#AuthorInterview with Helena P. Schrader

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr. is talking with Helena P. Schrader, author of The Tale of the English Templar.

FQ: Dr. Schrader, you seem to be multi-faceted in your historical interests, this based on me reading some of your prior work, as well as what I can gather from the auto-biographical information on your website. What led you to be so interdisciplinary in your studies?

SCHRADER: Probably a gypsy life. My father, a professor at the University of Michigan, was sent to Japan, Brazil and the UK on academic exchange programs while I was a child. We went to Japan when I was only two years old, and I was four when the family returned via Hong Kong, Bangkok, Karachi, New Delhi, Italy, Austria, Germany, Denmark and England. I don’t remember many specifics but my imagination and excitement for the whole wide world in all its complexity, diversity and historical depth was awoken. The historical aspect was innate in this experience because we so saw many exciting and evocative historical sites during this first travel experience from the Coliseum in Rome to the Tower of London.

FQ: As a follow-up to the question about your academic background in history, you are also a very strong creative writer and novelist. Oftentimes writers cannot master both worlds. How have you been able to be so successful in managing both sides of that particular figurative coin?

SCHRADER: History was what inspired me to write creatively. An incident, a character, a place — would ignite my imagination and make me wonder what it had been like “back then,” living through x event or struggling with y problems? I would start to imagine things and characters would take shape, yet I also wanted to know the truth — what really happened. I suppose I rapidly realized that the key to understanding ourselves as human beings is to understand where we’ve come from, i.e. to understand our history. For me, fiction is not an end in itself, but rather a tool for our historical past more comprehensible and accessible.

In terms of writing style, I started writing creatively as a child and just continued to develop those skills throughout my life. Even now I’m trying to improve. Learning to write non-fiction, on the other hand, was simply part of my academic training culminating in a PhD in history. It is much easier to write non-fiction, by the way. It’s very straight-forward. You define the topic, do the research, and summarize your findings in written form. Done.

FQ: What are some of the fundamental similarities you see in the several different timeframes in history that you are focused on in your writing? I assume there are connections. Which of these connections do you see yourself gravitating to when constructing the fictionalized narrative?

SCHRADER: I’m not so sure about connections. I’m personally always surprised by what topic suddenly inspires me. I can’t explain it, let alone predict it. I do, however, have a tendency to get passionate about ‘setting the record straight’ or correcting misperceptions. Sparta is a case in point. When I learned that the historical and archaeological Sparta is almost a mirror image of the popular view of Sparta, I became obsessed with writing books that would show Sparta as it really was based on ancient sources instead of modern political agendas. The same is true of the Crusader States. The popular view of the crusades as genocide or the Crusader States as proto-colonial, apartheid states is pure rubbish and made me want to ‘break a lance’ for the truth. Even more work on the German Resistance to Hitler has some of this missionary quality since most Anglo-Saxon readers have never heard of the German Resistance and have no appreciation of their moral integrity and courage. The exceptions to this pattern are my books on WWII and the Berlin Airlift. My novels set in both periods align with the common understanding of these historical episodes.

FQ: What fascinated you specifically about the Knights of Templar? What about their story did you connect with or were you drawn to?

SCHRADER: Oh, I suppose, it’s the same old thing about being outraged by stupid conspiracy stories and fantasies. I got so tired of reading nonsense about them that I wanted to tell a story that showed them as they really were.

You might well ask: But why the horrible, brutal destruction of the Order rather than their days of power and influence?

The answer may distress some readers: I felt inspired to write this story by some force beyond me. This tale was born with the scene on the road — the opening seen of the book — and it was so overpowering that I sat down and wrote the whole book in a relatively short space of time.

FQ: When writing historical fiction, do you think there needs to be a prescribed balance between what is fictional and what is non-fictional? How do you go about structuring your work from introduction to conclusion?

SCHRADER: I don’t believe in writing in accordance with formulas. I believe each author should express themself as effectively as possible with the skills they have regardless of how other write. So no, I don’t think there is any magic formula for balancing fact with fiction. I’ve written biographical fiction in which nearly every character is historical and the plot is pre-determined, and I’ve also written fiction in which historical figures are only in the background or have cameo roles. They are different kinds of books with very different combinations of fact and fiction, but both can be wonderful reads.

