The man behind the mysteries
The city isn't just a backdrop—it's a character that breathes, bleeds, and fights back. Every neighborhood, every precinct, every dark alley comes from real experience. I was born here, raised here, and work here. Plus, I research every aspect to give it authenticity.
I spend months researching each book, consulting with law enforcement professionals, studying real cases, and exploring the psychological depths of both criminals and cops. The goal is always authenticity—readers should feel like they're walking the beat with Keegan.
Great mystery isn't just about solving crimes—it's about exploring the human condition under pressure. Each Keegan novel asks tough questions about justice, morality, and the price we pay for doing what's right in a world that isn't always fair. I also like to infuse some humor. Law enforcement professionals often use it as a coping mechanism.
Keegan isn't a superhero—he's a flawed human being trying to do good work in an imperfect system. Watching him evolve from eager rookie to "Keegan the Destroyer" has been the greatest joy of my writing career. His growth mirrors our own struggles with compromise and conviction.
How Detective Keegan comes to life
Every Keegan novel starts with a real-world observation—a news story, an overheard conversation, a what-if scenario that makes me think "There's a story here." The best mysteries come from the questions we're afraid to ask.
I immerse myself in the world of the story—police procedures, forensic science, criminal psychology, New York politics. Authenticity comes from understanding not just what happens, but why it happens and how it feels.
Before I plot the mystery, I know my characters inside and out. What drives them? What scares them? How does this case challenge their beliefs? The plot serves the characters, not the other way around.
My first draft is always terrible—and that's okay. The magic happens in revision, where the story finds its rhythm, the clues align, and Keegan's voice becomes crystal clear. I rewrite until every word earns its place.
What readers want to know
I started with espionage. But I had trouble keeping track of the many plotlines. And I like character/human driven stories. Murder cuts to the essence of humanity and investigation is a skill we could all use in our lives. So, it felt like a perfect fit.
Keegan is a composite of many cops I've known and studied, mixed with aspects of my own personality. His sarcasm is definitely mine, his moral struggles are universal, and his dedication to justice comes from the best officers I've encountered in my research. He says things I never would (nor want to) and he has his own moral compass.
The Takedown will conclude Keegan's main arc, but there are still stories to tell in his universe. Pauline's series is expanding, and I'm exploring other characters who deserve their own spotlight. The world of New York crime fiction has many more mysteries to uncover. Plus, there's a convergence coming that I am not ready to tease just yet.
Write. Then write some more. Use all the tools at your disposal but only as tools. AI can generate writing but it isn't yours and we don't want to sound like everyone else. But, on that note, copy others when you're starting. Then infuse yourself. It instantly becomes something different, something of your own.
I love hearing from readers, whether you have questions about the books, want to discuss crime fiction, or just want to share your thoughts on Keegan's latest case.
I read every email and try to respond to all reader messages.