The first book in a new Western mystery series will put the best of the British against the American West. Filled with action, drama, twists, turns and gunfights, this series will leave you wishing for more.
Jack the Ripper is terrorizing the citizens of London, and there is only one connection between each murder known to the police— a man called Jonathan Smyth. After a particularly grizzly murder, the fickle finger of fate points directly at Smyth, who cannot be located. When the police discover that their prime suspect has seemingly fled to the fledgling United States, they send one of their best men, Charles Abbott, after him. Let’s see what Frank has to say about this new story…
How do you feel about the success you’ve been having in the Western field?
It’s been fantastic—but I know I can do better. I believe the book I’ve just published—the first in the Jonathan Smyth series—is the best thing I’ve done so far. I think readers will love it, too.
Why did you want to cross Jack the Ripper with the Wild West?
Simply because it made for great reading. It has been bandied around for years now that the Ripper escaped to the United States. Imagine if he actually did and a couple of sleuths chased him here? Imagine if one of the sleuths was considered to be a prime suspect for the Ripper’s murders? It all makes for great reading. I believe the series will please Western fans because it is a Western. It’ll please mystery fans because it’s a mystery, and it’ll please those who just love a great story because it is a great story.
Where did the idea come from?
Well, the idea came to me some time ago. I have always been fascinated in myths and legends, and I wanted to write about the myths of the Western and turn them into action/adventure Western tales with a twist. You’ll discover the twist when the book is released.
But it is a traditional Western, right?
Yes, very much so, but it has other ingredients in it to make readers happy. I can’t tell you anymore, though. You’ll have to wait.
How did you discover that you enjoyed writing?
I wrote a short story in grammar school about the bombing of Hiroshima by the Enola Gay. It was the story of a small tin truck from a tin drive in WWII that ended up in the Enola Gay. The teacher thought I was pretty sick – a ten-year-old, writing about a nuclear Holocaust. I thought it was pretty cool.
Tell us a little bit about your cover art for “Jonathan Smyth: Cowboy Sleuth.” Who designed it?
The cover art came from my publicist. We went for something reminiscent of the old Perry Mason and Dennis Wheatley novels. Something iconic that would catch the attention of readers. I think we got a hole-in-one. What do you think?
It’s a very startling cover
Exactly. It’s startling, it’ll stand out and it’ll become the theme of the series.
Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
Jonathan Smyth. He is such an English character who takes his country with him to America. He was such great fun to create.
If you could change a single thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?
Nothing really. It’s a good story with good structure and introduces then dismisses strong characters. It exactly what Western readers have been asking for. You can’t deny a reading public the stories they want—if you do that, you’ll end up like some of the politicians standing for office today.
What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?
My action/adventure series is entitled the Chronicles of Jeremy Nash. In the mold of reluctant hero Clint Eastwood, Jeremy Nash is unwillingly drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens his life, his family and his reputation.
Do you have a favorite gun?
My Smith and Wesson M&P, 9mm. It was my sidearm when I was a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse.
How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
Check out my author site at www.frankfiore.com and my blog at frankfiore.wordpress.com. You can also get in touch with me through my publicist (nick@nickwale.org).
What can we expect from you in the future?
We are working on a new type of Western series call the ‘Fastest Reads of the West.’ Shorter stories in the range of 10,000 words each. Then we will do a very different Western series called ‘Jonathan Smyth – Cowboy Sleuth.’ Not gonna say much about it now, but it’s something never done in a Western before. Sort of an Indiana Jones meets the X-files. Then there’s another new twist on a Western to come during that with a Rat Pack finish. Stay tuned – fun reading ahead.
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
Write great reviews on Amazon. Reviews help drive sales. And, of course, buy my books.
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
Write. Write. Write. And don’t stop writing. Before my first Western, I have published 6 other novels and working now on my seventh.
Where can we find the first book in the series?
Jonathan Smyth is live right now on Amazon. Don’t forget to leave a review!
Jack the Ripper
is terrorizing the citizens of London, and there is only one connection between each murder known to the police— a man called Jonathan Smyth. After a particularly grizzly murder, the fickle finger of fate points directly at Smyth, who cannot be located. When the police discover that their prime suspect has seemingly fled to the fledgling United States, they send one of their best men, Charles Abbott, after him.
Smyth, an intrepid sleuth, is caught in a new land filled with legends, mysteries and horrors. His goal is to unmask the Ripper when he meets the seemingly harmless British journalist Charles Abbott, but soon finds himself slowly drawn into discovering the secrets behind the screaming tunnel of Arizona. Will Smyth and Abbot survive the lethal legend, unmasking the mystery—or will they die in the fiery bowels of Arizona?
Head on over to Amazon to pick up your Kindle copy of this latest Frank F. Fiore adventure. You won’t be disappointed!
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