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Long-Term Effects of War
Foxholes follows a combat veteran now working as a paralegal who is haunted by things that happened back in Afghanistan and the man who got away with murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was stationed in Afghanistan during my time in the Air Force. When the U.S. started withdrawing from the country in 2021, I thought a lot about my time there. As the memories came back, the writer part of my brain realized that a military outpost in Afghanistan would make a great setting for a murder mystery, and the idea behind the story was born.
Vince struggles with his past and the ghosts he brought home from Afghanistan he tried to forget. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted Vince to have a strong personal motivation for solving the mystery, so I connected the murder to his combat experiences, which were life-changing for him. I wanted to show how those experiences continued to impact him years later. Ultimately, Vince’s inner conflict is deciding between two opposing ideals that arose from his time in Afghanistan: a desire to live a safe and quiet life and taking risks to see justice served. Navigating that internal conflict, coupled with the external conflicts he has with Nick Batson, gives him some complexity and provides an opportunity for him to grow and change during the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The long-term effects of war is one of the themes I explored in the book; it was challenging to do that in the context of a thriller, so I tried to keep a light touch on it and make it a factor in the story without overpowering the action. I also explore the idea of conflict and how we show what we really believe under extreme pressure. The title of the book alludes to a military saying, “There are no atheists in the foxhole.” Vince has to decide what he really values and who he’s going to be in the face of danger; his foxholes are both in combat and in civilian life as an amateur sleuth. Finally, the entire Marcotte/Collins series explores the idea of the past shaping our present.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I enjoyed Hadley Collins’ character in Foxholes so much that the next book, Captives, will tell her story. It’s about Hadley, Vince, and Eddie investigating a missing child case and discovering some personal connections Hadley has to the case. Like Foxholes, the team makes some powerful enemies during their investigation, and the danger factor is ratcheted up a few notches this time. I’m really excited to share it with everyone; it comes out on June 6, 2024.
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Combat veteran Vince Marcotte has hung up his uniform in favor of a quiet, comfortable life. But, ghosts from his past are raised when Nick Batson announces his Senate campaign. Vince is convinced Nick got away with murder 15 years ago when they were both deployed to Afghanistan. When another person close to Nick dies under mysterious circumstances, Vince enlists the help of amateur detective Hadley Collins to prove Nick’s guilt. As they grow closer to the truth, they become Nick’s targets and soon learn that he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his political goals. As Nick barrels toward a campaign victory, Vince races to discover what really happened in Afghanistan. Will he survive long enough to bring Nick to justice?
Foxholes, the first in the Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thriller series, is a page-turning crime thriller. Smart, engaging, and suspenseful, Travis Tougaw’s debut novel will grab your attention on the first page and not let go. Buy it today and get to know your new favorite detectives!
Foxholes
Foxholes, by Travis B. Tougaw, is a unique blend of military fiction and legal thriller, set against the backdrop of Denver in 2022. The novel follows Vince Marcotte, a former airman now working as a paralegal, who is haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan in 2007.
Tougaw skillfully weaves Vince’s past and present, creating a narrative that oscillates between his military life and civilian existence. The author’s writing style is both detailed and evocative, painting vivid scenes of military operations and everyday legal work. Vince Marcotte is developed with depth and nuance, capturing the struggles of a veteran adapting to civilian life while coping with the aftermath of war. Tougaw’s exploration of Vince’s internal conflicts and his investigation into a former military colleague’s dubious past are particularly gripping.
Throughout the book, themes of camaraderie, trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity. Tougaw’s portrayal of the psychological impact of war is poignant and resonates with authenticity. The characters are complex, each dealing with their own pasts and their present challenges, making the narrative rich and multifaceted. The book excels in blending the elements of a legal thriller with military fiction, offering a unique insight into the life of a veteran turned legal professional.
Tougaw’s ability to describe scenes vividly and develop characters comprehensively makes Foxholes a notable and thought-provoking read. This book is recommended to readers interested in stories that delve into the personal struggles of veterans and the moral complexities they face in the aftermath of their service.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0CG6SZRTX
The Anti-Semite Next Door
In The Anti-Semite Next Door readers are introduced to Zachary Blake, a lawyer deeply committed to justice, especially in cases where victims have been overlooked. Despite his flawed personal history, Blake’s sense of morality propels him to confront a disturbing rise in antisemitism within contemporary America. His concern becomes palpable when he observes the vitriolic actions of Winger Wright, a white nationalist whose hateful ideology culminates in a devastating synagogue explosion during a bar mitzvah, leading to the disappearance of two individuals close to Blake. Thrust into a desperate search for truth and justice, Blake races against time to uncover the events that unfolded.
