#Authorinterview with Bruce Thomas

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with Bruce Thomas, author of American Insurgent Ukraine: A Special Projects Unit Thriller.

FQ: Samuel Ball and Artem Bilyk live centuries apart, yet their stories mirror each other closely. When writing them, did you see them from the very beginning as thematic reflections of one another?

THOMAS: It wasn’t until late in the writing process that I realized Samuel Ball and Artem Bilyk were reflecting each other across centuries. That was a pleasant surprise as an author.

On the surface, they come from completely different worlds—Samuel is an enslaved man in the 18th century searching for freedom, while Artem is a modern CIA operative betrayed by the very agency he served. But beneath the surface, both men are fighting the same battle: survival, identity, and the struggle to reclaim control of their lives after being used by powerful systems.

Once I recognized those parallels, I leaned into them more deliberately. Their stories became connected by themes of betrayal, resilience, and the cost of freedom, even though they are separated by hundreds of years. I think that contrast helped give the novel a deeper emotional layer beyond espionage and historical mystery.

FQ: Did you want readers to see the novel as a thriller or as a broader exposition on power and institutions?

THOMAS: I wrote American Insurgent Ukraine first and foremost as a continuation of my Special Projects Unit series. My goal has always been to create an entertaining escape for readers—a world they can step into outside the noise and pressures of everyday life.

I try very hard not to project my fiction directly into today’s political turmoil. I think that can be dangerous on many levels, and it can also pull readers out of the story. Instead, I focus on creating believable characters, high-stakes situations, and layered mysteries that feel timeless rather than tied to a specific political moment.

That said, questions of power, institutions, loyalty, and corruption naturally become part of espionage fiction. Those themes exist because they are part of human nature and history, not because I’m trying to make a political statement. At its core, though, the novel is meant to be a thriller—blending suspense, historical mystery, espionage, and adventure into a story that keeps readers turning pages.

FQ: How much research went into the Revolutionary-era storyline?

THOMAS: A tremendous amount of research went into the Revolutionary-era storyline because I want my books to be historically accurate whenever possible. I try to build my fiction on a foundation of real people, real places, real timelines, and actual historical events so that even serious history buffs can stay immersed in the story.

One of my biggest goals as a writer is to avoid moments where a reader stops and says, “They didn’t have that in 1776,” or “That wouldn’t have happened during that time period.” If there’s a question about technology, language, ships, weapons, politics, trade routes, or even daily life, I research it until I can either confirm it fits the era or adjust the story.

The Revolutionary War portions of American Insurgent Ukraine required deep research into colonial America, Nova Scotia, British naval operations, and the legends surrounding Oak Island and Samuel Ball. I enjoy finding the historical gaps and problems before readers do. That attention to detail helps me create a world that feels authentic while still delivering the suspense and pacing of a thriller.

FQ: Samuel Ball emerges as one of the novel’s emotional anchors. What do you love most about his character?

THOMAS: What I love most about Samuel Ball is his strong sense of right and wrong. Even while fighting for his own survival and freedom, he’s able to see problems on a much bigger level than just his own life. He understands injustice deeply, and that gives him both strength and compassion throughout the story.

He constantly tries to become better despite the hardships around him. He builds relationships with people who need him, not people he can use for advantage, and that says a great deal about who he is at his core.

One of the most emotional parts of writing his character was the loss of his girlfriend. I wanted readers to truly feel his pain and helplessness in that moment. She leaves for America, but because Samuel is still considered a runaway slave, he cannot safely follow her without risking everything. That separation becomes more than just a lost romance—it represents the cruel reality of how little control he truly had over his own life, even while fighting so hard to claim his freedom.

His relationship with Frenchy also became one of my favorite unexpected developments in the novel. It wasn’t planned from the beginning, but it grew naturally as the story unfolded and added another emotional layer to Samuel’s journey.

FQ: Artem Bilyk carries a lot of internal conflict beneath his professionalism. Was it difficult balancing his human side with his role as an assassin?

THOMAS: Yes and no. Artem Bilyk began in my mind as an assassin first, so softening and humanizing him actually became a fairly natural progression. After all, he can’t get much darker than the way readers first meet him in the opening scene. From there, the challenge was to find the layers beneath professionalism and violence.

