Tag: suspense

Shafted (Nemesis Series Book 1) by John Mahaffey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A rising superstar in the world of golf must reclaim his self-worth amid a criminal investigation that threatens to tear his family apart in Luthor John Mahaffey’s “Shafted,” the first book in the Nemesis series.

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The Synopsis

Trey McCall, an up-and-coming superstar on the golf circuit, staggered past a mirror and gasped at his reflection; horrified, he froze and stared at his pathetic image—sweating profusely through a torn and faded Bob Seger tee shirt, eyes blood red and glazed, hands shaking, mouth dry and scratchy as sandpaper. The disciplined essence of an athlete, a thing of the past—each intoxicated day mirrors the last and the next—lured from his principled sheltered life on The Circle M Ranch by unscrupulous forces in the real world.

Suddenly fully aware—he must escape this highway to nowhere—to regain purpose in and for his life. The obstacles were infinite—four truths, his only vehicle:

He would need significant help to get there.

He must own his past to have a future.

Karma is real.

Trust is earned.

Lucky Richards, his nefarious business manager—a catalyst for disaster—vanishes, leaving in his wake an international trail of egregious felonies implicating McCall and his family. Survival becomes Trey’s primary concern, as golf takes a backseat.

Find out who steps in to help set Trey straight. Can McCall reclaim his self-worth on his journey back from rock bottom and come out on top in the unfamiliar territory of organized crime investigation?

The Review

As far as mystery and suspense novels go, this book took the cake. I was thoroughly surprised and engaged in the direction this story took. The character development of this book, especially the protagonist, showcased his arc from up-and-coming popular pro golfer to disgraced athlete to head of a heroic company, which was unique and creatively done. It showcased a more extraordinary world-building and mythos developed by the author for this series, which will instantly draw readers in.

The powerful themes running through this book, from the toxicity that can come from pursuing money and fame to the need for resilience in the face of failure and hardship, kept me as a reader invested in these characters. The balance the author found in really honing in on the struggles and temptations that those in professional athletics find themselves with, the mystery and suspense surrounding organized crime, and the formation of a force for good made this such a compelling novel.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, highly creative, and thoroughly entertaining, author John Mahaffey’s “Shafted” is the grand opening narrative in the Nemesis series and a must-read mystery. The twists and turns in the story and the affluent journey readers are treated to as the protagonist evolves and grows throughout the novel make the book feel accessible and engaging. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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John Mahaffey is a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Between 1973 and 1999, he won ten events on the PGA Tour. His last PGA win was on the Champions Tour, at the 1999 Southwestern Bell Dominion.

Two of John’s most exciting years on the PGA tour were 1978 and 1979. In 1978 he won back-to-back tour events: the PGA Championship followed by the American Optical Championship. He also won the World Cup individual that year, plus the team event paired with Andy North at Princeville on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. John played on the victorious 1979 Ryder Cup team and the World Cup team that same year in Athens, Greece, with Hale Irwin as his partner.

In 2003, John was successful in making the challenging transition from pro golfer to announcer/analyst on Golf Channel covering the Champions Tour.

Off the course John released his first book Hogan’s Boy: A Journey In Golf, plus he hosts a monthly radio show called A Glimpse of Greatness, on Sirius 208 XM 93 PGA Tour Radio.

John also delivers motivational keynote speeches filled with great stories about golf and life.

In his spare time John enjoys fishing and writing, and he always enjoys promoting the game of golf.

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Sanctity of Freedom: An Inspector William Fox Series by Peter Thomas Pontsa Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A kidnapped young woman and savagely assassinated diplomats lead an inspector and an FBI agent to hunt down a ruthless killer in author Peter Thomas Pontsa’s “Sanctity of Freedom: An Inspector William Fox Series.”

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The Synopsis

While Inspector William Fox and girlfriend Tracy Jordan cruised on his cigarette boat The Midnight Fox, a crackle of the police scanner informed him a body had washed up on a beach. Much to Tracy’s disapproval, William chose to investigate. The Montreal police investigator already on the scene discovered a note on the body intended for William’s friend and taekwondo master, Mr. Kim. He is certain the note was from his long-lost sister, Mi-Cha. Kidnapped, while still a child, and trapped in North Korea, Kim is convinced she is still alive and implores William to help get her home.

Sanctity of Freedom plunges RCMP Inspector Fox and FBI Special Agent Patrick Reilly into an investigation of a savage assassination of a Canadian diplomat and two Australian intelligence agents. Meanwhile, Kim and his old friends chase down leads to find his sister that point to Pyongyang, the North Korean leadership, and the shadowy operatives of Bureau 39 who skirt the NATO sanctions.

