I enjoyed an interview recently with Peter Okonkwo, the founder of P English Literature, the first international BookTube show in Africa that features authors from around the world. We cover quite a bit of ground in this interview. Enjoy!
Tag: writing
Award for Shadows of Truth
I’m pleased to announce that Shadows of Truth has received recognition from Literary Titan per the message below. The release date is less than a week away for those buying online. If you’re in the Ottawa, Canada area, you can pick up your signed copy at Indigo Kanata on Saturday, September 20, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction | LITERARY TITAN
A Teaser Before the Release of Shadows of Truth
The release of Shadows of Truth is two weeks away! 
But … the official trailer is here, and it’s everything a gripping mystery should be: suspenseful, thrilling, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Watch the trailer now and feel the suspense build!
Preorder today and be one of the first to unravel the mystery. https://mybook.to/ShadowsofTruth
Shadows of Truth – Cover Reveal and Presale
The moment we’ve all been waiting for… the official cover of Shadow of Truth is finally revealed!
A story of secrets, lies, and truths that refuse to stay hidden.
Will you be ready when the truth comes to light?
Shadows of Truth is available for presale. Order it now for delivery on September 15!
Writing a Novel: Letting Your Characters Lead
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards once said something to the effect that sometimes you don’t have to write a song. You just have to be there to receive it. I feel the same way about writing a novel. The characters decide where they want to go. It’s up to the author to take them there. #writers #authors
Jake Scott’s Journey and What’s Next
If you love a gripping mystery, a determined sleuth, and twists you’ll never see coming, the Jake Scott Mystery Series is for you.
Jake Scott was once a respected journalist. Now retired and lonely, he finds himself drawn back into danger time and again, uncovering dark secrets others would rather keep hidden.
In Searching for Truth, Jake uncovers a deadly secret buried within his own circle of breakfast friends, proving that no one is quite who they seem.
In The Guardians of Truth, he infiltrates a shady organization preying on vulnerable people, putting himself at great risk to expose their lies.
In The Secret Truth, what should have been a peaceful getaway turns into a nightmare when a deadly explosion shatters lives and uncovers a chilling plot.
And now…
Shadows of Truth on the Cruise Ship is about to set sail.
Jake thought a cruise would be the perfect escape, a chance to relax and leave danger behind. But when a murder rocks the ship, he realizes the killer is onboard, and the truth is buried somewhere in the endless ocean around them.
Will Jake find the answers before the ship docks? Or will the shadows claim another victim?
Catch up on the series now, and don’t miss the next thrilling chapter, coming this September!
#JakeScottMystery #MysterySeries #NewBookRelease #MurderMystery #AmReading #BookLovers #SuspenseBooks
Exciting Updates on Jake Scott’s Newest Mystery
The new year has started off with a bang. Book signings are lining up and I have a new Jake Scott mystery in the works. Jake will be on holidays this time, but he still manages to find trouble. Also, I have been guesting on a few podcasts. The next one will be recorded on January 28 from Singapore. Sadly, I don’t need to go there to record it.
Here’s one I did recently based on my book, Just Keep Climbing. The podcast goes into depth on overcoming challenges. You can check it out below. You probably have your own thoughts on overcoming challenges. If so, drop them in the comments section.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more announcements as the year goes on.
Writing Update – July 27, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, mostly because I’ve been working on my inspirational book, Just Keep Climbing: Inspirational Stories for Overcoming Challenges and Living Life. It’s nearing completion and I’m very proud of the outcome. Eight people generously shared their inspirational stories with me and I can’t thank them enough.
So, where is it? Well, here’s part of it.
Here’s what’s going to happen. The cover will be revealed in a few days on July 31. In the meantime, take a guess at what’s under the shaded area based on the title.
The e-book goes on presale August 1. Then, on September 9, Just Keep Climbing will be launched to the world. I can’t wait to share it with you.
This is a departure for sure from my mystery and thriller titles but since everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time, I thought Jake Scott could take a little break. He’ll be back in the spring.
In the meantime, watch for the presale of Just Keep Climbing, grab your copy (to be delivered September 9) and read some amazing stories.
Jake Scott Mystery Receives Great New Review
From The Online Book Club
Review of The Guardians of Truth
Post by Hubre De Klerk » 22 Feb 2023, 03:40
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “The Guardians of Truth” by Barry Finlay.]
5 out of 5 stars
A secret organization, a missing person, a body, a police investigation, and a retired reporter—if these words don’t get you excited, I don’t know what will. This book is full of suspense, action, and a bit of romance. When Cassie tells her daughter that she must stop someone from hurting other people and then doesn’t return home, a missing person’s file is immediately opened for her. Jake is a retired reporter and a “family friend” of Cassie’s daughter through his relationship with her friend’s mom, Dani. Jake knows that the police are busy with their investigation, but he also knows that they are short-staffed. He decides to dust off his retired gloves and conduct his own investigation in order to assist. He had no idea how far he’d get himself involved or what danger awaited him.
This was such a fun book to read, and it was full of descriptions and easy-to-follow protocols. I enjoyed being part of the investigations and seeing how they unearthed new evidence. I couldn’t help but put myself in Haley’s teenage shoes and imagine the worry she had to go through when her mom didn’t come home. It was also easy to grasp Dani’s frustration when the clues to help them figure out what happened were so few and it felt like the case was at a standstill. Jake was my favorite character by far, with his empathy for others, his being a true friend, and his tenacity to help. He made me think of a bull terrier that just won’t let go after he has locked his jaw.
I enjoyed everything about this book. This book has been excellently edited, as I only found two minor errors throughout the whole book. There was nothing I disliked or would have changed. The book was fast-paced and didn’t have any slow-moving parts. I had my ideas about who the culprit was, but I was still surprised at the end of the book. I was entertained and hooked from the start of the book until the end.
I would rate The Guardians of Truth by Barry Finlay a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. There is absolutely no reason to give this book anything but a perfect score. This book also showed me how important the people in your life are and the importance of being there for each other. I know I have felt shallow when someone is going through a traumatic and emotional time, and the only words I had to offer were that it will get better and that I am here for you. This book showed me both sides, and that the person receiving those words may appreciate them a lot more than you can even imagine. Families and friends are important, and they are what keep you sane when things get tough.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy crime, action, and mystery books. This is a fun afternoon read that immerses you completely. You feel like you are part of the investigation, and you feel all of the emotions running rampant in this book. I really enjoyed it and would love to read more of this author’s books.