What interested me most was showing that even someone trained to operate in that world still struggles with trust, loyalty, and emotional connection. His relationship with the Black Widow helped expose that side of him. There’s attraction and understanding between them, but Artem is still a CIA operative at heart. He never fully trusts the first meeting, no matter how strong the connection feels.

In many ways, his mindset reflects the old intelligence community saying, “Trust, but verify.” That becomes part of Artem’s personal code. He wants connection, but experience has taught him that trust can be deadly if given too easily. That internal conflict helped make him more human and, I think, more believable as the story progressed.

FQ: The novel suggests that systems of power often use and discard people. Was that idea the central theme from the beginning, or did it emerge naturally as you wrote?

THOMAS: I knew from the beginning that the fallout from the rogue CIA director introduced in Book #2 had to carry forward into this story. A person in that position couldn’t hold onto power without creating damage around them. If he acted too cautiously or too kindly, eventually someone inside the system would turn against him. Power at that level almost always comes with paranoia, manipulation, and sacrifice.

So while I didn’t start the novel intending to make a broad political statement, the theme of powerful institutions using and discarding people emerged naturally from the story itself. In espionage fiction, loyalty is often conditional, and people can become expendable very quickly. Artem Bilyk lives in that reality every day.

More broadly, I think every government throughout history has had individuals determined to protect and expand their own power. That isn’t unique to modern times, it’s been true since Caesar and long before. Human nature doesn’t really change, even if the institutions and technology do.

What interested me as a writer was exploring how ordinary people survive and maintain their humanity within systems that often value power over loyalty or morality. This might take many books to solve.

FQ: What challenges came with balancing two timelines without losing momentum in either story?

THOMAS: Balancing the two timelines was probably one of the biggest structural challenges in the book. I had to carefully look for natural breaks in each storyline before shifting to the other timeline. You can’t just jump back and forth across 225 years without thinking about pacing, tension, and how the narrative is progressing for the reader.

Another important factor is that the timelines can’t feel too similar. If both stories are about the same type of events—bank robbers, war heroes, or multiple love affairs—readers can start to lose track and think, “Which timeline is this?” I wanted each storyline to have its own identity, tone, and emotional weight while still connecting thematically beneath the surface.

At the same time, one of the fun parts of writing dual timelines is using those transitions strategically. Sometimes moving 225 years right before a major event creates a kind of “stress point” in the narrative. The reader is left hanging for a moment, which builds suspense and anticipation—as long as you don’t overuse it.

When it works well, the timelines begin to complement each other instead of competing with each other, and that was one of the most rewarding parts of writing American Insurgent Ukraine.

FQ: Did any characters surprise you or evolve differently from how you originally imagined them?

THOMAS: Yes, absolutely. Some of the core Special Projects Unit characters—Bill, Mark, Shaun, and Jennifer—have now been with me through three books, so their personalities, motivations, and relationships are already very developed. At this point, I know how they think and how they’ll react under pressure.

The character who surprised me the most in American Insurgent Ukraine was Samuel Ball. As the historical storyline developed, he grew far beyond what I originally imagined. He became the emotional and narrative glue tied to the treasure mystery. Samuel held the key information, but the real tension for readers became discovering what he was ultimately going to do with the loot and what kind of man he would choose to become.

The Black Widow also evolved in an unexpected way. Initially, I thought she would play a relatively small role in the story. But as the writing progressed, she became much more important—not just to Artem Bilyk, but potentially to the future of the SPU series itself. By the end of the novel, she had grown into someone who could realistically become a future SPU agent, and that’s a major step for the character.

FQ: What do you hope readers should ponder on after finishing the novel?

THOMAS: I hope readers finish the novel feeling entertained first, but also feeling like they learned something they may have taken for granted in history. That’s one reason I included the endnotes. I want readers to look deeper into the real events, places, and people that inspired the story and realize that history is often far more complicated and fascinating than we remember from textbooks.

More than anything, I want readers to feel Samuel Ball. His struggles, sacrifices, setbacks, and victories were very real, even if parts of the story are fictionalized. He fought for freedom, dignity, and a better life in a world that constantly tried to deny him those things.

I also wanted readers to recognize that people like Hard Ass Fulton truly existed during the Revolutionary era and right up until the Civil War. Many individuals fighting for freedom from the King of England still did not believe freedom applied to everyone. That contradiction is part of the reality of history. The same people demanding liberty for themselves could deny it to others without seeing the hypocrisy. I think understanding those contradictions helps make history feel more human and honest.