Structure is critical. Otherwise, it’s easy to get swept away on all kinds of extraneous adventures. Yet, since write only what I’m inspired to write, I also have to give free rein to whoever or whatever is using me as a medium for telling their story.

What I’ve found works best for me personally is to develop a detailed historical chronology of the period/events in which the story is set so that I don’t lose track of key events, dates, etc. Then I start developing a story outline with only a one-line description of what the character is doing/learning in a specific chapter. Once I start writing that outline is subject to constant modification and revision. As I write each scene, I learn more about the characters, and since I’m constantly researching, I may also discover facts that influence the plot or the characters causing changes in the original outline. In short, the outline is only a tool for keep track of what the characters are doing, and the historical facts remain paramount as the overall framework in which I am confined.

That doesn’t mean I don’t make some minor changes to history. I’m perfectly willing to sacrifice irrelevant trivia to keep a story flowing and enhance its pace or impact. E.g. it doesn’t matter what the phase of the moon was on 13 October 1307, or what date Easter was in 1308. But the Templars must remain human beings, not angels or supernatural aliens, and the fate they suffer must be historical fact.

FQ: I remember once I went to see Richard Dreyfuss in-person and, as an audience, we were told we were not allowed to ask the question: “How do you memorize your lines?” I am always quite shocked by how historians are capable of keeping the facts straight. So, if you don’t mind me asking: How do you memorize or keep straight all of the information about one timeframe, and how do you that with as much knowledge as you have about multiple times in history?

SCHRADER: I don’t have any tricks. If I’m interested in something, I remember the salient facts automatically. I haven’t a clue what I pay for groceries. I don’t know the names of football teams or players. I can’t keep track of actors and actresses. There are all kinds of things that others remember, that I don’t. Yet I can remember historical events and characters that interest me. It’s just the way my mind works. That said, I also have a large library of reference books and I’m always checking things on the internet as I write, so I keep reinforcing my memory.

FQ: How did you come up with the tale for The Tale of the English Templar, and why decide to publish it now? I know about some of your decision based on the “Foreword” you provided in the book, but if you can elaborate a bit more, that would be wonderful for both me and your readers.

SCHRADER: This tale was entirely ‘inspirational.’ It came to me, almost like a vision. I saw Percy in the snowy ditch and the riders approaching, and I felt the whole, terrifying weight of facing destiny, knowing that one’s life depended on the charity and courage of an approaching stranger. The book unfolded from there, each step of Percy’s journey from that encounter coming clearly to me as I wrote — yet without me knowing exactly where it was all going to end.

The backstory about how Percy ended up on that road and the story of Geoffrey and Felice’s background were woven in more academically, if you wish. I knew I had to explain who they were etc. and so I wrote that to help me get started and to help me get to know my characters. Yet the real story starts on the side of the road — which is why in the new edition I moved that encounter to the first chapter. The original version was completely chronological and started with Felice as a child.

As to why I decided to re-release it, it was sheer chance. I went back to look up something specific and got hooked re-reading it. I had forgotten so much of what I’d written! When I finished re-reading it, I wondered if I was crazy or if others might also find the story compelling. So, I sent the book to some ‘test readers.’ One grumbled about how long it was and warned he might need weeks to get through it. Three days later he wrote back to say he couldn’t put it down. I decided it deserved a second chance, but I was still thinking — ebook, POD, no publicity, just make it available. My editor protested: “This is as good as anything you’ve ever written! Why are you selling it short?” Yeah, well, because I can’t afford to market two books at once. But he convinced me that I should invest something. So here I am.

FQ: Do you see any connects to the contemporary world and what went on against the Knights of Templar? Just as a cursory example, I am seeing a bit of that in the commentaries associated with essential and non-essential workers in the government…what makes for an essential worker and what do we do with those that are not considered essential anymore. How does The Tale of the English Templar resonate with the 21st century audience?

SCHRADER: Defying tyranny isn’t easy — but it’s necessary. Philip IV of France was a tyrant. He wanted the Templar’s fortune, and he didn’t care who he harmed — tortured, killed, burned alive — or what damage he did to anyone or anything just so long as he got what he wanted. His power was so great that he intimidated everyone one around him into ignoring the law, the teachings of Christ and everything else just to keep his favour. In short, the king was consumed with greed and surrounded by sycophants. Sound familiar?

