Blog Archives
Toxic and Polarized Political Fishbowl
Enemies Domestic follows a woman on her first day as the White House Press Secretary who is confronted by a reporter with an agenda about whether or not she is planning to have an abortion, placing her career and life in danger. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I got the idea for Enemies Domestic when Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s decision leaked overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing a woman’s right to have an abortion. My protagonist, Lark Chadwick, was pregnant, but ambivalent about becoming a single parent. I wanted to show what it might be like to have an unwanted pregnancy in a post-Roe era.
Lark Chadwick is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
Like all of us, Lark is an imperfect person. She has shortcomings and weaknesses. Her struggle to overcome her anger issues and impulsiveness is put to the supreme test in Enemies Domestic. What makes Lark a valuable and worthy heroine is her willingness to face and fight her personal demons.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I feel that choice is the ultimate theme in Enemies Domestic. Lark is forced to make the excruciatingly personal choice of abort-or-not-to-abort in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl–much like what we, as a country, are currently experiencing. Lark’s decision is complicated and nuanced. And it’s happening at a time when a dictator becomes president. That theme of choice is being played out in real time as this country is about to choose between Democracy and Authoritarianism.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve begun making preliminary notes on the next book in the Lark Chadwick series, but it’s too soon to get into specifics other than to say the story will pick up where Enemies Domestic left off. I’m also working on a memoir (Working Title: Pivot Points: Plot Twists on the Path to Personal Integrity.) I’m hoping the memoir will be published in 2025, but the next novel might take a while longer.
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Enemies Domestic, Book Six in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series: On her first day as White House Press Secretary, Lark Chadwick is confronted on live television by a reporter with an agenda: “Are you, or are you not, planning to abort your unborn child?” His question puts Lark in the crosshairs of extremists on both sides of the highly fraught abortion issue. Ambivalent about becoming a single mother in the post-Roe era, and grieving the death of her boyfriend, Lark is now forced to make her abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic, politicized, and polarized fishbowl. At stake: her sanity—and her life. In the political thriller Enemies Domestic, his most important and controversial book to date, former CNN editor John DeDakis dramatically and thoughtfully tackles the hot topics of abortion, QAnon, White Christian Nationalism, and mental illness at a time when America itself is teetering between democracy and authoritarianism.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5, by Mac Fortner, is an engaging blend of mystery, adventure, and historical intrigue. The story follows Alex Stone, who wakes up in Cuba with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he struggles to piece together his identity, he becomes entangled in a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and a quest for a hidden treasure linked to Ernest Hemingway himself. The narrative takes readers from the gritty streets of Cuba to the sun-soaked locales of Key West, weaving a tale that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in suspense.
Fortner’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place. The portrayal of Cuba, in particular, stands out with its vibrant and sometimes harsh realities. The author’s ability to create such a vivid sense of place makes the book a visual and sensory experience, drawing readers into the heart of the story. The character development is another highlight. Alex Stone’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling, and his interactions with Ernesto Cabrera and Liliana add depth to the narrative. Ernesto’s revelation about his past with Hemingway and the hidden treasure adds a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the plot.
The relationship dynamics are well-crafted, particularly the bond between Alex and the enigmatic Liliana, which evolves with a mix of tension and tenderness. The pacing of the novel is dynamic, with the initial chapters setting a gripping tone that captivates the reader. The author provides extensive background details that enrich the story and add depth to the plot, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. Fortner’s knack for cliffhangers and unexpected twists keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5 is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and adventure novels. Fortner successfully combines a compelling storyline with rich character development and evocative settings. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy unraveling intricate plots and exploring historical connections. Whether you are a Hemingway aficionado or simply looking for an engrossing mystery, this book is a treasure trove of literary enjoyment.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B07Z5GXVPY
One For The Money
Ryan Hale’s debut novel, One For the Money, introduces readers to Blake Franklin, a former Fort Worth cop turned private investigator, in the first installment of The Blake Franklin Investigations Series. Despite failing the detective exam three times, Blake’s tenacity is undiminished. His transition from law enforcement to private investigation begins with financial backing from his uncle Lewis, setting the stage for his new career. Blake is quickly entangled in a series of cases involving a disreputable car dealer accused of scamming elderly women. His investigation reveals a sinister network of missing individuals, suspicious deaths, and menacing adversaries, escalating the danger as he digs deeper. As the situation intensifies with more lives at risk and a mounting body count, Blake’s quest to recover the stolen cars threatens to disturb a volatile criminal element.