On the thriller side, I wanted to approach the genre differently. Artem and the SPU team ultimately defeat Brunel and Westinghouse more with intelligence, strategy, and persistence than with endless violence. Too many thrillers seem to believe every story has to end with everyone dead and everything destroyed. I wanted to challenge that idea and show that brains, loyalty, and resilience can be just as powerful as firepower.

FQ: If readers were to take one message away from American Insurgent Ukraine, what would you want it to be?

THOMAS: If readers take one message away from American Insurgent Ukraine, I hope it’s the sense that ordinary people—working together with intelligence, courage, timing, and technology—can really make a difference. I want the Special Projects Unit to feel believable, almost real.

I never wanted the SPU team to be superheroes. No supermen or women. I wanted them to act like normal people placed in extraordinary situations. They make mistakes, they question themselves, they rely on each other, and they solve problems with preparation and teamwork more than impossible action scenes. Ideally, readers finish the book thinking, “That could actually happen,” or even, “I could see myself doing that.”

Historically, I also wanted to reinforce how terrible the institution of slavery truly was and how deeply it affected people long after freedom was finally achieved. Characters like Samuel Ball carried those scars for the rest of their lives, even after escaping bondage. The struggle didn’t simply end once freedom was obtained.

At the same time, I wanted readers to understand the contradictions inside early American history. Many people fought passionately for liberty during the Revolutionary era while denying those same freedoms to others, and that mindset existed right up through the Civil War. History becomes much more real when we acknowledge both the ideals and the failures of the people who lived it.

FQ: Do you have plans to continue the Special Projects Unit series, or do you anticipate American Insurgent Ukraine being the final book in the series?

THOMAS: Writing is a process, and I think each book has reflected my growth as an author. My first book, The Hope of the South, was honestly a jumbled mass of words. The story itself was strong, but the delivery wasn’t where it needed to be. My second book, Chaos Above the Sand, became larger, more developed, and it greatly expanded the SPU team and their relationships. Writing was improving.

Now with Book #3, American Insurgent Ukraine, I finally feel like I’ve written what I would call a complete novel. The pacing, character development, historical depth, and emotional layers all came together in a way I had been striving toward from the beginning.

As for whether the series is over—I’m not sure a well-developed series is ever truly finished. There are always more stories to tell because there are always new threats, new conflicts, and new bad guys in the world. As long as the characters continue to grow and readers remain invested in the SPU team, I think there will always be another mission waiting for them.

#Bookreview of Murder at Tutley Brewery

By: Behcet Kaya

Publication Date: May 2026

ISBN: 979-8289334961

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: April 30, 2026

Behcet Kaya’s Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel delivers a compelling blend of small-town mystery, buried family secrets, and methodical detective work.

The novel opens with a chilling discovery of the body of Wilhelmina Wein, newly appointed CEO of Tutley Brewery. Her body is found floating in a vat of fermenting liquid. With no fingerprints and a brutal head wound identified as the cause of death, there is not enough evidence to utilize. Jacques “Jack” Ludefance, the only licensed private investigator in Santa Rosaria, Florida, is hired by Wilhelmina’s grandfather, Detlef Wein Jr., to find the murderer. As Jack digs deeper, he finds more than he expects. What initially appears to be a straightforward murder investigation spirals into a layered narrative of generational conflict, concealed histories, and quiet corruption within one of Tutley’s most powerful families.

At the heart of the story is Jack Ludefance, a steady, observant investigator. His calm demeanor contrasts effectively with the turbulence of the Wein family. Jack’s character is defined by persistence and moral clarity, making him a reliable guide through the novel’s shifting suspicions. Detlef Wein Jr. emerges as a complex figure, grieving yet guarded, determined to find justice while withholding critical truths about his family’s past. The supporting cast provides a grounded procedural framework, while figures like Hardy and Wolfram Wein deepen the emotional and psychological tension. The strained and unusually close relationship between Wilhelmina and her twin brother adds an unsettling dimension, hinting at deeper dysfunction beneath the family’s polished exterior.