Otherwise, the theme of finding (or losing) faith when evil is victorious, the struggle of good and evil in our hearts, the issue of what we owe people who rescue us from death or destruction, the corrupting power of ambition, the allure of power and greed — they are all universal themes that resonate in any age and century.

FQ: Can you provide readers with some insight about what your process is like, and how you are capable of being as prolific as you are? You have written almost 25 books. How do you keep those creative juices flowing?

SCHRADER: The answer is simple: I can’t stop. If I have a story in my mind or heart, I have to write it. When I don’t have a story I want to write, I’ll be dead, or at least brain-dead.

However, keep in mind that for the first thirty or more years of my life, before print-on-demand made self-publishing possible, I wrote many books that I did not try to sell. I didn’t have time to market my books. I barely had time to write them on weekends and holidays after my ‘day job.’ So, when it became possible to self-publish, I had a backlog of titles waiting to be published. My early Sparta books and The Tale of the English Templar were written a long, long time ago.

FQ: What is next for you as it pertains to your writing? Can you provide us with some understanding as to what your future writing endeavors are?

SCHRADER: I’m working with great pleasure and enthusiasm on a book(s) set in Malta during the Second World War. They will cover the Second Malta Blitz in the spring of 1942, when the island sustained more intensive bombing than London did in 1940/1941. It is also the period in which Malta came very close to surrender and was under invasion threat. The book(s) will include the dramatic story of “Pedastal,” a relief convoy that cost the British nine out of fourteen merchant men, one aircraft carrier, two cruisers and a destroyer as well as serious damage to another carrier, two cruisers and a destroyer.

The four main plotlines will follow a merchant navy officer destined to take part in Pedastal, a torpedo bomber pilot engaged in attacking Rommel’s supply lines, a Battle of Britain fighter ace now a Wing Commander in an intelligence role, and a WAAF officer, also engaged in the vital intelligence activities carried out from Malta.

The working title is “Voices on the Wind.” However, it’s a complex story, and I doubt I can cover it in a single volume. It will probably end up being two books, in which case “Voices on the Wind” will be the series title. We’ll see. Thank you for your interest — and thank you for these thought-provoking questions! You made me think about what I do and why. I hope other people will enjoy reading my answers as much as I enjoyed sharing a little about what motivates me and how I write.

 #Bookreview of Fearless: A Biography of Edna O'Brien

By: Cathy Curtis

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-891-538-8

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: May 23, 2025

Cathy Curtis's detailed and engaging biography of Edna O'Brien, Fearless: A Biography of Edna O'Brien, tells the story of a woman who refused to be silenced. O'Brien was among the most courageous writers in Ireland. Her bold exploration of female desire and societal restrictions inspired countless writers and shook the foundations of the Irish literary establishment.

O'Brien's personal story is as intriguing as the fiction she writes. Born in a conservative, small town in Ireland in 1930, she was brought up in a Catholic environment surrounded by the traditional atmosphere that sometimes felt restrictive. Her childhood was challenging; her mother was strict, and her father struggled with alcoholism. She recalls a home filled with sadness and difficulty, often stating that a background marked by family tension is crucial for a writer. This tension is palpable in her early works, suggesting that she devoted her life to escaping the constraints of her past.

Her debut novel was banned, labeled as obscene, and denounced by the Church. However, this only fueled her determination. She was portraying authentic women with genuine desires and real suffering, and she refused to be silenced. Over time, she has established herself as a literary rebel, someone who always spoke her truth, even when it came with a price. Her writing about women was deeply intertwined with the emotional highs and lows of her own life experiences. She desired for writers to focus on her achievements as a writer rather than her private life. O’Brien believed that one’s upbringing influences their viewpoint, emotions, convictions, or the challenge to those convictions.

She married writer Ernest Gébler, who tried to dominate her, resented her success as a writer, and did not provide her with the support she needed. Ultimately, she divorced him and raised her two sons independently while continuing to advance her literary career. This was a challenging endeavor, particularly during a time when single motherhood and women's independence were not widely accepted. She had several notable relationships, including rumored affairs, but romance was never her central focus; her priorities were survival and self-expression. Throughout her life, she has endured heartbreak, exile as her work rendered her undesirable in Ireland for many years, and the fluctuations of literary fame. Now in her 90s, she continues to write, and her later works demonstrate that she has lost none of her passion. In summary, Edna O'Brien's journey has been far from easy, but it has always been fiercely her own, much like her writing.

Curtis writes with clarity and precision. Her writing is straightforward and factual, making the biography accessible to readers. She recounts O’Brien’s life events with an appropriate degree of distance. The biography is detailed, and Curtis provides comprehensive information about O’Brien’s published works, personal relationships, and how she was perceived publicly, presenting context without resorting to sensationalism. Curtis emphasizes O’Brien’s literary achievements and legacy, effectively linking her life experiences to the evolution of her writing.

From O’Brien’s strict Catholic background to her stormy marriage, public scorn in Ireland, and eventual recognition as a literary figure, Curtis unveils the tenacity and boldness behind O’Brien’s well-known phrase, “The truth is what matters.” The challenging experiences in O’Brien’s life are discussed, including her disconnection from Ireland, her relationships, and the criticism she faced for candidly addressing topics like sex, religion, and women's autonomy. The balance between her literary achievements and personal sacrifices, along with controversies, distinguishes Fearless. Renowned for her insightful biographies of trailblazing women, Curtis applies her analytical approach to O’Brien’s personal and professional narrative. The clarity of Curtis’s writing allows O’Brien’s life story to develop with its inherent intensity. The biography features thorough research, encompassing interviews, letters, and critical analyses. O’Brien is depicted as both a courageous writer and a fragile individual, giving the biography a deep emotional impact.

Quill says: Edna O’Brien stands out as one of the most important authors of our era. Fearless serves as a well-researched tribute to Edna O’Brien’s life and contributions.

For more information about Fearless: A Biography of Edna O'Brien, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/fearless-a-biography-of-edna-obrien-by-cathy-curtis/

 #Bookreview of The Tale of the English Templar

By: Helena P. Schrader

Publisher: Cross Seas Press

Publication Date: March 31, 2025

ISBN: 979-8987177082

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: May 22, 2025

Helena P. Schrader, author of the Bridge to Tomorrow series, which brilliantly speaks about the perils and personal sacrifices surrounding the Berlin Crisis during the last years of World War II, has once again developed a stirring and compelling narrative using global, medieval history as its backdrop in her newest work The Tale of the English Templar, a complex story with long-dead figures who contended with (what one could argue are) real-world, 21st century problems.

It is October 13, 1307, and the Knights Templar, a once powerful military order founded in 1119, is on the brink of being defunded and disbanded by France’s King Phillip IV, who is putting pressure on then Pope Clement V to help dissolve and destroy the Order. Thus, those who once valiantly fought for a new world order were now becoming the hunted. The story itself centers on Sir Percival “Percy” de Lacy, a Poor Knight of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, who, at 25 years old, had been a Templar for six years. He is tasked with carrying dispatches from the Seneschal of the Order in Cyprus to the Master, who is temporarily in France by invitation. The Templar does his duty but unfortunately is still in France when the French king strikes, leading to de Lacy’s eventual arrest, torture, and transformation into a bold resistance leader after being found bruised, battered, and on the brink of death by stalwart good Samaritans. de Lacy becomes a representative of the Templars during this horrendous time in their history, and Schrader, as the author of this well-constructed and easy to read historical novel, uses de Lacy’s harrowing and gut-wrenching story to show how change can happen when one stands tall and is willing to risk one’s body, while fighting with mind, soul and spirit for an admirable cause.

Very much like Schrader’s prior works, The Tale of the English Templar is masterful in its mixture of fictionalized narrative and well-researched history. At moments, the dialogue is sometimes too American-English, 2025 for it to resonate as true (which, admittedly, it is not supposed to being that this work is fictionalized); however, most of the expository text excellently showcases Schrader’s uncanny and expert abilities to weave a robust story out of her professional understandings of the times and the subject matter. Schrader holds a PhD in history from the University of Hamburg and rather than provide a non-fiction dissertation on the Knights of Templar, which could be dry and flavorless, she uses her skills as a “historian, diplomat, and novelist” to construct a pseudo-cinematic story with such trusty standards as the fight between good and evil; political and religious intrigue; violence in war; the power of love through sacrifice; able-bodied protagonists and vicious, unrelenting antagonists. These types of stories still resonate today, and Schrader knows how to conflate both worlds to create a story we all can relate to, even if on the most miniscule of levels.

The Tale of the English Templar is yet another win for Schrader as well as its readers, providing its audience with reliable, credible information while also keeping readers engaged with a powerful story about how drive and perseverance can lead to personal success, whatever that may look like.

Quill says: The Tale of the English Templar is another wonderfully readable text from a knowledgeable writer and fabulous storyteller.

For more information about The Tale of the English Templar, please visit the author's website at: helenapschrader.net

 #Bookreview of An Innocent World

By: Douglas A. King

Publisher: Tell Well Publishing

Publication Date: July 14, 2020

ISBN: 978-0228828884

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: May 21, 2025

What if the world we lived in wasn’t filled with suffering, crime, and guilt? What if we had a choice—a real one—between living an easy, peaceful life or a hard, painful one, just to grow closer to God? In this thought-provoking read, An Innocent World, author Douglas A. King takes this big question and gradually builds a groundbreaking thought around it. He is a retired scientist and a deep thinker, who ably blends logic and imagination to explore what life could be like if Adam and Eve had never eaten the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This book is not a story, but a thoughtful experiment through which he takes the reader's hand and dives with him into intricate concepts of religion and philosophy to bring out the very purpose of life.

King begins by asking: what if Adam and Eve had made a different choice in the Garden of Eden and what if they had chosen the Tree of Life instead, and remained innocent forever? In that version of the world, there would be no war, no hate, no evil. People would live forever, peacefully, in a world filled with kindness and cooperation.

King calls these people “the Innocents.” But then he turns things around and asks: even if it’s peaceful, is that life truly meaningful? Wouldn’t we miss something important if we never faced hard times? The other choice—the world we actually live in—is the path of guilt, pain, and struggle. We’re called “the Guilty” in this world, and our suffering, according to King, is what helps us build character and prepares us to stand before Almighty God. It’s a powerful idea… and it only gets deeper.

This book takes you on a journey that compares both worlds: the innocent and the guilty. It talks about real-life things like war, family, poverty, drugs, the environment, and even sports and entertainment—what each of these might look like in a sinless world. The ideas are surprising. In a world of Innocents, there’s still pain from accidents or nature, but there’s no evil. No one means to hurt anyone. Even revenge wouldn’t exist, because no one would even feel the desire for it. That world may sound perfect—but is it complete?

One of the biggest takeaways from the book is this: life is hard on purpose. King believes our struggles, even the worst ones, are part of a bigger plan to make us wiser, braver, and closer to God. He talks about parents losing children, about unfairness, and about deep pain—but not to make you sad. Instead, he uses these stories to show how meaningful our choices are, and how strength of character is something that can only come from challenge. He even includes Bible verses to support his reasoning, which makes the book feel like a deep yet personal talk about life, faith, and meaning.

King’s writing style is thoughtful but very readable. He explains tough concepts using simple examples and real-life questions. It sometimes feels like he’s sitting across from you, gently asking you to think about the choices you make and the world you want to live in. This book isn’t here to argue or push an opinion—it’s more like an invitation to think differently about sin, suffering, and what it means to live a good life.

Quill says: An Innocent World is best for teens and adults who are curious about faith, philosophy, or how the world might be if people were kinder. It’s not a quick read, but it’s full of “what if” moments that could very well change how you see your own life. It ends with a big, bold idea: we suffer not because we’re cursed, but because we choose to become something greater. Whether you agree or not, one thing’s for sure—this book will make you think.

For more information about An Innocent World, please visit the author's website at: aninnocentworld.com

 #Bookreview of The Tale of Isva Raman

By: Najeev Nadarajah

Publisher: Bhakthi Nine Presents

Publication Date: May 26, 2025

ISBN: 978-0991722969

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: January 28, 2025

Najeev Nadarajah's The Tale of Iśva Raman focuses on a prophesied end-of-the-world conflict and the circumstances surrounding the ancient captivity of war survivors who survived despite being expected to perish.

Fifteen-year-old Iśva Raman has been researching an incredible phenomenon that only he can see. Surprisingly, this entity he dubbed Karma, only emerged from its hiding place when he became angry. However, it has recently been causing him a great deal of physical agony. He has also been feeling a malevolent presence observing him—a tall, slender, featureless humanoid with blazing pale eyes. He is startled by this unseen force that pins him to the ground one rainy afternoon. A woman wearing a mask hisses at him, inquiring about the whereabouts of the Seed. Despite not knowing what it is, he has until the solstice to locate it.

Iśva speaks with his aunt Nil and cousin Rudi, anxious to learn what he is up against, and discovers that the masked woman was Asura, an ancient demon with lethal powers. Rudi feels that Guru Wistarian of Temple of the Heart Spring should take him under his care right now since he could hold the secret to "everything." The latter, however, is clueless about the whereabouts of the Seed, believing that only the Keeper of it is aware of its identity and location. Additionally, he believes that the pursuit of the Seed portends the imminence of the End War, as the demons would need it in order to harness its cosmic force and initiate a destructive purge that has the potential to destroy the entire planet.

This story uses an enthusiastic adolescent who plays "the Seeker" to try and demythologize an ancient creation myth. He gains an advantage after getting enrolled in a specific training program that would position him as a force to combat terrible dark monsters, which is a smart idea that adds validity to his heroine character. Watching him grow is incredibly fulfilling, as is learning the startling reason why a certain "Seed" is required of him. The story features elemental beings, a celestial bird, and a quandary over the stunning revelation of his real identity. It also includes an ingenious tactic based on the speculation that the analogy of fighting fire with fire may be used to win a battle.

Readers will appreciate its meticulous flow, concealed hints, and a slew of revelations that deviate from the story's initial predicted trajectory. The youthful hero, who defies everyone's expectations, is the first of its well-developed and portrayed characters who keep the action going. Suspenseful from every viewpoint, this is a story worthy of inclusion in the pantheon of mystery classics.

Quill says: Najeev Nadarajah's The Tale of Iśva Raman establishes a new bar for mystery tales about teenage heroes with its prolonged tension and last-minute unraveling of a key truth. It features themes of treachery and nail-biting tension that will make even the most astute sleuths turn their head. Mystery lovers, young and old, should not be distracted from this one.

For more information on The Tale of Iśva Raman, please visit the author's website at: najeevnadarajah.com.

 #AuthorInterview with Michael Balter

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Michael Balter, author of The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller.

FQ: Hello, Mr. Balter. As you said in the Author's Note section, the title The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller is based on actual events. What prompted you to utilize these incidents in your book?

BALTER: My first book, Chasing Money, is set in the early 2000s when, in real life, I was a struggling entrepreneur. It tells the story of two ordinary men, Marty and Bo, business partners and friends, pitted against a Russian killer who demands $10 million and a mysterious missing painting from them. Although I originally wrote it as a standalone novel, a twist at the end plunged Marty and Bo into a new kind of danger, and opened the door to a series of thrillers.

When I began plotting the second book in the series, I set it in Italy in 2004, when, in real life, I was a partner in an art company that bid on the Chiurazzi Foundry and successfully negotiated a licensing deal with the Vatican. My experiences in Italy were fertile ground for many good stories over the years and provided a colorful backdrop for the action in the second novel.

To make a compelling thriller, though, I needed a realistic threat that could place Marty and Bo in deadly peril. Fortunately for me, 2004 was also the year of one of the biggest mafia wars in Italy’s history. More than 160 people were killed in battles between rival gangs of the Camorra. And it occurred to me that if Marty and Bo, with the Russian oligarch backing them, came into conflict with the Camorra over purchasing the Chiurazzi foundry, that might provide a fictionalized reason for the war.

FQ: You also used some names of real persons. Are you concerned that this might cause future disputes, particularly with the Catholic fraternity?

BALTER: The third element of my book involves the Vatican Bank, which was involved in numerous money laundering scandals over the years. Angelo Caloia, the president of the Vatican Bank from 1999 to 2009, and his lawyer, Gabriele Liuzzo, were sentenced to eight years in prison for money laundering and skimming profits from the sale of Vatican properties. Lamberto Liuzzo, Gabriele’s son, was also found guilty for his role in the scheme, which took place during the period in which my story was set. I used their real names in the story, for verisimilitude, but invented their roles in the plot to provide my fictional Russian oligarch with access to a Vatican bank account. I’d be surprised if this offended anyone, as the crimes they went to prison for far outweigh their actions in my novel.