This topical legal thriller is remarkably timely, capturing the essence of current societal issues through dialogue-driven prose and a set of characters that resonate deeply with the reader. Alongside the determined Zachary Blake and the reprehensible Winger Wright, characters like Chip Ellis, one of the kidnapped individuals, add layers of complexity and urgency to the narrative.
At its heart, Bello’s novel is an exploration of antisemitism, presenting it as an undeniable and pressing concern in today’s political landscape. The motivations and actions of Winger Wright and his extremist cohort are presented with chilling clarity, making the book’s central conflicts seem all too real. The narrative effectively highlights the pervasive and irrational nature of such hatred, framing the experiences of Jewish characters in a universally human context that demands empathy and recognition from readers.
Zachary Blake stands as a beacon of morality in the story, his heroic efforts symbolizing a fight against bigotry. The novel’s conclusion, while providing a sense of resolution, prompts reflection on the simplicity of fictional solutions versus the intricate realities of combating deep-seated prejudice in society. The Anti-Semite Next Door offers a compelling and thought-provoking read, challenging its audience to consider the impact of hatred and the value of empathy and justice in a divided world.
Pages: 327 | ASIN : B0CRVYZXJZ
Blue Eyed Devil
Belle finds herself unraveling secrets surrounding her late husband, Sam Randall. With the help of Remy, a charming FBI agent, they unearth hidden truths that expose Sam’s involvement in dangerous money laundering schemes for ruthless cartels. As they search for answers, they discover disturbing connections between Sam and a strange crime from the past. The revelation that Sam may have married her for an insidious purpose further complicates Belle’s woes. Thankfully, Belle’s and Remy’s magical abilities, as well as the sparks that fly between them, present a hopeful, positive path to follow. Blue Eyed Devil, by MJ McDuffie, is about two gifted individuals who embark on a perilous journey to discover the truth about a scheme of deceit and confront powerful forces that threaten to destroy them.
The chemistry between Remy and Belle sizzles. I lost track of time as I basked in the artistic words that describe their feelings for each other, such as “this gorgeous girl ignited something deep inside of him he thought long dead.” Romantic themes are expertly mixed with a murder investigation that holds multiple secrets. The tension between McDuffie’s protagonists is palpable throughout their investigation.
The book is rife with complex backstories and clues that keep you both intrigued and eager for answers. It includes flashbacks that go as far back as Remy’s high school days. It was amazing to unravel the intricately woven tale and discover one amazing secret after another. The narrative underscores the power of the rich and influential and demonstrates their ability to manipulate the law and conceal crime with impunity.
As the story shifts perspectives continuously, we get to understand the protagonists’ core thoughts and emotions clearly. Since they reveal to each other a part of themselves they’ve kept hidden for a long time, their relationship evolves into something deep and captivating. I was completely rooting for them.
Blue Eyed Devil is a fusion of many amazing features, from crazy suspense to intense emotions, intricate puzzle-solving, and amazing chemistry. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. This is a must-read for fans of paranormal thrillers, as well as gripping romantic and political stories.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0CKS2PZ5X
Yuri & the Pig
It is often assumed that the true essence of an adventure lies not in the destination but in the journey itself. Consider Santiago from The Alchemist; his ultimate quest was less about the tangible treasure he unearthed, and more about the lessons learned, people met, and paths traveled. Similarly, C. W. Lovatt’s Yuri and the Pig is an impactful tale of resistance and self-discovery.
Set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe, this narrative delves into the life of Yuri, a modest farmer. When new tax impositions threaten his tranquil existence, Yuri finds himself propelled into an unexpected journey with his pig, confronting injustice. Yet, as the tale unfolds, we witness a striking transformation in Yuri’s perspectives and beliefs.
One of the book’s standout features is its rich tapestry of symbolism and underlying messages, reminiscent of riddles. The concise yet compelling chapters ensured a riveting reading experience, often leading me to eagerly turn one page after the next. Yuri’s character resonated deeply with me. His evolution is palpable as he steps out of his comfort zone, encounters the world’s harsh realities, and begins to introspect and challenge lifelong beliefs. A particularly intriguing element is the symbolism behind Yuri’s pig – a deviation from the conventional literary interpretations of pigs, which still leaves me pondering.
Yuri and the Pig, by C.W. Lovatt, is more than just a captivating read; it’s an introspective journey that underscores the transformative power of war, occasionally revealing silver linings amidst the darkness. It’s a tale best suited for mature readers, given its graphic depictions of violence and mature themes. A genuinely thought-provoking novel, it beckons readers to reflect on the intricate dance of life, growth, and self-discovery.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0CFYFB312
LITERARY TITAN 