Kaya explores themes of secrecy, legacy, and the destructive weight of unresolved pasts. The novel underscores how buried truths rarely remain hidden without consequence, particularly when power and pride are at stake. The Wein family’s long-standing influence over Tutley serves as both shield and prison, protecting them from scrutiny while perpetuating cycles of silence and denial. The moral ambiguity surrounding Detlef’s decisions, especially his deliberate omission of his son, Ulrich’s past actions, raises important questions about justice versus preservation. Readers are invited to consider whether uncovering the full truth always serves the greater good, especially when it threatens to unravel entire lives and reputations.

The writing style in Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel is clear, deliberate, and rooted in the traditions of classic detective fiction. Kaya maintains a steady pace, allowing clues to surface organically while keeping tension simmering beneath the surface. The procedural elements are handled with care, lending authenticity to the investigation, though some readers may find the pacing more methodical than fast-moving. The narrative’s strength lies in its gradual revelation of character motivations and hidden connections rather than in dramatic twists alone. The dialogue is purposeful, peeling back layers of deception, and Tutley was a character in its own right.

Quill says: Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel is a thoughtful and engaging mystery that prioritizes depth over spectacle. While it may not rely on relentless action, its strength lies in its intricate character dynamics and the slow unraveling of long-held secrets.

For more information about Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel, please visit the author's Amazon page at: amazon.com/stores/author/B002ZD08EI

 #Bookreview of American Insurgent Ukraine

By: Bruce Thomas

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1971659480

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: May 19, 2026

American Insurgent Ukraine: A Special Projects Unit Thriller by Bruce Thomas is a political espionage thriller centered on the exposure and takedown of a corrupt CIA director and an international arms network tied to covert operations. The book also weaves together a historical narrative staged in the American Revolution, as well as a modern-day spy plot, linking America's past to contemporary systems of power and institutional corruption.

The story starts in 1778 as General Michael “Hard Ass” Fulton oversees slaves unloading two small boats in Mahone Bay--a kidney-shaped and rugged Island--in a top-secret mission. The mission, named Bolthole Enterprise, involves hiding a massive treasure that will help to secure the country's post-war future. Fulton is a man who promises his men freedom while threatening to shoot any of them who ask too many questions. Among them is Samuel Ball, a young man who has been plotting his escape. Although he was born into a slave family in South Carolina, he secretly learned how to read and write, although it was forbidden. The story captures a vow he makes to himself, a vow that sets the stage for a hard-won journey of liberation and self-determination.

The story then shifts to present day where a CIA operative, Artem Bilyk, is on a sanctioned assassination mission against a fellow spy turned double agent. The reader feels his internal conflict, even as he carries out orders for an agency and system built on secrecy and disposable loyalties. After the mission, he fails to believe that the silence from his handler is routine, especially when he realizes that in addition to the delay of further orders, someone has started trailing him.

This book's dual-timeline weaves together a story that invokes a deep examination of how America has historically treated those it uses. It carries a deep critique of institutional corruption and the machinery of power that continues to grind across generations. Its themes are not just stated; rather, they are layered in parallel narratives that trust the reader to draw connections between the past and the present. Character development is one of its strongest aspects. Ball emerges as a deeply compelling character who is skillfully developed to represent the novel's larger critique of America's contradictions. Artem's development, on the other hand, carries a restraint that builds a deep sense of psychological tension as he struggles to trust the very system he serves.

Quill says: American Insurgent Ukraine: A Special Projects Unit Thriller carries the weight of an award contender because of how it links the experiences of enslaved people during the Revolutionary era with present-day espionage and intelligence operations. What's especially beautiful about this book is how balanced its pacing feels. Readers never feel rushed or bored; instead, they find themselves invested all through the drama, espionage and moments of political tension. It's a remarkable read, and one that readers who enjoy deeply layered political thrillers will find a great deal in it to appreciate.

For more information about American Insurgent Ukraine: A Special Projects Unit Thriller, please visit the author's website at: brucethomasauthor.com/

 #Bookreview of The Little Fox Who Reached the Stars

By: Peaches Murphy

Publisher: Masked Bandit Press

Publication Date: April 11, 2023

ISBN: 978-1739628727

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: May 18, 2026

The Little Fox Who Reached the Stars by Peaches Murphy is a heartwarming story about a curious young fox named Dreamer who longs to touch the stars.