FQ: Speaking of Catholics, how do you think they will react to this book, which significantly hits on certain integrity concerns with its overall leader?

BALTER: Most of my Catholic friends are just as fascinated by the scandals and intrigue in their church history as anyone else. One of the bestselling thrillers of all time, The DaVinci Code, centers around a completely imaginary coverup by the Catholic church of historical events that never happened. In contrast, my book is based on well-documented issues with money laundering at the Vatican Bank. Gerald Posner’s book, God’s Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican is a good source of information on this. I believe Pope John Paul II was more focused on spiritual leadership than financial oversight, and was poorly served by his cardinals, leaving a gap where corruption crept in. The good news is that when these money laundering issues came to light, the Catholic Church under Pope Francis took action to clean up the Vatican Bank and end these scandals.

FQ: Is there anything you want your readers to learn from your book? If so, would you mind sharing some of the lessons?

BALTER: I extensively research all my books, and distill the most interesting discoveries into my stories. My first book, Chasing Money, centered around one of the most valuable missing masterpieces in the world, looted by the Nazis and missing since the end of World War II. In addition to learning about this painting, readers have told me that they enjoyed reading about the techniques of forgery, and the seamy side of the art of raising money. In The Vatican Deal, early readers have been fascinated by the insights on money laundering and the Vatican Bank, and the ways that the Camorra (the Naples mafia) differs from what we know in America. As for moral lessons, my main characters are flawed heroes. In their pursuit of money, they’ve made bad choices that drew them into danger in the first place, and are increasingly trapping them in a situation with no good outcomes. Marty, in particular, has let that spillover into his personal life in The Vatican Deal. He is lying to his wife, lying to his business partner and lying to himself. That’s not going to go well for him, and I don’t advise it as a path to follow.

FQ: Do you plan to utilize Bo and Marty as primary characters in any future books or sequels?

BALTER: Absolutely! Marty and Bo are enmeshed with a Russian oligarch, and freeing themselves from that entanglement won’t be easy. I’ve outlined a six-book series that will test Marty and Bo to their depths. The third book is well underway. I’ve got a killer idea and ending that will shock most readers. My research has turned up some fascinating subject matter, the first five chapters are written, and I hope to have the first draft done by the end of the summer.

FQ: Who do you want readers to remember most from this book? Why him/her?

BALTER: Marty and Bo are the central characters, and I think their relationship is what makes these books memorable. Bo is the more heroic of the two, a former college athlete and race car driver, who is a devoted family man. Marty is a less traditional hero - he’s an immigrant who has developed a scrappier and looser moral code. The two friends and business partners navigate danger with a mix of humorous banter and biting conversations that drive the story forward. Their loyalty is unshakable, even as the trouble they face threatens to pull them apart. Given the chaos they find themselves in, their friendship faces some serious challenges. And yet, as one reviewer said, “Despite their absurd aspirations, it's impossible not to root for them.”

FQ: You excel at capturing the minute aspects of Italy's history. Is this the result of research, experience, personal enthusiasm, or a combination of these?

BALTER: Thank you for the praise! It’s a combination of experience and research. I traveled to Italy many times in the early 2000s as part of my business dealings, and loved my experiences there. Some of the more vivid scenes in the book are based on those memories. For example, I attended the Papal Reconciliation Concert at the Vatican in January 2004, where my business partner and I sat next to Luciano Pavarotti. We also attended a post-concert party at the Palazzo dei Convertendi where the artist Raphael died in 1520. And, we visited the Vatican Observatory, where a 1726 edition of Isaac Newton’s Principia was casually tossed to me, leading to the anecdote in the cardinal’s office.

But after twenty years, many of the details of these events had faded, so I extensively researched every aspect of the scenes described. It was important to me to be accurate about the little details, from exactly which streets Marty and Bo walked to get from the Hotel Michelangelo to the Vatican, to which sculptures surmount St. Peter’s Basilica and the type of flowers that would have appeared on their breakfast table.

FQ: In The Vatican Deal, what novel thriller elements did you include that your readers could have missed in Chasing Money?