All of them get drawn into a murderous game of cat and mouse leading Mr. Kim to face the man who took his sister and William Fox to match wits with the cunning killer.

The Review

This was such a compelling and engaging read. The author found the perfect balance between character development and fast-paced action, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world the author crafted. The exploration of different government agencies and law enforcement, and the high-stakes global espionage, drove the narrative forward and added more depth to the murder mystery element that began this story.

The world-building and mystery the story brings together throughout this novel bring the theme of freedom and what one is willing to do to gain that freedom, such as a spotlight. The adrenaline-fueled action and the emotional twist that Mr. Kim and his fight to save his sister gave more purpose to William Fox’s mission, and the amount of detail that went into bringing the setting of North Korea to life with its dangerous regime and geopolitical setting made this a remarkable read. 

The Verdict

The breathtaking imagery, atmosphere, and entertaining narrative made this a must-read international thriller. The suspense and drama fuel the thrilling action, and the remarkable character development adds more emotion and heart to these pages, keeping readers engaged until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Peter Thomas Pontsa is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the Wordsmiths based out of Alliston, Ontario. An avid British sports car enthusiast, he has raced with Jagged Edge Motorsports, former president of the Headwaters British Car Club and a student of taekwondo with a second-degree blackbelt. A retired business man, he lives in Loretto, Ontario, Canada, with his author wife Angela van Breemen, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee.

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Delicious Surrender (Dominant Billionaire Series Book 1) by Luce Sutherland Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman writing a novel and a gruff billionaire find their worlds colliding in this steamy Erotic thriller from author Luce Sutherland, “Delicious Surrender,” the first book in the Dominant Billionaire Series. 

The Synopsis

Brynne Larimore is going back to her three-date rule. Her judgmental ex-boyfriend is history, and her steamy BDSM novel needs an injection of real-life experience. Club Dominus promises an education, if she can get past the icy Scottish billionaire who owns the place. Too bad his arrogance makes her want to rattle his cage, not follow his rules.

Gage MacLeod has been called a grumpy alpha-hole, and he wears the label proudly. Ruthless and unyielding, he protects his London club’s elite clientele and refuses to be tempted by the willful, curvy redhead pretending to be submissive. His pr*ck might be intrigued, but rules are rules.

When Brynne attracts the attention of a notorious Russian club member known for devious tactics of seduction, Gage must make a choice: protect her or walk away. But when she betrays his trust and puts his business at risk, his wrath knows no bounds.

Scorching chemistry draws them together and a very public scandal tears them apart. Will they untangle the web of secrets and lies before it’s too late?

Delicious Surrender is a grumpy-sunshine, boss billionaire, dom/brat, lovers-to-enemies to a-sex-tutoring-truce between two people with trust issues. There is plenty of spice, angst, and suspense and a hard-fought HEA. This is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Please follow me for news of the next book in the Dominant Billionaire Series.

This book contains explicit sexual content. For a full list of content and trigger warnings, please visit: lucesutherland.com.

The Review

For anyone who is a significant fan of erotica and BDSM-forward erotica in particular, with an element of thriller and action thrown in as well, this was the perfect read for you. The author found an outstanding balance in the novel between the steamier, more erotica-driven scenes between the two protagonists and the complex character developments that brought them together and drove them apart as the story progressed. 

The enemies-to-lovers and lovers-to-enemies tropes blended well in this novel. The spiciness of the main character’s encounters with one another and the twist on the relationship that comes later when a personal loss takes Brynne to Skye intensify their connection in ways neither of them could have seen coming. 

The Verdict

Heated, passionate, and engaging author Luce Sutherland’s “Delicious Surrender” is a must-read for fans of erotica and romance. The infusion of action, suspense, and character-driven narrative will instantly grab fans of the genre and keep them enthralled with this new erotic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Luce Sutherland has been reading juicy, erotic romance since before it was mainstream… when you couldn’t hide behind a Kindle, and you had to bring the illicit book to the register – and be judged by the cashier.

When those books became harder to find, she resorted to writing her own stories with delicious, dominant alpha heroes and the bold, sassy heroines they aim to tame. Luce lives with her own alpha husband in the Sunshine state, even though she gets sunburned walking from the car to the grocery store. She is passionate about living each day to the fullest, which includes nurturing authentic friendships, savoring Maui coffee, indulging in Scottish gin and being a devoted advocate for the benefits of self-care. Her motto is LIVE LIFE JUICY!

Please follow her on Instagram (lucesutherlandwrites) or check out her website: lucesutherland.com.

Miranda Fights (A Miranda Quinn Legal Twist) by Gail Ward Olmsted Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

With young women disappearing and a ruthless organization behind it all, the former host turned lawyer Miranda Quinn must work to save these young women before it’s too late in the book Miranda Fights by Gail Ward Olmsted.

The Synopsis

Miranda Quinn is back in the courtroom working as a legal aid attorney when she’s asked to represent Lennon, the daughter of a high school friend currently serving time in prison. Still struggling with guilt from the role she played in her friend’s downfall, Miranda agrees to help.

The former assistant DA has given up a lucrative career as a legal talk radio host to better serve her community. In her spare time, she volunteers as a counselor for at-risk teens. It’s challenging but rewarding, at least until the young women begin to mysteriously disappear. As Miranda struggles to find out who is responsible, it becomes clear that Lennon is in danger as well. As the police piece together Miranda’s clues, they realize they’re dealing with a much larger and farther-reaching organization than they had expected.

Miranda has faced her share of adversaries, both in and out of the courtroom. To expose the sex traffickers preying on the group of girls she has sworn to protect, she’ll need to keep her eyes and ears open. But to save the one young woman who needs her most, she’ll have to open her heart.

She’s in for the fight of her life.

The Review

The balance the author found in persona development for her star protagonist and the chilling realities of the crime she investigates is very on point here, a Gail Ward Olmsted staple that has drawn readers throughout this series. The exploration of Mirandas’ friendship with her high school friend Charlene and the consequences of their friendship’s end on Charlene’s daughter years later make the narrative entirely compelling and easy to get lost in.

While the overarching story of the protagonist and her exploits are part of this growing legal thriller series, what always impresses me is that the author makes each novel stand out on its own, allowing each narrative its opportunity to shine. The horrors of human trafficking and the brutal fight against it are thoroughly explored here, and the descriptive nature of the settings allows the story to pop off the page.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Miranda Fights” is a must-read legal thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the exploration of more domestic relationships, and the bonds that Miranda makes with Lennon will stay with readers as the story progresses.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical novel featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Miranda Fights is the third book in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series. Olmsted enjoys writing about quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after. When not writing, she loves being on the water, especially in a kayak. She is well known for her blonde brownies, and coffee is her love language. For more, visit her on Facebook at gailolmstedauthor.

The Time Codes: A Historical Thriller of Ancient Secrets, Mystical Artifacts, and a Race Against Time by Angel Monge Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In Angel Monge’s The Time Codes, an archeologist discovers a history-altering secret and must decipher clues while outrunning dangerous forces.

The Synopsis

Discover The Time Codes, an enthralling historical thriller where ancient secrets, mystical artifacts, and conspiracy collide on the mysterious streets of Istanbul.

Michael Rothban, an archaeologist, makes a life-changing discovery in a forgotten library—a hidden manuscript linked to a legendary alchemist. What starts as a simple find quickly spirals into a dangerous quest, unlocking centuries-old secrets that could alter the course of history. Chased by powerful forces intent on keeping these secrets buried, Michael must decipher cryptic codes while staying one step ahead in a race against time.

As danger mounts and allies emerge from unexpected places, Michael’s journey will test his wits, courage, and heart. With a touch of romance and a sweeping narrative that blurs the lines between past and present, The Time Codes will keep you on the edge of your seat.

For fans of Dan Brown, historical mysteries, and thrillers packed with intrigue, The Time Codes is a must-read. Dive into a gripping adventure where every page brings you closer to uncovering a truth that could change everything.

Unlock the mystery today and join the adventure.

The Review

A genuinely compelling and captivating read. The author does an excellent job finding the perfect balance between historical fiction and science fiction thriller. The way the city of Istanbul and its history became its character in a sense more than just a setting allowed the reader to feel transported, engaged with the natural beauty and man-made iconic locals that helped elevate this narrative and engage in the rich imagery the author’s writing produced. 

The book’s heart was in the character development and the narrative itself. Exploring alchemy and how advanced science could have played a role in ancient history and mythology was so consuming as the story progressed. Getting to explore the secret society known as Tempus and how they evolved was fun, and yet the emotional core of protagonist Michael and how he grows after suffering a significant loss and learning to love again made this a relatable and heartfelt story at its core.