As he treks alongside his family up the icy trails in the mountains, Dreamer wonders about the mysteries of nature. He asks his sister all kinds of questions that seem to puzzle him, while admiring her ability to magically transform into anything she wants, for example a reindeer. She teaches him how to transform, but he is far from being able to successfully retain his new form. As he focuses on his newly acquired skill, they get separated from the rest of the group. His sister runs to join the others, but the poor little fox is unable to keep up.

Lost alone in the vast, snowy wilderness, he suddenly hears the loud roar of a polar bear nearby. Although Dreamer is scared at first, soon they start talking and become friends. Along the way, the polar bear, named Lollie, gently encourages Dreamer to chase his dreams, reassuring him that often they come true in unexpected ways. The story unfolds with a quiet sense of wonder that feels both magical and comforting. Much like classic bedtime tales that blend adventure with self-discovery, the narrative invites children into a dreamy Arctic landscape filled with moonlight, snow, and shimmering stars.

The author creates an atmosphere that is gentle rather than frightening, even during moments when Dreamer feels lost or uncertain. What stands out most is the book’s celebration of curiosity and belief in oneself. Dreamer’s repeated attempts to transform into different creatures and objects reflect the way children experiment, flounder, learn from their mistakes, and slowly gain confidence in their own abilities. The magical phrase “Steen-key-poopinky” adds humor and playfulness to the narrative, making the story especially engaging for children who delight in silly and funny expressions. At the same time, the story quietly reinforces the idea that mistakes are a part of growth.

The beautiful illustrations and soft color palette contribute greatly to the reading experience. The snowy landscapes, the bushy fox tail, the sparkling reflections of the stars in the water together create a calming visual rhythm that mirrors the emotional tone of the story. Dreamer’s genuine reactions and innocent wonder make him instantly lovable, allowing readers to empathize with his hopes and fears throughout the journey.

Through this story, the author encourages young readers to remain hopeful, embrace imagination, and trust that their dreams matter, even if they seem impossible at first. The friendship between Dreamer and Lollie also highlights kindness, reassurance, and the importance of emotional support in times of struggle. In a world where children often feel pressured to perform well and achieve quickly, the story acts as a gentle reminder that helps us appreciate the magical power of simple wonder, patience, and perseverance.

Quill says: The Little Fox Who Reached the Stars is a sweet, inspiring tale about imagination, courage, and the joy of believing that even the most distant dreams may one day be well within our reach.

For more information about The Little Fox Who Reached the Stars, please visit the author's website at: peachesmurphy.com/

 #Authorinterview with Anthony DeSantis

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Anthony DeSantis, author of The Stowaway in First Class.

FQ: Your father seemed to be living a good life way before he said "yes" to a stranger offering a dangerous, illegal trip to America. What do you think overrode his usual caution that night?

DESANTIS: Although he had many negative thoughts and serious misgivings about what he was about to do, he could not verify or prove any of them. All he was sure of was that this stranger knew all about his cousin Frank back in America and the thought of Frank about to lose a year’s salary if he refused to go was more than Guy could bear. They had written to each other several times previously about finding Guy a way to come to America. What really bothered him was why he had not heard about this from his cousin and why he had to leave so suddenly, without time to see his parents in Italy or his friends in Paris, especially Marie. When the stranger gave him the ultimatum, to either “come with me tonight or your cousin loses everything,” Guy’s love and loyalty to his cousin won the confusing battle in his head.

FQ: The anchor chain scene is one of the most suspenseful moments in the book. Since your father couldn't swim and the climb was nearly fifty feet, how much of that terror came from his actual words?

DESANTIS: The description of that scene was taken directly from the transcript of the video tape I had made of him telling me the whole story in 1984. On the video, you can hear the terror in his voice as he described what he was feeling. Especially on the way down the anchor chain, as he was having to look down at the chain and the water, his actual words are in the book: “He knew that if he fell, he would be like a stone and would go right to the bottom.”

FQ: Ernesto had already been caught twice trying to stow away to America. What do you think gave him the courage to try a third time?

DESANTIS: He was determined to make it to America and join his brother in Detroit. He did not know how or when that was going to happen, but he never gave up on the idea, When he saw the opportunity Guy was being offered, and someone was actually going to help them along the way, he quickly decided to give it another try. He would not have done it again on his own.

FQ: When your father realized he was set up and Frank wasn't coming to meet him at the dock, you describe a moment where all his hope collapsed. Was there a specific gesture from him that helped you capture that feeling of being completely alone in a strange country?

