There is an adage that urges the writer to write about what they know, and I have followed this to the letter. In addition to being an author, I have worked as a private investigator. I have also trained at two martial arts schools that specialize in Ninjutsu; Genbukan Yamato Dojo, and Bujinkan. Moreover, as a patrolman, and an ambulance driver, I have had the privilege of serving with female partners, lending me a valuable insight into the struggles that they face in otherwise male-dominated fields. But this is not all; I am also an occultist, making me familiar with things that most people would not even believe exist.😊
I wrote...
Our Man Adelaide: The Faceless Man
By
Martin Schiller
What is my book about?
It is the year 1912. The Titanic is preparing for her maiden voyage, and England and Germany are locked in an arms race. Although Europe is at peace, spies on both sides are gathering intelligence in preparation for war. In the midst of this increasingly volatile situation, Sir Thomas Blackthorne and Ms. Adelaide DeMarcy of His Majesty's Secret Service Bureau, are tasked with investigating the death of a member of Parliament. In the end, it will take all of Sir Thomas's talent as a psychic, and Adelaide's skill as a Ninja, to unravel the truth, and survive…
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The Books I Picked & Why
A Curious Beginning
By
Deanna Raybourn
Why this book?
In my opinion, this is a wonderful example of the Lady Detective genre. I found the chemistry between the main character, and her male partner, to be both charming and engaging. Moreover, the world building was excellent, and the author does a great job of presenting the mystery itself while leaving me wanting more once it was solved. It was from books like this, and the classic TV show, The Avengers, that my own series had its genesis.
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The Mystic Arts of the Ninja
By
Stephen Hayes
Why this book?
Every good book requires research, and in the case of my book, I feel that the best source for information concerning the legendary Ninja of Japan, and their shadowy Art, comes to us by way of Stephen K. Hayes, who introduced this subject to the West through his many books. The Mystic Arts of the Ninja not only showcases the weapons and the martial arts of the Ninja (which was vital in building my character, Ms. Adelaide DeMarcy) but provides a valuable insight into their mystical practices.
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Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service
By
Michael Bar-Zohar,
Nissim Mishal
Why this book?
Again, research is everything when it comes to creating a believable series, and while this book focuses solely on Israel, and its clandestine battles with its many enemies, it still manages to capture the overall tone of international intrigue, and the wars fought in the shadows by unknown warriors. Accordingly, it served as a template for the adventures of my characters.
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Red Sparrow: A Novel Volume 1
By
Jason Matthews
Why this book?
Talented and clever, Dominika is compelled to become a Sparrow and use her body to serve Mother Russia. Justifiably angry, she becomes a double agent for the CIA—and in the process, finds love. Red Sparrow is an excellent example of the Lady Spy genre and Cold War espionage from the Russian side of things. More importantly, it highlights a woman’s struggle to matter in a world that doesn’t care about anything more than her gender. Red Sparrow served as a guide for creating Ms. Adelaide DeMarcy. Like Dominika, she is a talented agent and a formidable fighter but lives in a time and a place where many men ignore her talents and refuse to believe that she even deserves the right to vote, or drive a car.
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Druid Twilight: The Loom of Destiny: Book One
By
Gerry C Starnes
Why this book?
Another research source for my book, this series lent me a valuable insight into Celtic mysticism--on steroids, and it gave me an insight into what was possible with my male character, Sir Thomas Blackthorne (although I chose to take things in a radically different direction). I heartily recommend the audio version of this book, as narrated by the talented Rebecca McKernan.