Against a backdrop of vintage automobiles and nefarious activities, Hale crafts a narrative rich with intrigue and action. While Blake’s investigative methods sometimes appear hasty and lack refinement, reflecting his inexperience, these traits also bring a dynamic unpredictability to his character. His natural charm and commitment to justice are his greatest assets, particularly as the stakes grow and the case draws federal attention. The narrative is bolstered by a robust cast of supporting characters. Figures like the affable Sharon Longstreet and the formidable Madeline Bailey provide emotional depth and complexity to the storyline, enriching the reader’s engagement. Fans of crime fiction and thrillers with a penchant for classic cars will find much to appreciate in Hale’s novel. It offers a compelling blend of suspense, sharp plot twists, and a touch of humor that keeps the pages turning.
One For the Money is a thrilling series opener, inviting readers to follow Blake Franklin as he navigates the murky waters of private investigation. Ryan Hale skillfully combines suspense, character development, and action elements, making this an excellent read for anyone drawn to gritty, realistic crime fiction. Whether you’re a devotee of detective stories or a newcomer to the genre, Blake Franklin’s daring escapades and the vivid backdrop of this suspenseful narrative will surely capture and hold your attention.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0BW51BJZP
No Solace in Death
Douglas Herle’s debut novel, No Solace in Death: A Hardboiled Detective Novel, is an intriguing foray into the world of noir thrillers, capturing the essence of the 1960s setting with precision. The book’s cover aptly sets the tone for what unfolds within its pages. The narrative revolves around Benjamin Thomas, a private detective tasked with locating Beatrice Chasingly, a woman shrouded in mystery. Thomas’s journey is far from straightforward, as he encounters a range of challenging and morally ambiguous characters. From Beatrice’s dubious ex-husband to a violent landlord and a deceptive psychiatrist, each character adds depth and complexity to the story.
Herle skillfully constructs a mystery that is both intricate and engaging. Delving into the plot would be a disservice to potential readers, but it’s sufficient to say that as the search for Beatrice continues, Thomas stumbles upon a sinister conspiracy with deadly consequences. The novel does experience a momentary dip in pace, yet Herle adeptly regains momentum, ensuring an engrossing read. Thomas himself is a quintessential hardboiled detective: deeply flawed, struggling with alcoholism, and far from the typical hero archetype. While he may not always be likable, his gritty determination and relentless pursuit of the truth render him an enthralling character.
Herle’s vivid portrayal of 1960s America is a standout feature of the novel. The author’s descriptions of dingy streets, atmospheric bars, and dramatic dialogues are reminiscent of classic Humphrey Bogart films, a comparison meant as the highest praise. No Solace in Death pays tribute to the noir mystery thriller genre in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original. Avoiding the pitfalls of cliché, Herle presents a narrative that will undoubtedly appeal to enthusiasts of this style. The book’s rich storytelling and memorable protagonist mark it as a noteworthy addition to the genre.
No Solace in Death is a commendable debut from Herle, offering a unique take on a beloved genre. It’s a novel that both honors its roots and brings something new to the table, making it a recommended read for fans of mystery thrillers.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0BNFMH529
One Bad Day
The Fall follows a private detective in London who, after losing his wife and daughter, tries to find redemption in life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I imagined a man who was bored of life. How he would feel if he lost what he cared about. What he would feel in pain, and how the experience would change him. How he would seek redemption, only to find a sense of shame for the way his life turned out.
What emotional and moral guidelines did you follow when developing your characters?
I attempted to demonstrate that the world and its inhabitants are more than just black and white characters. There are more shades of gray than there are of transparency. Where even wicked people can make moral decisions. People who are good can be harsh. And the main character strikes a balance between the two. He tries to help and do good, yet he isn’t afraid to get his hands filthy.
Ariel Fall feels that every decision he makes is wrong, sending him further into failure. Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
I believe in keeping things simple. At the moment, a slightly different worldview is being given. Where people can do whatever they want with no consequences. I believe in the outcomes of our decisions. Every action we make has an impact on the future. Just as I am aware that the majority of us are decent individuals. But, sadly, we are also capable of change. Not always for the better. “Sometimes all you need is one bad day.”
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I wrote the book as a single piece. However, near the end of the writing process, I had the notion to continue Ariel’s adventures. I can divulge the book’s title: The Fallen. But will it ever be revealed? There is a concept if people want it to continue. I simply hope that this time I won’t have to open up healed wounds to grasp the character and accurately represent him.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Regrets are like birthdays—they keep coming, each one a new scar slowing you down and dragging you closer to your grave.
