1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE MEDUSA PROTOCOL
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A group of former assassins in a 12-step program for killers have to rescue their friend from a black site prison on an island full of venomous snakes.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I saw a TikTok video about an island off the coast of Brazil that’s so full of poisonous snakes that it’s off limits to the general public, and my first thought was: I need to set a book there.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Probably yes. They’re all killers, but they’re reformed, so I’d probably be safe.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
This book has two:
Mark - funny, contemplative, deadly
Astrid - angry, brilliant, deadly
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
The difference between neurotoxic and hemotoxic snake venom.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I sometimes write a bit and then go back and clean up before I start the new section but in a general sense, I do my best to put my head down and barrel forward.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
It used to be ice cream, but getting old sucks because my body has decided it no longer wants to dance with dairy. I’m experimenting with making protein ice creams using almond milk as the base in my new Ninja Creami. It is going very well.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I have two: the kitchen table in my apartment, or the Writer’s Room in Manhattan. Either way a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is a must.
10--Who is an author you admire?
I admire so many; I’m lucky to have a lot of really talented friends. Off the top of my head, I’m going to pick KT Nguyen. Her debut You Know What You Did is getting rave reviews, it just won an Agatha Award, and it’s just a fantastic read.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Fahrenheit 451. It was the first book I ever read where I realized books could speak to larger issues.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
For my very first book—that was so long ago I don’t remember. When I got the call for The Warehouse, though, I was walking through a park, and I think I blacked out for a second. That deal changed everything; it allowed me to become a full-time writer.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I don’t think in terms of that; a good book is a good book, regardless of genre. I like to read books that challenge me or make me want to work harder.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
That’s a big question! If I have to pick one I go with Leon: The Professional. But, the international cut, not the American version, which is missing something like 24 minutes.
15--What is your favorite season?
Fall and Spring are great because it’s not too cold or too hot. Once we start getting into extremes it stops being fun.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Usually something low-key; my birthday is a few days before Christmas, so larger gatherings are hard. I’m happy to grab dinner or see a movie.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I finally got around to watching Squid Games and oh god how terribly violent and relevant it is. Also, King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby is out now and as per usual, it’s a must-read.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Tough call because I like to eat, but lately it’s been Korean.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Hahaha free time what’s that? In those fleeting moments I like to play video games or catch up on TV.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
In January, I’ve got a book coming out with Jeff Rake, the creator and showrunner of the TV show Manifest. It’s called DETOUR. Then next summer there will be a third Assassins Anonymous book, called THREE HITMEN AND A BABY.
Assassins Anonymous #2
Welcome back to Assassins Anonymous, the only twelve-step group where joining can be deadly.
When Astrid, known in her assassin days as Azrael, stopped showing up to Assassins Anonymous, the group assumed her past had caught up with her. Only her sponsor Mark, formerly the deadliest killer in the world, holds out hope that she’s okay. Then, during a meeting, the group gets a sign, or rather, a pizza delivery. Is there another psychopath out there who actually likes olives on their pizza, or is Astrid trying to send Mark a message?
Meanwhile, Astrid wakes up in the cell of a black site prison, on a remote island. A doctor subjects her to mysterious experiments, plumbing the depths of her memory and looking for a vital clue from her past. She’ll do anything to escape, except…killing anyone. Hmm. Turns out it’s not easy to blow this joint without blowing anything, or anyone up.
Thriller Spy | Thriller Military [Penguin, On Sale: June 24, 2025, Hardcover / e-Book , ISBN: 9780593717424 / eISBN: 9780593717431]
ROB HART is the publisher at MysteriousPress.com and the class director at LitReactor. Previously, he has been a political reporter, the communications director for a politician, and a commissioner for the city of New York. He is the author of the Ash McKenna series at Polis Books and the coauthor of Scott Free with James Patterson. He lives in Staten Island with his wife and daughter.
No comments posted.
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy