The Monaco Grand Prix?
In this post, I write about what I’ve been up to.
I also write about some reviews that surprised me. In a very good way.
Also, my first book, To Catch a Spy, is available here…
Meaning of this Picture is Revealed Below…
Books, Books, Books
Book 2. So what have I been doing since To Catch a Spy was released?
Writing, of course!
I finished my second book, working title -- To Catch a Traitor -- and have been writing about it in my newsletters. It’s a continuation of the ‘To Catch a Thief’ franchise, and is a sequel to my first book, ‘To Catch a Spy.’
Since I love an ensemble cast as well as a series, several of the characters in my first book are present in my second book. There’s John, Francie, Vittoria, Luca, Mother, Paul, Vittoria’s brothers, and even Lepic. We also get to meet Danielle, Paul’s wife.
What can I tell you without giving away too much? Let’s see -- the book takes place on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Also, we learn more about Mother, and trust me, she’s a lot more than what she seems.
Mother & Francie
It’s also the pivotal book where Francie begins to become more of an equal to John in the world of espionage. I didn’t want to simply flip a switch and have her be a full partner (remember, it was the 1950s), but this is where it starts, which is my longer-term vision for the series.
Francie is such a great character, full of depth and humanity, and it’s only natural that she becomes more prominent in the stories.
Why wouldn’t she?
Book 3. After I finished Book 2, I thought I’d try something different, but I wasn’t sure if that was the right move. It was a tough decision, but a very well-respected author whom I admire encouraged me to give it a shot.
So that’s what I did. I wrote a manuscript that is completely unrelated to the To Catch a Thief universe of books. And let me tell you -- it was a hard decision, but the right one! I had so much fun with it; creating a new world of characters, thinking about what their personalities might be, determining their arcs, conceiving of a well-researched theme, and drafting a plot that provides the main character with necessary growth opportunities.
Book 3 Teaser — maybe
I’m very excited about it, and it’s being reviewed by my publisher right now; early indications are very positive! I don’t want to reveal the topic just yet; not until I know more.
Undertaking that third book was very much like starting a new job, but knowing I can go back to the prior one without missing a beat.
In fact, I’m really looking forward to returning to the To Catch a Thief series; the break was refreshing, I’ve learned how to be a better writer, and I know that will shine through in my next manuscript.
In fact, I’ve got the setting already, thanks to my good friend Bill…
Setting for the Next ‘To Catch a Thief’ book
Two Reviews
As some of you know, I have an Instagram and an X account, both @JohnRobieIsBack, and I enjoy my time on those platforms. I get to see what new authors are doing, what established authors are up to, and what’s going on in the world of publishing.
Lately, I’ve been pressed for time as I can’t stop myself from writing; that’s a good thing, I think. Anyway, I’ve been alternating platforms; one day, I’ll be on X, and the next day, I’ll visit Instagram.
That’s when I saw it! I was on X, just browsing authors and books, when I came across a review of my first book, To Catch a Spy.
I Want to Reread What I Wrote!
I can’t tell you how happy I am when a reviewer enjoys my book, when they see elements that they loved. Seriously, there is no better feeling as a writer. Well, maybe when a publisher says they want your book, but this is very close!
This morning, I came across another review on Goodreads…if you go to the link, you might want to skip to the last 2 paragraphs to avoid spoilers, but it’s wonderful.
Discovered this Morning