Ariel Fall, a seasoned private investigator, knew this well. After the devastating loss of his wife and young daughter, Ariel attempts to forge ahead, leaving behind the painful memories that threatened to ensnare him. But his quest for redemption proved more elusive than anticipated, and his entanglement in a series of harrowing investigations were proving rather useless, only serving to expose the darkest corners of humanity’s nature and the enigmatic depths of the human mind.
Haunted by the relentless pursuit of truth, Ariel embarks on a treacherous journey, encountering a seductive femme fatale and an enigmatic “guardian angel” along the way. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lavender Killer, the League of Damned, and the notorious Dirty Joe, he discovers the pervasive corruption lurking within the very heart of the London police force.
In a world where rules and morality blur, Ariel is forced to confront his own limitations and question the validity of conventional approaches. Struggling with the weight of his decisions, each one seeming to lead to his downfall, he realizes that true impact requires bending and even breaking the rules. With the specter of failure looming, Ariel must navigate treacherous waters where every choice feels like a waking nightmare.
Spirits From the Other Side
Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased follows a man investigating the accident that almost killed him while he grapples with helping a man only he can see. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I was writing the Polish Dragon P.I. series when the idea of having a spirit from beyond needing a private detective popped into my head. Not wanting to take the Polish Dragon down a different path, I decided to create a new character and have him work with the spirits from the other side. Plus, I have always been intrigued by ghost stories and people who say they can communicate with the dead. I also wrote it simultaneously with the Polish Dragon P. I. The Missing Gambler. Both books are intertwined with the same storyline.
Did you plan the tone and direction of Detective Dean’s story, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
It came out organically as I was writing this story. The difficult part was making sure that this story fell in line with the Polish Dragon story which I mentioned above. The Cameron Dean story is told in the first person, and the Polish Dragon is told in the third, and I had to make sure the writing style was reflected properly in each storyline. Sometimes things would pop into my head that helped me write the story, and I was wondering if I was actually getting help from beyond. I do believe that our loved ones still look down on us and help us whenever they can.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
I always try to put into each story some things from my own life. They might be places where I grew up, schools that I attended, or businesses or things from the old neighborhood that no longer exist. Some people have actually mentioned that when they read my books. Especially people that I grew up with and relatives. For me, adding something personal makes the story more believable.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I have been considering doing another book which is why I ended this one the way I did. It more than likely will be after the holidays, though. It would mean writing two series at the same time. That may prove to be quite a challenge. Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased and The Polish Dragon P. I. series, one for the spirit world and one for the day-to-day world.
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Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased
In Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased, author Steve Zimcosky presents a gripping narrative that masterfully blends the elements of a mystery thriller with a touch of the supernatural. The story unfolds with Detective Dean awakening from a coma, caused by an incident involving a truck six months earlier. Dean’s memory of his life prior to the accident is fragmented, leaving him to piece together his past while grappling with intense and haunting recurring nightmares.
A compelling twist in the tale occurs when Dean, alone in his hospital room, notices a mysterious figure at his bedside — a figure invisible to others. Seeking understanding, he turns to Francine, a psychic, who reveals that Dean’s near-fatal accident has unexpectedly heightened his sensitivity to the supernatural. Through Francine’s guidance, Dean learns that the apparition is Sammy, a man Dean had relentlessly pursued in his law enforcement career before Sammy’s untimely death. The plot takes a fascinating turn as the hunter and hunted form an unlikely alliance, seeking to solve the twin mysteries of Dean’s attempted murder and Sammy’s death.
Zimcosky’s narrative style is exceptionally immersive, drawing the reader into each scene with richly detailed descriptions. The story’s uniqueness lies in its blend of genres, offering a fresh take on the murder mystery by incorporating elements of the supernatural. The dynamic between the living Detective Dean and the spectral Sammy adds a layer of depth to the storyline, exploring themes of redemption, closure, and the unresolved threads of a life abruptly ended. The portrayal of Sammy’s emotional journey, as he revisits significant locations from his life, is handled with sensitivity and depth. Zimcosky skillfully evokes empathy for Sammy, allowing readers to viscerally experience his turmoil and longing for resolution.
This novel deserves high praise for its inventive plot and Zimcosky’s keen attention to detail. His ability to create vivid, engaging scenes makes the book a compelling read. I recommend Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased to anyone seeking a mystery that ventures beyond the conventional, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience. Zimcosky’s talent for weaving intricate narratives is evident, making this book a standout in its genre.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0CKVJ9HXY