DESANTIS: When Guy was left with the mobsters after getting off the boat, he asked the question “Where’s my cousin?” At that point, he was sternly rebuked in Italian, “Stop talking! You have no idea what kind of bad trouble you are in! You had better keep your mouth shut!”

It was at this moment that he realized it had all been a fraud and his emotions showed the level of fear that he was experiencing. As he shared that event with me, I could see the terror in his face and hear the fright in his voice.

FQ: Marie waited for years to learn that your father had written to her all along. When he finally discovered that her family had hidden his letters, how did he respond?

DESANTIS: Marie waited 36 years to learn the truth, that her parents and sister had hidden the letters from her all those years. As my father now heard the story 57 years later, he was shocked and saddened by the deviousness of her family. However, when he finally realized why she never responded to his letters, the truth actually lifted his spirits in a strange way. He was actually relieved to know Marie’s silence was not born of anger but simply ignorance. She just did not know he had tried repeatedly to write to her.

FQ: You recorded your father telling this story on video in 1984, but you didn't write the book until decades later. What finally pushed you to bring it to the page?

DESANTIS: Like many of us with good intentions, life just got in the way. I had two successful careers, a family, and a busy life. I just never made the time. Not until I experienced the medical incident that almost ended my life, did I realize the story of my father’s incredible journey would have ended as well. It was during my recovery from this traumatic episode in my life that the story was finally set on paper. It took almost 40 years from the time I recorded him telling the story to the time I finally began writing it.

FQ: You mentioned a medical incident that almost cost you your life. Can you share what happened and how that may have motivated you to start writing this book?

DESANTIS: Sure, I would be happy to explain what happened. On February 28, 2022, I was flying my single-engine Cirrus SR-22 on a solo flight practicing for a trip to the Florida Keys with my wife Judy. I had been flying for 53 years as a military pilot, commercial pilot, and general aviation pilot. I had earned the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA. I was in good health and in great shape. Retired life was good. The next day, during a simple surgical procedure, I almost died from an ischemic stroke. After a month-long recovery in ICU and a rehab center, I was sent home to try to regain some semblance of my former life. As I pondered why my life had been spared, I realized that my purpose was now to finally write my father’s story.

FQ: Now that your father's story is finally out, are there other family stories that you feel compelled to tell?

DESANTIS: I have many stories I can tell, but for the last six months I have been collaborating with an award-winning screenwriter/director who has offered to adapt the book into a full-length motion picture. I am excited about getting my father’s story onto the big screen and it leaves little time for me to concentrate on anything else!

FQ: If your father could say one thing to everyone who reads this book, what do you think that would be?

DESANTIS: America is one of the few places on earth where a man can start with nothing and change his family’s legacy forever. It is worth every bit of the risk, hard work, and persistence.

FQ: What's the one thing you hope readers take away from his journey?

DESANTIS: Immigration today is a controversial topic, affecting our nation’s culture and causing great political divide. It is also an extremely complicated subject that has evolved greatly over the past one hundred years since my father’s journey. The one thing I would want readers to take away is this:

In spite of the sometimes-intense national debate over immigration, America is still a land of opportunity for those who come here seeking a better life, are willing to work hard, refrain from criminal activity, and who are willing to assimilate into our nation’s culture.

Where else could a poor immigrant unknowingly caught up in an illicit scheme enter the country illegally, eventually become a productive U.S. citizen, and in only one generation, change his family’s future legacy and enable his son to receive a full scholarship to a prestigious military academy in his newly adopted country?

This book about my father’s journey is a love letter to the American Dream.

#Authorinterview with Al Dawson

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diane Lunsford is talking with Al Dawson, author of Borderlines.

Author Al Dawson

FQ: I immediately recognized your name when asked to review Borderlines. Your previous novel, Priest, was such a captivating read, and I recalled how easy it was to connect with that storyline. Such was the case with Borderlines. I’m intrigued by the subject matter you choose for each of your novels. The topics are very relevant in today’s climate. Was there something specific that inspired you to choose drug cartels as your topic for Borderlines?

