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I Knew I Had My Story
The Scotland Project follows an investigative journalist who finds himself knee-deep in conspiracies when he examines the mystery behind a terrorist attack in 2005 London. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Failure was my inspiration. I had made three previous attempts to write a novel and couldn’t get over the hump. All three were very different. With The Scotland Project, I decided to create a world I knew more about. I was determined to make the characters believable and the plot equally so. I started to look for threads to pull and came across the alleged fifth bomber of the London attacks in 2005. There was actually a person arrested years later but what happened to that person is a mystery. When I researched that, I knew I had my story.
Which character in your book do you feel you relate to most?
There is a little bit of me in Mathieu James and probably a little bit of me in Conan MacGregor. This was another change I made approaching this fourth attempt – the characters are all composites of people I know who do the things they do in the book, with certain liberties taken of course.
What draws you to write espionage thrillers?
I grew up reading everything. As a teen, I was drawn to westerns by Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey and thrillers by Tom Clancy. I loved getting lost in their worlds. Later, I started reading John le Carre, Ian Fleming, and others. Being a child of the late 70s/early 80s, the Cold War was very real. Spy stories were in the newspapers and on the evening news. It was captivating. But I’ve also written a literary fiction book called The Sunflower Widows which should be out next year as well. I’m drawn to great stories, interesting characters, and dynamic locations.
What is next for main character Mathieu James? Is there a follow-up novel in the works?
In order to answer these questions, I’m taking a short break from writing the second in the Mathieu James series. So yes, there will be another in 2025, and if you read The Scotland Project, you’ll find the clues on where the story may go!
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A decade later, a chilling clue surfaces, linking this hidden mastermind to the devastating 2015 Paris attacks. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice, James plunges into a high-stakes, covert investigation that spans continents. Joined by fearless colleague Ana-Marie Poulin and seasoned MI5 veteran Conan MacGregor, he races against time to unravel a conspiracy determined to strike again.
From the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles to the corridors of Amsterdam’s airport, the shadowy alleys of Paris to the cobblestone streets under Edinburgh’s imposing castle, James navigates an unraveling mystery destined for mass destruction. With each heart-pounding step, the line between his dual identities blurs, and the stakes skyrocket. A ruthless terror mastermind with seemingly unlimited resources closes in, forcing James to confront not only external threats but his own deep-seated demons.
As Scotland teeters on the brink of chaos and the body count rises, James faces an impossible choice: Will he finally unmask the evil that shattered his world, or will his relentless pursuit lead him into a trap from which there’s no escape?
In this pulse-pounding international thriller, time is running out, trust is a luxury, and the truth might be the deadliest weapon of all. Perfect for fans of Vince Flynn and Jack Carr.
The Scotland Project
The Scotland Project centers on Mathieu James, an investigative journalist for the International Herald Tribune, who becomes deeply embroiled in unraveling the mystery behind the 2005 London terrorist attack. Of the five perpetrators, one—believed to be the mastermind—escaped. While pursuing a money-laundering investigation, James stumbles upon crucial evidence linking an African financier suspected of funding numerous terrorist activities to the elusive fugitive. As his investigation deepens, James uncovers a labyrinth of conspiracies with far-reaching implications. Drawing on his military background and veteran experience, he teams up with Conan MacGregor, an MI5 agent of Irish descent. Together, and with the support of colleagues Alyssa Stevens and Ana-Marie Poulin, the pair embarks on a harrowing mission to thwart an imminent terror attack in Edinburgh.
Matthew Fults delivers a gripping narrative brimming with action, suspense, and intrigue. A seasoned journalist and editor, Fults demonstrates remarkable command over storytelling techniques. His deliberate use of long, descriptive passages captures the slow passage of time, while brisk, concise sentences ramp up tension in critical moments. Although the plot unfolds at a measured pace initially, it gains momentum as the story progresses, building to an electrifying climax. The interplay between characters, particularly Conan MacGregor’s role as a counterbalance to the dominant presence of James, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
I feel the novel lacks depth in its portrayal of female characters, who remain somewhat sidelined throughout the story. They are largely relegated to roles of superficial support or reduced to stereotypes, valued more for their physical appeal than their substance. I would have liked to have seen these characters developed into fully realized characters.