The Verdict

Author Angel Monge’s “The Time Codes” is a must-read novel, a thrilling and expansive historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The shocking twists and turns, the open-ended mysteries, and the cliffhanger ending for some characters will have fans eager for more entries into this fascinating new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Angel Monge is a storyteller born amidst the rich coffee lands of Costa Rica. Having journeyed across the Americas, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the welcoming embrace of Santander, Colombia, he has soaked up a tapestry of cultures that infuse his writing. With “THE TIME CODES,” Angel weaves a thrilling adventure of mystery and discovery, marking his literary debut with a story that is as breath-holding as it is soul-warming. A lover of thrillers with a deep appreciation for narrative, Angel combines his passion for history with a talent for crafting tales that traverse the boundaries of time and space. In his personal life, he is devoted to his family as a husband and father of two boys and finds his strength and guidance in his Christian faith. With a voice as authentic as the lands that raised him, Angel Monge invites readers to dive into stories that promise not just entertainment but also a window into the mysteries that have captivated humankind throughout the ages.

The Mascot: Ground Zero in the Cave Sun Series by Maria Ian Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In author Maria Ian’s ” The Mascot, ” the first in the Cave Sun Series, a human rights attorney uncovers a secret war waging in Latin America by clandestine groups and finds himself the target of a band of assassins.

The Synopsis

Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?

Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.

Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.

When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.

The Review

This was a riveting and harrowing read. The author found a great balance between personal character development and conspiracy thriller. The slow-burn pacing yet thrilling events in the protagonist’s everyday life and the gripping drama that unfolds even in the earliest chapters of the narrative will stay with readers as they delve deeper and deeper into this new series.

The mix of courtroom drama, criminal investigation, and character growth will keep readers invested in this narrative. The protagonist is a compelling character, driving readers to engage not only with his legal actions but also with his personal development, from the friends and romances in his life to the clients he is willing to go the extra mile for to uncover the truth, with the truth being a prominent theme in this conspiracy thriller.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining author Maria Ian’s “The Mascot” is a must-read conspiracy and crime thriller and the perfect introduction to this new series. The twists and turns in the story and the rich character growth will keep the shocking events of this narrative embedded in the reader’s minds as the human psyche becomes the novel’s focal point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Maria wrote her first novel at the age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. She is the author of seventeen books, including an international bestseller. She has also served as editor of numerous books, including an Amazon health and fitness bestseller.

As a legal project manager for fifteen years, Maria assisted survivors of violence and torture from conflict zones internationally and wrote and published for trade publications. She also worked in PR and was host and producer for a regional public access TV show featuring interviews on current affairs.

Maria has a Ph.D. in political science, a JD in law, and is licensed in traditional Chinese medicine, trauma counseling, and physical fitness.

She created the crime and spy thriller Cave Sun series.

Why do I write? Listen to my interview here. 

https://caveofthesun.com/

Dash Allman, PI Volume 1 (Dash Allman Mysteries) by Diane Bator Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Private investigator Dash must contend with jewel thieves, murderers, a runaway Llamma, and more in author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman PI Volume 1”, the first in the Dash Allman Mysteries series!

The Synopsis

Meet Dashiell Allman-Dash for short. She loves long walks on the beach, Jimmy Buffet, and a good mystery, which is why she became a Private Investigator and lives in a cottage on the beach.

Join Dash as she tackles jewel thieves, killers, a runaway llama, a cat lady, boyfriends, and many more!

The Review

This was such a fun, thrilling, and engaging story. The author did a fantastic job crafting a collection of short stories that felt like a vignette of different cases from the case files of the PI. The story follows Dash, a private investigator, from the earliest days of her fascination with criminal investigations at the age of twelve to her storied career and beyond. The variety of the cases that the author brings to each story and the entertaining, fun nature of the setting itself allows the reader to get lost in these cases. 

The relatability of the protagonist and the fast pacing of the stories made for a smooth and memorable read. Dash’s stubbornness as she rushes to find the truth and the interesting dialogue between herself and the people in her sphere (police investigators and criminals alike) made her such a powerful protagonist to root for. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and memorable, author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman, PI Volume 1” is a must-read cozy mystery. The quirky and fun vibes that the author layers into each story within this volume will stay with readers and leave them wanting more from this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on November 22nd 2024 or preorder today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

Ogwen Blues by George Veck Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A toxic family dynamic threatens to burst in an explosive way in author George Veck’s “Ogwen Blues”.