DAWSON: Thank you, Diane. I appreciate the insightful understanding that comes through in your reviews of the two novels. By way of responding to your question, recent history is a favorite setting for my three novels (yes, three, including my first, Searching for Noriko). I like selecting a period in time that is familiar to most, but not too distant in time to feel remote. It gives the imagination room to roam, asking the “what ifs” while creating a fictitious story within the discipline of a known reality. I hope that makes sense to you. Regarding Borderlines, I was first drawn to the idea of a story that explores how our current corrosive political climate influences the decisions of people who are facing life and death choices. The drug cartels and a crusading prosecutor seemed like a good vehicle for doing that. And being from the Southwest, you might say it came naturally.

FQ: In line with my previous question, given you are a retired lawyer living in your golden years in Palm Beach Gardens Florida, what type of law did you practice?

DAWSON: I was a regulatory lawyer, representing primarily insurance clients before regulatory agencies and lobbying on their behalf. Not too sexy, but it paid the bills.

FQ: What made you leave the beauty and majesty of the southwest and settle in south Florida?

DAWSON: That is a question I’m sure my departed mother and father pondered but never really asked me. They knew I needed to stretch and explore beyond what the New Mexico of the late 1960s offered. After a career that was spent mostly in the Northeast, where I met and married Jane, we decided to follow the path of several retired working associates and ended up in South Florida. However, I do miss the arid open spaces and mountains I grew up with.

FQ: I’m curious if character Jace Kelly was fashioned after a real person. If so, can you elaborate?

DAWSON: I’ll let you in on a little secret. My first novel, Searching for Noriko, was a much longer manuscript before an editor suggested strongly that it should lose about 30,000 words. I did the required surgery, and in the course of it I lost an entire subplot, including a character who I resurrected in Borderlines as Jace Kelly. Never let a good character go to waste! As for any resemblance to a real person, not really. He is a composite of the conflicted good guy I imagined.

FQ: I was especially drawn to ‘Epic’s’ character. He is an Apache tracker and lives off the grid. I enjoyed how you developed his richness and again must ask if there is someone from your travels who inspired you to apply such vivid reality to his character.

DAWSON: Very good, Diane. Epictetus Ryan is also a favorite invention with more than just a nod to reality. As a young boy in Tularosa, New Mexico, I was familiar with the Apaches of the nearby Mescalero Reservation, home of Geronimo’s tribe. There was another person, Thomas Fortune Ryan II, a successful businessman who settled in Three Rivers. My father knew Tom Ryan. Epic is an imaginary character, descendant of Ryan, embodying the best qualities of an Apache warrior with a stoic education. He does not represent any particular person I have known.

FQ: Without going down a political rabbit hole, do you suppose there will ever be a time in our lifetime when we will see a wholesome approach toward serving ‘We the People’ (versus perpetual personal gains for power through greed)? I personally believe we live in the greatest nation in the world and am offended when I hear the disparaging remark aimed at our current leader given the tremendous and positive grounds he has achieved. What is your view on this?

DAWSON: Rabbit hole, indeed. It is a shame that our political discourse has reached such an abysmal level. And particularly now, when our forces in the Middle East are fighting to eradicate a terroristic state that represents an existential threat to world peace, one might reasonably expect that the country would be united as one in supporting the president and our military. I can’t recall a time in our history when the other party was rooting for the enemy just so that the president doesn’t chalk up a win. Even Vietnam and the Civil War never saw anything like this. There’s a point, I believe, that incitement to violence against the chief executive, whether by individuals or political parties, is actionable as treasonous and seditious, and punishable accordingly. Recall Franklin’s answer to the question of what sort of government the United states would be. “A republic,” he said. “If you can keep it.” Wise man. He foresaw too well how the mob mentality could destroy the very foundations of the republic. Let us hope that Lincoln’s “better angels” come to the fore, producing honorable statesmen whose principal desire is only the success of the American experiment in representative government before it is too late and we descend into a socialist hell.

FQ: I worked in a legal capacity for many years before becoming a full-time writer in my retirement. I have always had a passion for writing fiction. When did you realize your solid connection with your pen and how do you continue to nurture inspiration?

DAWSON: Inspiration is everywhere. Whether it is a loose strand from a previous story that begs to be elaborated, or something pricks your conscience or your mind, a theme that won’t let you sleep unless you do something about it.