The Scotland Project is an electrifying read. Fans of espionage thrillers like those by Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum will relish its blend of action, intrigue, and complex global stakes. For readers who enjoy layered conspiracies and morally gray heroes, this is a solid pick. It kept me turning pages late into the night, even as I occasionally winced at some tropes.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0DGB3X87Z
US Commissioned Warship
Intrepid Spirit follows a modern-day Navy Commander who is sent to “Old Ironside” for a PR cruise that turns into a battle with terrorists using antiquated weaponry. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story was the events of 9/11. It was a reminder that, in effect, the Barbary Coast war of the early 1800s never really ended. That war prominently featured the U.S.S. Constitution, “Old Ironsides” a ship I read about extensively as a boy when I was fascinated by the age of sail. Research revealed that the ship is the oldest ship in the world and, significantly, still a US commissioned warship. Readers of the book will learn how important that factor is to the plot.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The main character, Captain Moses Redding, was a challenge. Motivated by politics, the treatment he received from the navy over what most would consider a heroic action ignites a bitterness in him. His transfer to command of the Constitution on a PR cruise is purgatory for this man of action. The difficulty for me was in showing expressions of that bitterness without allowing it to overwhelm the character. I needed to show him to be a complex character that includes very likable traits and a depth that is key to the transformation in his character arc.
What research did you do for this novel to ensure that you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Intrepid Spirit was heavily researched in every aspect of the plot down to the smallest details. They included specifics regarding the US Navy now and in the age of sail, modern-day and historic Islamic influences around the world, the Qur’an itself, Muslim beliefs, geographic, astrological, flora, fauna, and meteorological details, miscellaneous historic points and every detail of the ship herself, including her reputation as a haunted vessel, which prompted a key element of the plot.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Not currently working on another book, but have compiled notes on another military action novel that I believe will share the kind of elements that make Intrepid Spirit distinct in the genre.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Onboard is the alluring but high-spirited Dr. Miriam Hannah. She’s a naval historian and the top aide to Vice President Virginia Mitchell, point person on the peace talks. A battle of the sexes ensues between the mutually attracted, but conflicted lovers.
While terrorists abduct VP Mitchell in a plot to destroy the talks and ignite a world-wide jihad, the haunted Constitution mysteriously intervenes in Redding’s personal transformation. He returns the favor by ordering the crew trained in her antique weapons, unaware how vital that soon will be.
Intrepid Spirit
David Tunno’s Intrepid Spirit audiobook takes listeners on a thrilling voyage through historical and contemporary naval adventures. The story begins in 1805, off the coast of Libya, where Commodore Edward Preble commands the USS Constitution in a daring mission against Barbary pirates. This gripping prologue sets the stage for a narrative that seamlessly transitions to the present day, weaving together tales of naval warfare, strategy, and personal valor across centuries.
Tunno’s story is both engaging and meticulous, capturing the essence of naval life with vivid descriptions and well-researched historical contexts. The depiction of Commodore Preble’s strategic brilliance and the detailed recounting of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur’s audacious mission to burn the captured Philadelphia are particularly compelling. Tunno’s portrayal of these historical figures is not only informative but also brings their characters to life, making readers feel the tension and excitement of their exploits.
Redding’s struggle with bureaucracy and the ethical dilemmas he faces in the Persian Gulf provide a stark contrast to Preble’s clear-cut battles, yet they do not always achieve the same level of engagement. Despite this, Redding’s character development and the challenges he encounters reflect the complexities of modern naval operations and the often murky waters of international politics.
One of the strengths of Intrepid Spirit is its ability to highlight the enduring spirit and resilience of naval officers across different eras. The parallels drawn between Preble’s and Redding’s experiences underscore the timeless nature of courage, leadership, and the moral quandaries faced by those in command. Tunno’s ability to intertwine these narratives adds a layer of depth to the story, emphasizing that while technology and geopolitical landscapes may change, the core values and challenges of naval service remain constant.
Intrepid Spirit is a captivating audiobook for anyone interested in naval history and military strategy. David Tunno’s narration is great and makes the story even more engaging, drawing listeners deeper into the world of naval adventures and historical drama. Tunno’s detailed narrative and character-driven storytelling make it a compelling audiobook that both educates and entertains. I would highly recommend it to history buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale of bravery and strategic ingenuity on the high seas.
Duration: 10 hours and 18 minutes | ASIN: B0BGM7518F
LITERARY TITAN 