Interview with John B. Marek, Author of Hellbender

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Hellbender?

I began writing the Owen Sinclair mysteries partly in response to the “retirement” of one of my favorite authors, Keith McCafferty. His Sean Stranahan novels had become a regular part of my annual getaway trips, and when he stopped publishing them in 2020, it left a significant hole in my literary world. I missed the regular (and slightly eccentric) cast of characters and the extravagantly convoluted plots, so I decided to create my own little band of misfits and see what trouble I could get them into. But it wasn’t until I stepped away from my career in economic and community development in 2023 that I found the time and inspiration to pursue these stories fully.

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

That is such an interesting question, because the characters in the Owen Sinclair books are mostly in their 30s and 40s—significantly younger than I am—so the songs I have in mind for them might not be the ones they would choose for themselves. Having said that, music does play a small role in the books. Owen and Sam frequent Ellington’s, a barbecue joint with a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox that’s always playing “something classic,” so they would likely be familiar with the music of my era. I suppose Owen’s theme song would be something by The Eagles—“Certain Kind of Fool,” maybe.

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

I read a lot of horror and adventure fiction when I was younger. Stephen King and Clive Cussler come to mind, respectively. More recently, I’ve taken to reading outdoor thrillers/mysteries.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Top of the list is a fantasy rom-com titled Wish Wrecked by Sara George, a local author I met at a book fair. Not my genre, but I was so impressed with her presentation that I promised her I would read and review it. I also want to read the new Michael Perry book, Improbable Mentors & Happy Tangents.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I’d never written a car chase scene before, and Hellbender has two of them. That was fun!

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

I do much of my writing in public places, especially coffee shops and craft breweries. There’s just something about the energy that inspires me. I have three or four regular spots where I go almost every week, but I also enjoy trying out new places.

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

I’ve always been fond of a quote by Theodore Roosevelt, “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

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

The book touches on themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness. I hope readers take some solace and inspiration from those.

John B. Marek is the author of the new book Hellbender

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