writes. Burroughs knowledge of and respect for the Middle East and Islam is evident in every line of Writ Reveal. Even when he is challenging Middle Eastern governments and their religious ideologies.
Burroughs deftly teaches his audience about this religious, historical, and political boiling pot without his prose ever becoming too dry. Writ Reveal is still as full of the gunfights and chases as we would expect from a book of this genre.
Writ Reveal is an excellent blend of historical and political thriller. This riveting novel will have readers of suspense and thriller novels on the edge of their seats.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B09NV8QFLR
Savage City
In the aftermath of the global economic crisis of 1932, the Savage City of Detroit has become a microcosm of the subsequent ferocities of the century. Amid the murky politics between the capitalists in control and the Communist-backed Unemployed Council for the worker’s rights, there are Black Legions, Purples, and Sicilians, the criminal organizations with their ridiculous radical views and drugs trade. With the backdrop of the 1932 Ford Hunger March, the four protagonists of this crime thriller encounter, and are stuck in, the political and criminal deluge that irrevocably change their fate forever.
Within the span of eight days before a six-week leap in the story, the narratives of the four main characters in the psychological thriller expose the frustration and helplessness of common people just getting by with their lives in the racially divided, xenophobic, and brutal city of Detroit, where a person’s life is as fragile as an acorn. Detective Clarence Brown’s agitation and utmost efforts while tracking down the killer of a teenage colored boy reveals the general disbelief in the preposterous prejudice against black citizens. On the other hand, Ben, the Jewish victim of racial persecution, and Elizabeth, the member of a communist league, demonstrate the victims of tragic circumstances, emblematic of the society in general.
The author Donald Levin fuses aspects of the historical Ford Hunger March in 1932 with fictional characters and plots that make for an engaging and powerful read. As the story unfolds, the scenes with more than one protagonist offer an extra perspective through the character’s self-narratives. This allows for a clear and precise description of the event and thus enhancing the sense of inclusivity and anticipation.
This crime thriller features a large number of minor characters to add depth to the plot, which both adds excitement and complexity. It’s ideal for readers who prefer reading novels with numerous and distinctive characters.
Savage City reveals the stark reality of the Great Depression in its most vivid colors, showing the desperation of a city crippled by the consequences of the masses of frustrated men and women, crushed between dirty politics and corrupt authorities. It is answered explicitly by the many characters in the novel as to who transforms a city into a savage beast. This intense book is ideal for readers who want a glimpse into the human psyche of a city affected by a bull-headed and corrupt system, perfectly encapsulated in a brilliant work of fiction.
Pages: 426 | ASIN : B09N6RJCVF
Animal Lab
On day one, the humans are gone.
A testing lab full of animals is left to fend for themselves when their humans suddenly vanish. The animals develop a new self-awareness; they start to think and act for themselves, and together they form a society in the absence of human oppression.
Rizzo, Cagney and Billie, three rats, bring together the animals of the lab to form a new nation, a constitutional democratic republic. Representatives are elected, and the government starts to form laws upon which to build their nation. Progress is forming and animals take on a new, wholesome way of life. Though peace cannot last forever, politics clash, murders run rampant, and crime is a new concept our characters are forced to face.
In Animal Lab author Bob Zeidman creates a world dominated by animals that represent the struggles we see in society today. This novel will engage readers in a philosophical discussion about American politics and how society can be viewed as a whole. Readers will find this book to be riveting and educational. The gradual development of the characters’ personalities as they form their nation and become more independent and free-thinking is captivating.
Billie and Cagney, two of the main characters in the story, are great examples. The two rats have been in an on-and-off-again relationship, but as they develop their rational thinking, through reading philosophical books, they quickly become inseparable. One of Zeidman’s characters remarks that they have practically become one person/animal. Though, as we get to the end of the book, we see Billie is no longer the shy little rat she once was; she turns into a domineering leader who controls and manipulates not only her partner but also the nation of animals in the lab. Cagney’s personality is mellow compared to Billie’s. But we can see how committed he is to Billie and would do anything for her, which leads him down an uncomfortable, immoral road.
Animal Lab is a quick read that packs an amazing amount of action and drama into the pages. Fans of political fiction and satirical fiction will enjoy this poignant novel. There are a few sensitive topics like the animals’ murders that could be upsetting to sensitive readers, but the overall theme of societal downfall and rebuilding will keep readers engaged. It has an uncanny resemblance to George Orwell’s Animal Farm so readers that enjoyed that novel will find this one a worthy read as well.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B09HHMW3BB
Everything Is One Great Butterfly Effect
Devil’s Ledger follows a fierce and confident spy set on a mission to expose the corruption behind the world’s oldest bank in Italy. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The prologue of Devil’s Ledger gives a quick background of the real-life tragic death of the Russian attorney, Sergei Magnitsky, who fought to defend Russian-based American investment fund manager, Bill Browder. Magnitsky subsequently died in a Russian prison, leading to the U.S. passing the anti-corruption Magnitsky Act, named after him.
The opening chapters of Devil’s Ledger pick up where the lives of Louise Moscow and other recurring series characters left off in the 2nd book of the series, PINOT NOIR. Every fascinating and powerful character in the Louise Moscow novels are inspired by actual situations and people I have met.
Louise Moscow is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?
This is a very pointed question. Louise Moscow embodies ethical integrity and honesty, in the face of venality, greed, and corruption. She’s not judgmental. Rather, unethical character flaws fascinate her. She tries desperately to understand what drives others to lie, cheat and steal for something as meaningless as money. The other major motivation behind Louise’s actions is her fascination with making connections. She sees everything in life as a clue, something tied to something else and worth a closer look. Everything is one great butterfly effect.
I enjoyed the mystery at the heart of this story. Did you plan it or did it develop organically while writing?
Another great question! Before sitting down to write Devil’s Ledger, I had already decided to base it on the major Banker’s Grave story, the events surrounding the Magnitsky Act. However, my research soon led me to the world’s oldest bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, and I knew I had found my yellow brick road for the story!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have decided to write an offshoot of Louise Moscow, in retirement, solving a murder for a friend, kind of a J.B. Fletcher / Murder She Wrote, or Agatha Christie novel. Fingers crossed it will be available for purchase October 2022!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Evil is brewing in the heart of Italy…and the Devil is in the details.Ten years after cracking her last banker’s grave murder case, the CIA has recruited Louise Moscow into their financial crimes division.
Louise is ready to shed her cover as a Burgundy lavender farmer…and return to the spy game. All roads lead to Siena on her top-secret mission: to expose the devastating corruption behind the collapse of the world’s oldest bank.
Her investigation becomes a race to discover an ancient and mysterious treasure, while fighting a new enemy…The Master of the Russian Dark Arts.
It’s not long before Louise finds herself in the cross hairs of powerful enemies. Risking her life to shine a light on financial and political wrongdoing, can Louise expose the rot that has taken hold of Siena?
Or has she finally met her match?
Filled with suspense and international espionage, spirited female sleuth, Louise Moscow’s next adventure is where James Bond meets Temperance Brennan.
LITERARY TITAN 