Shadow of Betrayal with Author Brett Battles

Joining us today is Brett Battles. Brett is the author of two acclaimed novels in the Jonathan Quinn series: The Cleaner, which was nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller and a Shamus Award for Best First Novel, and The Deceived, which was nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller. His latest book, Shadow of Betrayal is the next installment in the Jonathan Quinn series. We´ll talk to Brett about this series and his new book.

Welcome Brett. It´s great to have you with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sure, but first let me say, thanks for having me. The dream of being a writer has been with me since I was a kid. I can remember telling people when I was in sixth grade that I was going to be a novelist when I grew up. What I didn´t realize then was that a little thing called life was going to get in the way for a few years. After majoring in Film History in college (by the way, an awesome thing to major in…I got to watch films all day), I got a job working in a small studio in Hollywood. At the time, that´s where The People´s Court was made, the old one with Judge Wapner and Rusty the Bailiff. From there I moved into television motion graphics where I worked with various companies before finishing that career with E! Entertainment Television. After that, I started writing full time. I love to travel, learn new things, and read.

Where did the idea for Jonathan Quinn come from?

Excellent question. I wish I had an easy answer for this, but, truthfully, he came from several sources that mixed around in my mind for a while and spit him out. One thing I do remember clearly was riding on the U-Bahn in Berlin sometime during the summer of 2001, and having this vision of a guy sitting in the same car as I was. He was both there and not there, someone who could blend into the background. I think that was the first time I saw Quinn. The other thing that I think influenced his development was my interest in what happens next. By that I mean what happens after an accident or a shoot out or an assassination. That got me to thinking about someone who makes bodies disappear. And eventually, I had Jonathan Quinn.

Did you plan to write his story as a series from the beginning?

Not from the beginning. I just wanted to write his story. It was actually a friend of mine who pointed out I had the makings of a series while I was writing it. Until that moment, I hadn´t even considered the idea, but it sure made sense once he said it.

What can you tell us about Jonathan Quinn? Why will readers like him? Does he have any quirks? Is there anything readers won´t like about him?

Quinn is a cleaner. He is hired by organizations around the world to dispose of bodies. Sometimes he is hired on the chance that his services will be needed, sometimes he knows for sure he´ll be working. He tries to always work on the right side of things, but he can´t always be sure he is. He´s got a strong sense of morals: he´s loyal, he keeps his promises, and though he tries not to show it he has a soft spot for those in need. The person he loves most is his partner and girlfriend, Orlando. She´s smart and resourceful, and never let´s Quinn get away with anything. He´s also got an apprentice named Nate he is training to be a cleaner someday. Their relationship is fun to watch.

Tell us about Shadow of Betrayal. What is Jonathan up to in this one?

Quinn finds himself in a situation he´s not happy to be in, but it´s one he brought on himself. He had previously promised his main client, an organization know as the Office, that he would do three jobs for them no questions asked for some help they gave him on a personal matter. Now those jobs are being called in, and each leads Quinn deeper and deeper into a conspiracy that threatens not only the U.S. government, but also those of its closest allies. Deep enough that Quinn finds he´s the only one can do anything about it.

The first two books in this series have been nominated for awards, and New York Times bestselling author James Rollins has called your writing "addictive" and "razor-sharp". How do you keep it fresh for each book in this series?

That is a challenge, and something I think about as I write each one. I´m very careful to try and write stories that aren´t just versions of the ones that have come before. Hopefully I´m successful.

Where can readers purchase a copy of Shadow of Betrayal?

At bookstores both online and the walk-in variety.

Do you have a website or blog?

I do. You can find my website at: www.brettbattles.com

And I blog with several other fine thriller writers at: www.murderati.com

What is up next for you?

I´m just finishing up the next Quinn adventure, due out next summer, and planning the one for after that, which I´ll start writing in the fall. I´m also working on a stand alone, but I have no time table on that one yet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that it was a pleasure being here, and a big thanks for inviting me.

Thanks for stopping by today, Brett. I wish you continued success.