BALTER: Chasing Money has only one villain, a dangerously unpredictable Russian, Vasili, who kills Marty and Bo’s new business partner in the first chapter. He has a couple of henchmen who act under his orders, but never independently. The mystery in this book involves the missing money and the mysterious painting, but Marty and Bo’s opponent is clear from the beginning.

In contrast, in The Vatican Deal, Marty and Bo don’t know who is threatening them initially, and realize over time that they are facing multiple villains with opposing objectives. The Naples mafia wants them out of the deal for the Chiurazzi, and the Russian vory insists they stay in. Everyone is keeping secrets and telling lies. A dangerous figure from their past appears to threaten them. Someone they don’t suspect turns out to be a villain, while another proves to be a false friend. Then their partner Natalya is kidnapped, and Marty and Bo have to find a way to rescue her amid a mafia war.

FQ: What would you say to readers who might have recently come upon your exquisitely written and imaginative novels?

BALTER: I hope you’ll enjoy Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal, the first two books in the Marty and Bo thriller series. As a relatively new author, reviews are hugely important to me, so please share your thoughts on GoodReads, Amazon, BookBub, Barnes & Noble or wherever you get your books. If you’d like more information on the subjects I write about or updates on upcoming books, please visit my website at https://mbalter.com/ and sign up for my newsletter. Or, if you prefer, follow me on Facebook. I love to hear from readers!

 #Bookreview of Muzzle the Black Dog

By: Mike Cobb

Publisher: Waterside

Publication Date: April 11, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-962984-84-3

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: May 14, 2025

Mike Cobb's Muzzle the Black Dog is a gripping mystery that centers on Jack Pate, a lone man who has deliberately isolated himself from the outside world and lives in a secluded cottage tucked away in the Georgia woods. His life is mostly calm until one night, when he receives an unexpected knock on the door. To his shock, he finds a stranger on his porch, ragged and mysterious, who seems to know way too much about Jack’s life, his past, and the pain he’s tried so hard to bury. Jack's initial reaction is to send him away, but something about this man and the secrets he appears to be hiding makes Jack become enmeshed in a web of inquiries that he finds impossible to ignore.

As the days pass, Jack’s guarded world begins to crack. He finds out that the stranger, Yardley Bennett, is not merely a lost wanderer; rather, he is someone with a mission, and his presence compels Jack to confront the things he has long shunned which include the people he left behind, the mistakes he committed, and a lingering sense of remorse. Meanwhile, the peaceful countryside around them transforms into anything but peaceful. Strange events begin to ripple through the nearby town including disturbing crimes, whispered rumors, and rising tensions. Soon, Jack is lured into something far broader than his personal difficulties, as he tries to figure out who Yardley is and what he really wants.

Throughout the novel, Cobb masterfully balances the external mystery with the protagonist's inner turmoil. We follow him as he starts questioning everything—his own memories, his choices, and even his sanity. The questions of whether Yardley can be trusted, whether he is an enemy, friend, or something else entirely, and why he is so familiar with Jack's life are what truly stick out. As Jack searches for answers, he’s not just trying to figure out the mystery around him — he’s also forced to deal with the emotional walls he’s built inside himself and honestly, that’s one of the most significant parts of the book.

In addition to being a thriller, Muzzle the Black Dog is a profoundly moving tale of self-forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming regret with a great handling of heavy topics like guilt, loneliness, and second chances. Cobb shows that running from your past can trap you just as much as facing it, and sometimes connecting with people — even when it’s awkward or painful — is the only way forward. Jack’s character goes through a lot of growth; he starts out totally shut off from the world, but over time, his journey forces him to open up and rethink his life. Themes on past memories and figuring out who you really are show up all throughout the story, which gives it a lot of heart beyond just the mystery side.

Cobb's writing style is really smooth and vivid and his characters feel real, especially Jack, who’s messy and flawed but super relatable, and Yardley, the perfect mysterious character — part charming, part suspicious, and you’re never sure if you should trust him. The book has a nerve-wracking suspense and emotional pull that will make it difficult for readers to put it down, despite being slower, and having a more contemplative pacing.

Quill says: Muzzle the Black Dog is a great pick if you like mysteries with depth, characters you can connect to, as well as stories that make you think. It’s the kind of book that stays with you and keeps you wondering long after you turn the last page.

For more information about Muzzle the Black Dog, please visit the author's website at: mgcobb.com/