The Synopsis

Fifty-year-old football referee Colin Tudur has endured a pitiful, people-pleasing existence up in the mountains of north Wales. But his time has come! Now finally chasing his dream, he quits his steady job and commits to full-time training, itching for promotion to the Welsh Premier League and the chance to ref on S4C. But such selfishness far from serves his parasitic, coercive wife Clare and stepson Dale, who have long grown dependent on his salary.

Now thwarted in his pursuit of freedom by North Wales’ second-home owner induced housing shortage, twenty-year-old Dale’s forced to wallow in the family’s toxic, co-dependent bubble. Someone’s bound to break…

Hard hitting and fiercely raw, Ogwen Blues charts their plight to thrive in an area starved of adequate opportunities.

The Review

A genuinely compelling and thought-provoking read, author George Veck once again captures the raw, visceral, and emotional tidal wave that often overpowers everyday people in harsh living environments. The culture and social aspects of life in Northern Wales are skewed by the toxicity of this family dynamic and the chilling nature of the drug trade and life lived immersed fully into the world of drugs. The author creatively weaves the tension and heavy atmosphere into the narrative, allowing the painful memories and layers of the family’s toxic history to manifest and bloom naturally on the page.

The heart of this narrative is in the character development and powerful themes the author explores. The narrative allows the reader to look behind the curtain of life in Northern Wales and glimpse the dysfunction within this family unit. The raw, nearly overwhelming nature of human cruelty and the viciousness of drug use skillfully bring this story to new heights and allow the reader to explore the complex depths of human relationships and the cruel nature of life itself.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and gritty, author George Veck’s “Ogwen Blues’ is a must-read suspense thriller. The seamless blend of action, drama, and suspense will keep readers invested in the developing story, and the emotional rollercoaster that these characters find themselves on will make the chilling events of the narrative stay with readers long after that final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Born in Hastings but raised in North Wales, George mostly writes gritty crime fiction set in Wales.

His inspiration partly derives from political greed, and the plights of those who suffer as a result; whether that’s from mental health issues our criminally underfunded health system won’t treat, housing shortages, domestic abuse, or living in crippling poverty without hope.

As of 2024 George has published six books. Dark domestic thriller Belabour is his latest.

Interview with Author Patrick Canning

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

-Years ago, I went to film school, focused mainly on directing. I discovered a passion for screenwriting, which later led to a love of writing in general. When I was around thirty, I figured I’d give a novel a try and haven’t looked back since! 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

-Mostly the main character, Teddy. I wanted to write a character who is genuine and kind (though not naive), and to then place that character in the seedy and unpredictable world of a private investigator in L.A. I had also wanted to write something that critiqued advertising and disinformation. At that point it was just a matter of swirling everything together into an entertaining narrative.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

-I hope readers are more patient with people, more aware of disinformation, and less tolerant of letting advertising into their lives unchallenged. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

-I love twisty and somewhat weird detective stories that often keep the reader on shaky ground but (mostly) congeal by the end. I feel like detective stories provide a lot of opportunities for playful misdirection, colorful characters, and sneaky foreshadowing, all of which are fun to write.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

-Teddy! I’d ask him how he maintains the stamina to be open and accepting no matter what’s thrown his way. 

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

-I try to really limit my social media for a lot of reasons, so the only one I use is Instagram. I think it’s pretty well suited to the needs of an author since you can post new covers, text, or videos (I made a few for this book that are pretty fun). 

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

-Try to get all the way through to finished book so you can see every aspect of the process. Also to figure out ways to combat discouragement; there’s no one path to being a writer or artist, but perseverance seems like a must-have, no matter the route 

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

-I’m already deep into the next novel, my first sci-fi story. I’m very, very excited for this one. It’s still coming together, but broadly, it focuses on a utopian-like city, and explores what can be achieved if we’re able to control and use AI to our advantage. Things certainly go wrong, but overall I would say it’s an optimistic look at a possible future. 

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Author Bio: 

PATRICK CANNING is the author of For Your Benefit (2024), Cryptonalia (2021), Hawthorn Woods (2020), The Colonel and the Bee (2018), and Cryptofauna (2018).

His work often blends genres, combining elements of humor, adventure, fantasy, and mystery into stories with imaginative settings, quirky characters, and typos.

Patrick lives in Chicago with his Australian Shepherd, Hank. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys walks on the lakefront, being excited/worrying about AI, and eating his bodyweight in potatoes.

www.patrickcanningbooks.com

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