Again, perhaps I can confide. I began trying my hand at storytelling while I was in the seminary. The Catcher in the Rye was just the sort of rebellious, coming of age theme that really had an effect on me. I began writing short story stuff that I thought sounded like Salinger. Somehow it attracted the attention of the faculty, and probably hastened my unceremonious dismissal.

It wasn’t until much later (55 years?) that I challenged myself to write a novel. Thus was born Searching for Noriko, a WW II romantic thriller. That’s when I actually discovered I could write.

FQ: In line with my previous question, what is your process? Do you develop an outline first? Or do you just let the pen start flowing and see where it leads you?

DAWSON: I’m not disciplined enough to start with an outline. Besides, I want to be surprised. I try to create characters who will drive the story. For at least 2/3 of the book, I honestly don’t know how it will all end up. I just put characters in situations and let them decide what to do next. Maybe it’s what I would do, but not always.

FQ: I don’t necessarily experience ‘writer’s block’ but can tell when I am forcing my pen. My remedy is to walk away and let my thoughts percolate for a while before I return to writing. What is your remedy to overcome a stall in your writing?

DAWSON: My problem isn’t so much writer’s block as writer’s laziness. If I had a deadline and writing was how I supported myself, perhaps I would be more dedicated and work more quickly. When I need to overcome a lapse in my storytelling, a break helps. Sometimes it is as simple as a thorny plot problem whose solution comes to me when I’m in that dreamy half-awake state before dawn.

FQ: It has been a great pleasure to read your latest title, and I want to thank you for your time today. Given the great storyline and larger than life characters in Borderlines, I can only assume you are working on your next project. If so, are you able to share a bit? If not, when?

DAWSON: Thank you for your time as well. No project is in the offing just now. Jane tells me she’s tired of being an author’s widow. True, writing takes a great deal of time, both in the research and composing. I think I owe her a good break. But if something comes along and causes the proverbial itch that needs a scratch, one never knows….

 #Bookreview of The Stowaway in First Class

By: Anthony DeSantis

Publisher: Flagship Press

Publication Date: March 12, 2025

ISBN: 979-8991511001

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 29, 2026

The Stowaway in First Class by Anthony DeSantis, a true story that captures real timelines and a sequence of events spanning a hundred years, presents a heartfelt account of the author's father, Guy, an Italian emigrant who arrived in America with nothing and managed to create a wonderful life for himself and his family. The story is DeSantis' carefully documented tribute, written as both a dedication and a source of encouragement to immigrants, their children and grandchildren.

In the first chapter, DeSantis and his father are on a plane heading to Paris to meet Marie, a woman Guy left without notice 57 years earlier. Luckily, the two had exchanged letters detailing this long-awaited reunion. As we soak in the warmth of this rare moment, DeSantis takes us back in time to when Guy made a decision that changed his life forever.

A stranger who claimed to know one of his cousins in America, Frank DeSantis, approached Guy, claiming that Frank wanted him to travel to the USA as soon as possible, in fact, that very night. Although Guy didn't have a passport or visa, the stranger revealed that arrangements had already been put in place for him to travel as a stowaway. Guy would, however, wrestle with the fear of revealing this to his friends, since traveling as a stowaway was illegal. But most painfully, the urgency of the journey meant he would not manage to find his girlfriend Marie in time to say goodbye. She would wake up the next morning to an absence she couldn't explain, and a silence that would last for decades. It was only when Guy was miles away from home that he realized that the greatest danger was not his friends discovering the truth, but the men waiting for him on the other side.

As he tells the story, Anthony DeSantis allows the reader to delve into restrictive immigration laws of the 1920s, and to see the dark underbelly of the "streets paved with gold" myth. He writes Guy so beautifully, and through him, offers the reader critical lessons on endurance, especially those who may be fighting systems that seem designed to exploit them. He allows Marie, a woman who embodies the theme of loss and the cost of suspended love, to give the story an emotional pull, as well as a reminder that immigrants' stories are also about those who are left behind, waiting in silence.

Quill says: Some of the aspects that make The Stowaway in First Class win big among its peers in the genre include: being straightforward, simple, and involving the author as an active participant. You see him everywhere, feel his gratitude to his father, and realize he is not a historical figure, but a son reminding you to look back at the sacrifices that made your own life possible. The book is relatively short, but it leaves an echo that lasts for generations.

For more information about The Stowaway in First Class, please visit the author's website at: anthonydesantis.com