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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always been fascinated by stories that place ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, where every decision carries real consequences. Fire is one of nature’s most relentless forces. It can transform lives in a matter of moments. That made it the perfect backdrop for a story filled with suspense, high stakes, and characters forced to confront not only external dangers but also their own fears, secrets, and moral choices. The inspiration came from my love of fast-paced thrillers and my desire to explore how people respond under extreme pressure. I wanted to create a story that captures the intensity of a deadly inferno while also reminding readers that the most compelling battles are often the deeply human ones. At its heart, A Deadly Inferno Consumes is about resilience, sacrifice, and the choices that define us when everything is on the line. My hope is that readers are swept up in the action, but also find themselves invested in the emotional journey of the characters long after they’ve turned the final page.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

“This Night” by Black Lab
“You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott
“Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man
“Story of My Life” by One Direction
“The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed
“Way Down We Go” by Kaleo

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite overall genre is historical fiction. Some of my favorite books include The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, River God by Wilbur Smith, and The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, The Quest by Wilbur Smith, and Lady Susan, The Watsons, and Sanditon by Jane Austen.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write begins the moment Samantha realizes her house is on fire and continues through everything that follows. From that point on, the story unfolds at a relentless pace, filled with action, tension, and emotional stakes. It was one of those rare sequences that seemed to write itself, making it both the easiest and the most rewarding part of the book to bring to life.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not really, but I do have to write in the morning; otherwise, it simply won’t get done.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

You can achieve anything you want, provided you have the determination to do so.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If readers walk away remembering one thing, I hope it\'s that courage isn\'t the absence of fear but rather the decision to keep moving forward despite it. The characters in A Deadly Inferno Consumes are faced with impossible choices, overwhelming danger, and moments that test everything they believe about themselves. They don\'t always have the perfect answer, and they certainly aren\'t fearless. What defines them is their willingness to keep fighting for the people they love and for what\'s right, even when the odds are against them. I also hope readers remember that disasters reveal the very best and the very worst of human nature. In the midst of chaos, we discover who we really are. Whether it\'s an act of sacrifice, a difficult moral decision, or a moment of unexpected compassion, those choices leave a lasting impact long after the flames are extinguished. Above all, I hope readers close the book feeling entertained, emotionally invested, and reminded that even in the darkest moments, hope and resilience can endure.

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

The idea behind “Death Sentence”—taking the law into your own hands—doesn’t work no matter how strongly you feel like the justice system has failed. Either the wrong man gets killed, or the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. There are many revenge stories that I’ve enjoyed over the years that served as inspiration, but I think the main one was watching “Death Wish” late at night and thinking that was problematic. “M” by Fritz Lang was also a classic where the criminal underworld helped search for a child killer, intending to lynch him.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

For Tam McLean, I would suggest the theme from “Dragnet” or “The Sweeney,” as he is an old-school throwback to heavy-handed police work. For DS Isla Robertson, being a morose, mildly depressed character, I would suggest “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves in the hope that it would perk her up a bit.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I generally read quite a broad variety of genres, but I would have to say crime thrillers are my favourite genre to read. My favourites tend to be ones that are a bit more “out there” than the standard. I’m a big fan of Callum McSorley and Chris Brookmyre. I also really enjoyed Cast a Cold Eye by Robbie Morrison.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

No Cure for Regret by Ed James. Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan. The Midnight King by Tariq Ashkanani. The Force by Don Winslow (a book I’ve always wanted to read but have never got around to).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I would say that my favourite scene to write was probably the opening. The idea of a gangster called “The Judge” holding a kangaroo court for one of his victims was fun to write.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I tend to change the room I’m writing in halfway through the day for a bit of variety. Other than that, I’m quite boring and am without quirks (although others might disagree). I’m OCD about stationery, though: I have to use the same brand of A4 lined paper and pens when I write. I also write longhand. There’s something about the glare of a computer screen that makes me struggle to concentrate. But with a pad and pen, I can write for hours.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Find a way or make a way. Treat people as you’d like to be treated.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That you shouldn’t take the law into your own hands, as it can get very messy indeed. And don’t get involved with gangsters!

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Nudge Toward the Abyss is a geopolitical thriller built around the oldest question in moral philosophy: Is there any number of innocent deaths that can be justified if enough lives are saved? It's called the Trolley Problem. This book takes this philosophy to an extreme. In this book, a fictitious shadow government is doing exactly that, pulling the strings to save the Earth. I have worked to shape this story for over 20 years, having thoughts on its structure.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Thrillers and science fiction, mostly. Since I have a technical background, I weave technology elements into my storyline. So, the answer is yes, I like to read and write thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m fairly eclectic. I thoroughly enjoy biographies, like Washington or Franklin. But currently I’m working through all of the works of William Shakespeare, and they’re very difficult to read. I switch off to sci-fi or military thrillers for a week or so, then come back.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably when Agent Brown gets promoted. She’s toiled for years at the same rank, and her promotions are being blocked because she’s uncovered part of the conspiracy and tried to pursue it. She’s my favorite character.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I'm most productive from 11 p.m. until a little after midnight.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Trust, but verify.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That there really is a shadow government. The sites in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia are quite real. This isn't a conspiracy theory but an actual part of the continuity of government. The government you see is theater. Like an iceberg, you only see 10%.