What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I wrote The Legacy Betrayed to explore a different kind of corruption. Most people think corruption is about stolen money, criminal acts, or obvious abuses of power. Sometimes it is. But sometimes it's much quieter.
I was interested in what happens when the truth isn't attacked directly. What happens when people simply create enough doubt, confusion, and uncertainty that the truth no longer seems to matter? In this book, Windermere has already won many of its battles. The town is rebuilding, good people are in leadership, and the system is finally beginning to work. But success creates new enemies.
The threat is no longer corruption in the shadows. The threat is the effort to rewrite the story, question what has been accomplished, and convince people to doubt what they know is true. At its heart, The Legacy Betrayed is about trust, accountability, and the courage to keep standing for the truth when powerful people try to redefine it. I wanted to show that preserving integrity can be just as difficult as achieving it in the first place.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
This is probably the most dangerous question in the interview because I'll change my mind next week, but today I'd say:
Claire Bennett: Stand By Me — because Claire's strength comes from standing with people, not standing above them.
Agent Rowan: Smooth Operator by Sade — calm, intelligent, and always three moves ahead of everyone else.
Margaret Halley: The Devil Went Down to Georgia — ambitious, calculating, and convinced she can outplay anyone.
Parker Johnson: I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty — Parker sees pressure as a challenge, not a warning.
Luna Carver: Fight Song by Rachel Platten — fiercely loyal and never afraid to defend the people she loves.
Elias Monroe: My Way by Frank Sinatra — steady, dependable, and unwilling to compromise his principles.
If I had to pick one song for the entire book, it would probably be Wont Get Fooled Again by The Who. The Legacy Betrayed is ultimately about recognizing manipulation, refusing to surrender the truth, and fighting for what matters when powerful people try to rewrite the story.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is mystery and suspense, especially stories where ordinary people find themselves facing extraordinary situations. I enjoy books that focus on strong characters, difficult choices, and the question of what people will do when the truth becomes uncomfortable.
It's also my favorite genre to write. As a writer, I'm fascinated by how communities work, how trust is built, and what happens when that trust is broken. Mysteries allow me to explore those questions while still telling an entertaining story.
That said, I read far beyond mystery. History, biography, military history, and books about leadership and government often find their way onto my reading list. Many of the ideas that appear in my novels come from real-world events, people, and systems that are often stranger than fiction.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Too many to count. My current TBR pile is a mix of mysteries, thrillers, history books, and biographies. It seems to grow faster than I can read it.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the moment Claire realizes the audit was never really about the money. It was about controlling the story.
I enjoy writing moments when a character suddenly understands what they're actually fighting. In that scene, Claire realizes the battle isn't over documents or procedures—it's over truth, trust, and who gets to define reality.
Those are the moments I enjoy most as a writer because that's where a mystery becomes something more than a mystery.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I babysit two dogs while I write—one is mine, and one belongs to my daughter. My biggest writing challenge isn't writer's block; it's making sure I don't interfere with their treat schedule. They're very forgiving about missed word counts, but not missed snacks.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I believe public service is a sacred opportunity. Whether you're a teacher, first responder, mayor, or member of the military, people trust you to put something larger than yourself first. That's a responsibility worth honoring every day.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I hope readers come away with a greater appreciation for the people who quietly serve their communities. Teachers, first responders, military members, and public servants rarely seek the spotlight, but they help hold society together. Their service matters, and they deserve both our admiration and our support.
Thomas Vale is the author of the new book The Legacy Betrayed
