Blog Archives
Overcoming Trauma
Backfire is a relentless espionage thriller where a hardened operative and a cunning businesswoman navigate a web of betrayal, government corruption, and deadly alliances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My motivation for the Jaywalker series is to address a subject of supreme importance for humanity, which is already beginning to arise. There are also elements of overcoming trauma and general hardship in life, which I have personally had life-changing experiences with. But these messages are subtle and blended into my favourite genre. Backfire is the starting point, and there are hints as to where the series is headed, but the beginning needed to be a thrilling story in itself while building the scene for what’s to come. I feel like I’ve achieved that.
Jayden is a compelling protagonist. What were some sources that informed his character’s development?
From a core perspective, Jayden is a sensationalised version of myself, much like many protagonists out there. His temperament and motivations are much like my own, and there are similarities in background circumstances as well. Writing Jayden into Backfire was an extremely natural process–instinctive. Creating the other characters was more challenging, but equally, if not, more enjoyable.
If Backfire were adapted into a film, who would be your dream cast for Jayden and Patricia?
I’m not familiar enough with the current suite of actors in the matching age range to give a worthwhile answer to this one. I have watched very few movies in the last decade as I prefer to read. But to give you an idea, I’d say a 40-ish-year-old Matt Damon would have nailed Jayden, and a 30-ish-year old Eva Green or Anne Hathaway for Patricia.
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Patricia Cooper is a charismatic, natural leader who battles sporadic personality-altering darkness due to a traumatic experience in her youth. She must take action before it ruins her life. During one such episode, she encounters Jayden Walker, an ex-engineer turned maverick, blazing a new path off society’s grid, intent on making a difference.
Jayden subsequently hikes deep into the forest on his most confronting project yet: to infiltrate the base’s fortress-like defenses and eliminate key personnel. On the journey, he forms a unique bond with an orphaned bobcat before his ingenuity is put to the test. What he discovers is a beginning, and in another state, the corrupt distribution of an arts grant leaves a trail of grime. But how does this relate to Patricia?
A Perilous, Twisty Road Trip
Outlaw follows an ex-con who, when released from prison, joins forces with his former captain to take down a ruthless tycoon responsible for the devastating fires across California. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I spoke with a number of real-life ex-cons about their journey from incarceration and back into society. Their challenges, their setbacks, and how it felt. I delved into where Mason was emotionally at the end of Book 1, Fireline, and built on the characters and conflicts of Fireline to craft the most authentic and thrilling continuation possible.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
In Outlaw, Mason is a man obsessed with finding a way to do something so undeniably good that it will “clean the slate” and free him from his past—even if it kills him. He is goaded along this path by former CalFire captain Mark Hallenbeck, who suffers from a disability for which Mason is responsible. Taking the role of the angel on his shoulder is Mason’s estranged mother, who seeks to make up for neglecting Mason because of her meth addiction.
Each main character in the book is reckoning with guilt (a healthy emotion) and/or shame (an unhealthy one) in some way—and each has something to learn from one another. All while trying to survive a perilous, twisty road trip.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you! I try to make sure that every beat in an action scene has stakes—something or someone that can be gained or lost—and that what’s happening is clear. It’s easy to get carried away if you love action, which I do, so I always try to come back to those goals.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I’m still figuring that out, actually. I think the next book will combine elements from Mason’s journey so far, like hazardous first responder situations and the bad actors who take advantage of these situations, while also exploring something new and different. It will continue Mason’s journey of figuring out how to live with himself—and how to just live. He’s come a long way from the guy who went along with his brother’s criminal ways, and he still has a lot of room to grow.
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Resourceful ex-con Mason “Mace” Jones will be damned if he lets Marshall get away with it.
Blacklisted from wildland firefighting, Mace’s last shot at redemption lies in finding a murderous fugitive who can expose Marshall’s deadly conspiracy.
But when he embarks on this perilous journey into California’s backcountry, Mace becomes a fugitive himself and must face assassins, renegade cops, and shadows from the past.
Can Mace survive this treacherous path, or will the flames of his past consume him?
A heart-pounding thriller, Outlaw will leave you breathless. With fierce action and searing depth of feeling, there’s never been a more riveting exploration of reckoning and forgiveness.
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Outlaw
Outlaw, the second installment in Anthony DeCapite’s Mason Jones thriller series, weaves a gripping tale of redemption, danger, and the enduring scars of one’s past. Eight months after his release from prison, Mason Jones is determined to rebuild his life, but his mission is far from straightforward. Haunted by choices made while serving on a prison fire crew—particularly his impersonation of a professional firefighter to avenge his brother’s death—Mason finds himself grappling with the consequences of his actions. To atone, he reluctantly joins forces with the former captain of the prison fire crew, targeting Erik Marshall, a ruthless tycoon responsible for devastating fires across California. As Marshall’s corrupt influence extends even into law enforcement, Mason’s quest for redemption becomes a perilous journey fraught with betrayal, danger, and the constant risk of losing everything he holds dear.
