What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a thriller that thrills on as many levels as possible. As a military chaplain, I’ve come to the conclusion that we are all action heroes in the lives we live. The fight of good versus evil is very real, and it’s something we all face on numerous internal and external fronts. For me, creating nuanced empathy—where a reader truly feels the weight of a character’s intense struggle—is deeply cathartic. I wanted to give readers that profound emotional release wrapped inside a high-stakes ride.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
For Sadie, definitely viral TikTok phonk tracks—maybe ‘HEXSTORM’ by Lxzt or some MAF5. She has a few edgy, high-attitude strut moments in the book where that chaotic energy fits perfectly. For Trish, it’s Def Leppard’s ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me.’ She probably blasts that while getting ready, though she’ll instantly shut off anything that triggers memories of her childhood. And Adrian? Bach. He listens to classical music hoping it will lift his spirits—but it never does.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is modernist literature rooted in psychological realism, particularly intense, semi-autobiographical narratives—or fiction so meticulously researched that it feels autobiographical. And yes, that is exactly what I write. I take those deep, character-driven modernist sensibilities and inject them straight into a fast-paced thriller framework.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I still have yet to read Dostoyevsky. Avoiding his work has become a running joke with myself at this point, but given my love for depth, I just need to bite the bullet and dive in.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Without giving away any spoilers, I’ll just call it: “The crying wedding reception line in the cult.” It’s the moment Sadie truly comes to terms with what being deep undercover in a cult means. For anyone who has ever been around the genuinely brainwashed, I hope they get some cathartic laughs out of the utter absurdity of that scene.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Yes—my cat is my clock. I can easily hyper-focus and write for hours without taking a break, which I know isn’t ideal. I even tried a treadmill desk, but it turns out I can’t type and walk at the same time! So, when the furry king of my heart finally marches into my office and demands attention, I know it’s time to step away from the keyboard.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Writing is a deeply relational act for me, and creating these complex characters and worlds is one of the ways I try to practice that philosophy.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I want them to remember that we influence, damage, and heal each other in ways we may never fully be aware of. Our ripples go further than we think.