Book Nerd Interview
Peter Leonard’s jaw-dropping VOICES OF THE DEAD introduced us to two mortal enemies: Holocaust survivor Harry Levin and Nazi death angel Ernst Hess. Now, their struggle reaches its dramatic conclusion in BACK FROM THE DEAD.
Bahamas, 1971. Ernst Hess, missing and presumed dead, regains consciousness to find himself stuck in a hospital bed on a strange ward in a foreign country. He must do what he needs to do to get his life back and to finish the job he has been doing for decades.
Harry believes he has already stopped Hess. When he finds out that the war criminal has somehow survived, Harry must do the only thing he can do – kill Hess again – even if it means crossing continents and putting his life and the lives of those that matter to him on the line.
Action-packed and darkly humorous, BACK FROM THE DEAD is the unforgettable conclusion to a story that launchesPeter Leonard into the pantheon of great suspense novelists.
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Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
I never aspired to become a novelist. I wrote ads for twenty-five years and decided to try my hand at fiction out of boredom.
Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
Storytelling is one of the oldest, purest forms of entertainment.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Leave out the parts readers tend to skip.
In your newest book; Back from the Dead, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
It's the sequel to Voices of the Dead. A Holocaust survivor pursues a Nazi war criminal who killed his daughter and figures in his past. Don't you want to find out what happens?
For those who are unfamiliar with Harry, how would you introduce him?
Harry is a Holocaust survivor and scrap metal dealer from Detroit. I think he is the perfect protagonist, the guy you tend to under estimate, who surprises you.
What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating Hess?
How the Nazis, made up mostly of ordinary Germans became ruthless murderers. I was stunned by their capacity to hate.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I thought it was interesting, compelling and suspenseful. How can you resist a Nazi bad guy? And Hess is bad, but still human.
If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I don't see any reason to, but who knows.
What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
I recently finished a book called Eyes Closed Tight, which was influenced by the time I spent hanging out with Detroit Police Homicide Section.
It was an invaluable experience.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
How do I look?
You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
If you enjoy suspense thrillers, give me a try, you won't be disappointed.
Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
I might say something to my wife, but since I got out of advertising I rarely have a bad day.
What’s your most missed memory?
I should've bought a particular cottage on Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan in 2000.
When and how was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you felt?
I told my daughter I loved her this morning.
When was the last time you cried?
When my dog Lily died.
What are you most passionate about today?
Writing fiction.
What is the one, single food that you would never give up?
Potatoes. What can I say? I'm Irish.
Where can readers stalk you?
Book signings.
Bahamas, 1971. Ernst Hess, missing and presumed dead, regains consciousness to find himself stuck in a hospital bed on a strange ward in a foreign country. He must do what he needs to do to get his life back and to finish the job he has been doing for decades.
Harry believes he has already stopped Hess. When he finds out that the war criminal has somehow survived, Harry must do the only thing he can do – kill Hess again – even if it means crossing continents and putting his life and the lives of those that matter to him on the line.
Action-packed and darkly humorous, BACK FROM THE DEAD is the unforgettable conclusion to a story that launches Peter Leonard into the pantheon of great suspense novelists.
The back and forth chase that Levin and Hess give in this book make for great action and enough adrenaline pumping that will maintain readers’ interest at high levels. The quick pace and constant changing of places feels like a new adventure at every turn of the page. Author Peter’s strong writing style is smart and cunning. He cleverly goes far enough as the story will allow without going overboard. Levin is still grieving over the loss of his daughter and it provided the right amount of fuel for his drive and determination.
The plot is simply great and will have readers guessing throughout. Just like the fear inducing read in Voices of the Dead, Peter manages to deliver an equally suspenseful and jammed-packed action novel that will have readers turning the page. He methodically puts words together that makes the characters come to life. Although the first book holds major key points towards this leg of the story, I find that it is still enjoyable without reading the first one.
You can purchase Back from the Dead at the following Retailers:
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