DeCapite masterfully balances high-octane entertainment with thoughtful exploration of complex themes. The novel delves into the nuances of redemption, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while rooting for Mason’s redemption arc. The narrative launches straight into action, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the harrowing action sequences and the quieter, introspective moments. DeCapite’s descriptions of the adrenaline-fueled confrontations immerse readers without overwhelming them, making every scene pulse with energy and tension. One of the novel’s standout qualities is its climactic payoff. While many thrillers stumble with lackluster endings, Outlaw delivers a finale brimming with suspense, emotion, and cinematic intensity—worthy of comparison to the best in the genre. The well-executed plot twists add a jolt of surprise and elevate the story’s entertainment value, ensuring readers remain engaged and on edge.
Outlaw is a riveting blend of action and reflection, offering not only an exhilarating read but also a meaningful look at the complexities of redemption. A must-read for thriller enthusiasts and anyone seeking a compelling, thought-provoking escape.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DMKY37B3
Pull Back the Curtain
Bad Pharma centers around a pharmaceutical professional and a medical monitor navigating the consequences of Big Pharma prioritizing of profits over patient safety. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Bad Pharma is based on real-life experiences witnessed by me and other colleagues that were then embellished to make for an exciting reader experience. The basic premise of the novel – that a pharma company could decide not to give those infants who received their failed experimental vaccine a dose of the licensed vaccine shown to prevent the given disease – actually happened, and was likely the most disheartening experience of my pharma career.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My father was a very intelligent man, who did not harness his intellect to achieve career success and financial comfort. Watching him struggle due to poor decisions made during the college years made me extremely motivated to make the most out of any talent that I had. I was driven to make a difference with my life and chose a career in medicine as the best way to do that.
This is such a timely topic. What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
As the basis of this story are events that occurred in real life, it was very easy to craft the story in a way that was realistic. Many of the scenes in the book were scenes that I lived.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This novel was my primary passion, as I wanted to pull back the curtain and educate the public on how Big Pharma makes decisions that may impact their lives. The book took four years to put together – mainly because writing is “not my day job.” I am therefore unsure I will write another one soon. I have considered a few topics, though. One would be an expose on the population of individuals who are hooked on gambling as a “Hail Mary” to transform their lives. I am interested in interviewing many of these individuals, understanding their motives, and getting a sense of how realistic or unrealistic their goals are. The title of the book would likely be called “Crapped Out.”
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When Siddhartha Kumar, OPL’s lead medical monitor assigned to the trial, discovers that RSVIX is not performing as planned, he notifies his superiors, recommending they stop the trial and offer a dose of RESPIRWELL to all the study participants to ensure their protection. When the company refuses to inoculate the trial population with the licensed vaccine, Sid questions the ethics behind this decision while continuing to advocate for the safety of the children. Sid’s insistence leads to his dismissal, leaving like-minded others in the company scrambling to fill the void.
Inspired by a true story, Bad Pharma delves into the consequential issues surrounding drug development, which often puts science and business at odds, and asks the ultimate question: when is the risk not worth the reward?
The Case Files of GG Michaels Paranormal Investigator
J.L. Meredith’s The Case Files of GG Michaels: Paranormal Investigator delivers a gripping mix of supernatural suspense, investigative drama, and sly humor. Each short story follows Guenevere “Guen” Michaels, a fearless paranormal investigator, and her steadfast partner, Janet Yamashita. Together, they tackle eerie mysteries, confronting everything from ghosts and vampires to legendary creatures, all while juggling their professional cases and personal challenges.
Meredith paints each scene with precision and atmosphere. Whether it’s an abandoned asylum cloaked in shadow or a creaking Victorian house steeped in ghostly whispers, the locations feel alive and dripping with supernatural tension. The chemistry between Guen and Janet shines brightly, with Guen’s daring and resourcefulness playing perfectly against Janet’s down-to-earth practicality and skeptical humor. Their moments of banter and camaraderie bring a lighthearted charm that balances the book’s darker, chilling tones. The pacing of each short story keeps the suspense tight, pulling readers into one eerie case after another. Every tale builds anticipation as Guen and Janet piece together clues and face malevolent entities. Meredith seamlessly weaves historical details into the paranormal fabric, such as the haunting ties of the Monahan house to the Underground Railroad, adding a sense of realism and depth. The fusion of folklore with modern investigative techniques creates a refreshing and inventive take on paranormal sleuthing.
Despite its many strengths, the collection’s brisk momentum sometimes works against it. The sheer variety of supernatural cases can feel somewhat overwhelming, with transitions between stories occasionally losing clarity. Some climactic moments resolve too quickly, leaving a hunger for deeper exploration of these terrifying encounters.
The Case Files of GG Michaels: Paranormal Investigator is an engrossing read for fans of paranormal mysteries. Meredith’s knack for atmospheric storytelling, sharp character dynamics, and the interplay of horror and humor make this book an exciting and memorable entry into the genre. It’s perfect for readers who love their chills with a dash of wit.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B0DLCG96ZF
Childhood Memories
Surf and Sand follows an adventurous twelve-year-old girl living in a seaside hotel with her mother and brother, who helps a detective to solve a missing person’s case, which is similar to a case in which he worked at the hotel before. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I used my childhood memories of the old Hermosa Biltmore Hotel for inspiration. I was 13 or 14 years old, and my mother often booked a room for weekends during the summer of ’58 and ’59. While the adults visited a nearby casino in the evenings, my pals and I explored the old hotel’s dark hallways and basement for hours. Plus, they rented surfboards on the strand outside. So, my novel is based upon childhood memories and not so much on any research, although it was in fact called the Surf and Sand when it was built.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
Organically. Mary Nell Morgan is 11 years old, sitting on the roof of the hotel, watching her brother and his friends surf, I was listening to her, and I suppose the mystery was something she needed because it kind of popped into my head.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
While reminiscing with my oldest friend one evening, he asked if I remembered our visits to the old hotel, and then suggested I write a story “where they find a body in the swimming pool!” Thanks, Fred!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Hypnotized should be published by summer, 2025. I am still working on it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | The Independent Author Network | Amazon
Originally published in 2019, the author thoroughly revised this work in 2023.
All Mortal Greatness
In All Mortal Greatness, Nelson Cover delivers a gripping murder mystery that plunges readers into a suspense-filled chase. Thomas Simpson and Zoltan Vastag find themselves on the hunt for a relentless drone assassin targeting the top ranks of Sessions University. The mystery intensifies with every chapter. How will they outsmart this elusive killer? What strategies will they employ to bring the murderer to justice? These questions kept me hooked, eager to unravel the mystery alongside the characters.
Cover’s storytelling shines with its fast-paced, engaging narrative. From the very first chapter, the plot captivated me, and there wasn’t a single moment where the momentum faltered. Each page pushed the story forward, and the pacing was spot on, allowing the reader to stay deeply immersed. Cover’s ability to maintain suspense while keeping the storyline clear and concise is impressive, and he masterfully keeps readers on edge, eager to see what happens next. The standout feature of this book, however, is its characters. Thomas Simpson and Zoltan Vastag are far from ordinary protagonists. Their intelligence, integrity, and deep care for others make them both relatable and admirable. Their thoughtful, well-developed personalities added richness to the plot and made their journey all the more compelling. I found myself invested not only in solving the mystery but also in the dynamic between these two remarkable individuals.
If you’re looking for a thrilling page-turner that combines mystery, suspense, and characters you’ll care about, All Mortal Greatness is an excellent choice. Nelson Cover has crafted a story that will hold your attention from start to finish. It’s a novel that leaves no room for boredom, only excitement and anticipation for what comes next. Highly recommended!
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0CYCLX1GM
2024: Attack on America
2024 Attack on America is an action-packed techno-thriller that dives into the world of cyber warfare, government secrets, and espionage. The plot follows Gabriel Brinkerhoff as he navigates a crisis involving hackers, leaked intelligence, and global cyber threats. Throughout the story, Gabriel interacts with world leaders, military officials, and even supercomputers as he works to unravel a conspiracy threatening national security. The novel uses real-world technology and touches on themes of privacy, governmental overreach, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in national defense.
One of the strengths of Sasha Zarustin’s book is its almost breathless momentum. Zarustin keeps the reader engaged with frequent plot twists and a sense of urgency that rarely lets up. For example, Gabriel’s race against time to expose hackers using VPN breaches and the manipulation of social media algorithms keeps the tension high. The dialogue is sharp and feels authentic, whether in the Oval Office or among tech moguls.
The novel also leans into a particular masculine bravado, which feels over-the-top at times, but some readers may appreciate these more intimate asides in an otherwise gripping thriller. On the other hand, Zarustin does a great job portraying the intricacies of modern technology and its potential for manipulation. His exploration of social media as a tool for mind control, as explained by the character Demiurge is fascinating and chilling. The book’s detailed analysis of cyber-attacks and the vulnerability of infrastructure makes the story feel real even when the characters venture into somewhat implausible heroics. Gabriel’s reflections on cyber warfare and the ethical consequences of whistleblowing add depth to an otherwise action-driven story.
The co-plot dives more into Gabriel’s personal life, his emotional struggles and often raw interpersonal relationships. This aspect of the story contrasts sharply with the techno-thriller elements and gives the novel an introspective and existential layer. These scenes, which are marked by frank dialogue, everyday tensions and moments of self-reflection, evoke a Bukowski-esque tone as they explore masculinity, disillusionment, and the messiness of life in a more grounded way.
2024 Attack on America is a fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of political thrillers and anyone looking for a good cyber warfare story. Its action-packed narrative offers a compelling look at the dark side of technology and the fragile balance between national security and privacy.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0D5Z2H9GS
