Ward Recommends: THE DAY OF THE JACKAL

I have to admit, I had reservations about the concept of this series. The novel The Day of the Jackal, by Frederick Forsyth, is one of the most iconic thrillers of all time, and its unique plot is rooted in the 1960’s. This television series is a contemporary update, and in my opinion the authors pulled it off as well as they could have. Certain plot element have changed, but there are scenes that draw heavily from both the book, and also the original film version starring Edward Fox. The supporting characters are also solid. With another season in the works, it will be interesting to see where the writers take this highly stylistic adaptation.

Upcoming Events

I’ll be attending two conferences this year. Thrillerfest takes place in New York City from June 19-21. It’s a great venue for meeting your favorite thriller writers, and particularly relevant for those who aspire to write. Bouchercon will be in New Orleans from September 4-6. It’s the publishing industry’s biggest event, and you can’t go wrong spending a few days in The Big Easy. I also have a very special appearance scheduled in New Orleans—stay tuned for more.

Ward Recommends: THE BILLION DOLLAR SPY

I recently listened to the audiobook version of The Billion Dollar Spy by David E. Hoffman. This is a non-fiction book that reads like a thriller, mostly relating to the recruitment and running of Russian spy Adolf Tolkachev at the height of the Cold War. Tolkachev was an engineer with access to vital secrets, and for years he operated right under the nose of the KGB. Much of the information he provided related to aircraft radar and air defenses, making it somewhat personal for me - as an Air Force pilot, the combat zones I flew in were safer thanks to Tolkachev.

Read A FREE PREVIEW Of DARK VECTOR!

Dark Vector will be released on February 4. I’m super excited about this book, and can't wait to hear what everyone thinks. David Slaton has taken on the role of mentor for the new guy in the CIA’s clandestine service, Truman “Tru" Miller. A Russian test pilot has attempted to defect in a top secret fighter, but when the jet goes down deep in the Siberian wilderness, there’s only one operator in the neighborhood who can find out what’s happened: Tru Miller, a rookie who’s never been tested.

Ward Recommends: ACT OF DEFIANCE

Forty years ago (wow) Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October created an entirely new genre of fiction: the military thriller. Last spring, that book was honored by the publication of a brilliant contemporary counterpart, Act of Defiance. Jeff Wilson and Brian Andrews, both Navy veterans, did an outstanding job of keeping true to the Clancy spirit. The technical detail, the shipboard banter, and characters who are nothing short of iconic, headlined by Jack Ryan—now President of the United States. Don’t miss it!

ASSASSIN'S MARK Now Available In Paperback

Assassin’s Mark has been released in paperback. This is the most recent David Slaton novel, and a great lead-in to Dark Vector. Get your copy today!