A scientific discovery that —in the wrong hands — could alter the balance of global power. Line of Sight a Hard Boiled Mystery by Paul G. Wright Book Tour with Guest Post & Giveaway

 

 

LINE OF SIGHT

Paul G. Wright

 

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GENRE:  Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

It is 1995, and intelligence operative Lora Chandler, a.k.a. Agent Vogel, is tasked with investigating the claim that Professor Simon Blackmarr has cracked the invisibility problem. A mission that leads her back to the half-forgotten beach town of Lancaster, Florida. Home to estranged love interest, and newspaper reporter Richard Davis. Her feelings for him have never really died, and matters become even more complicated when Vogel learns that Blackmarr's breakthrough is legitimate. A scientific discovery that —in the wrong hands — could alter the balance of global power. The stakes become even higher when the professor is abducted from the university, forcing Vogel back into the shadowy realm of espionage to find out who and why. It will take all the skill and cunning Lora Chandler possesses to stop a threat that could have devastating consequences for her personal life — and the world at large.

 

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EXCERPT

 Professor Simon Blackmarr was a modest man who did not enjoy giving lectures. He never quite knew what to say and needed everything written down. His notes frequently got jumbled and he tended to lose his place, often leaving him searching through papers in the middle of an important point.

 

Giving speeches was not his strong suit and he preferred the classroom, where he could dialogue with his students. Or better still, the laboratory, where he could focus his attention on solving a single problem. No distractions, no interruptions, just the work. Time would simply melt away.

 

Unfortunately, the university required these talks. Once a semester, he was expected to give a detailed account of his research and report his findings. It was as dull for him as it was for the poor souls who attended. Turnout was usually sparse—just faculty and those students currently taking his classes. Occasionally, some of his peers dropped in, and now and then a few curious civilians, but not much more.

 

Tonight, promised to be no different.

 

 

He’d made an interesting discovery that could have some unique applications, but it was still in the earliest stages. Further research and further testing were required before a final analysis could be reached. Which was why he disliked mentioning it.

 

But it was required.

 

Simon sighed as he looked over the handwritten pages and adjusted his spectacles. He could be home watching TV now or taking a walk. He stood in the wings as Dr. Stewart introduced him. Dr. Stewart spoke in a stiff monotone and was shaped like a pear. Blackmarr didn’t care for her. She waddled when she moved and was never satisfied with any answer you gave her.

 

“And now without further ado,” wheezed Stewart. “Professor Simon Blackmarr.”

 

He looked upward and winced. On with the show.

 

 

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Guest Post:

The Pros and Cons of Writing a Spy Thriller

Some stories start with a single question.

For me, it happened one night while I was watching GoldenEye with my father. He’s a big James Bond fan, and as the opening scenes unfolded, I found myself thinking about something I’d never really questioned before: Where are all the female spies?

Sure, Bond had his love interests, but they were often minor characters, or they existed primarily so he could romance them. I couldn’t recall ever reading a spy thriller where the lead was a woman. And as we were now well into the 2000s, that seemed odd.

I was looking for my next writing project, and I took this as a challenge. Could I write a spy novel with a strong, female lead?

The Pros: Why Writing a Spy Thriller Was Exciting

Bigger-Than-Life Moments
One of the things I loved most about writing this book was the chance to step into a world where almost nothing is too much. In a more traditional setting, having a character yank a door open and immediately start firing might seem excessive. But in a spy thriller, that kind of moment is almost expected. The genre allows for bold, cinematic action that would feel out of place in quieter, more introspective stories.

Fast-Paced, High-Stakes Storytelling
Spy thrillers demand urgency. There’s little room for slow contemplation or leisurely conversations. That sense of forward momentum made writing the story exhilarating. Every scene had to push the plot forward, which meant I was constantly engaged, figuring out how each piece fit into the bigger picture.

Researching the World of Espionage
I’m not a CIA operative (and they’re not exactly handing out interviews), so writing a credible spy novel required a fair amount of research. I spoke with friends who had served in the military and law enforcement, read books by intelligence professionals. I also worked closely with my editor, who had served in the RAF. The process was both fascinating and challenging, and it confirmed something I’d long suspected: real-life intelligence agents aren’t superheroes. They may be skilled, dedicated professionals, but they’re also human beings who make mistakes, struggle with personal challenges, and, at the end of the day, are just trying to do their jobs.

The Challenges: Where the Genre Had Limits

Tight, Action-Oriented Writing
Spy thrillers demand a certain discipline. Internal monologue has to be clean and focused. There’s no room for long reflections on childhood crushes or a philosophical musings on life. The pacing demands efficiency, and while this was invigorating, it also meant sacrificing certain storytelling elements that might have worked in other genres.

Romance? Not So Much.
Even if my protagonist had a love interest, the story wasn’t about that relationship. In many genres, you can take time for tender moments. Characters holding hands, sharing quiet conversations, deepening their emotional connection. But in a spy thriller, lingering too long on romance risks slowing down the action. The audience is here for the tension, the danger, the intrigue. Not a smooching scene.

Balancing Accuracy with Storytelling
Spy thrillers exist in that tricky space between realism and entertainment. I wanted my story to feel authentic, but I also had to remember that I wasn’t writing a technical manual. Finding a balance, where details are accurate enough to be believable, but not so dense that they slow the narrative, was one of the biggest challenges.

Final Thoughts: What I Took Away from the Experience

Writing this novel reinforced a few truths I’ve long suspected:

1) Yes, there are female spies, and they are every bit as capable as their male counterparts.

2) Intelligence agents are not superheroes. They are real people, doing a difficult job, often with little recognition.

3) At the heart of every good story, regardless of genre, is a character trying to solve a problem. The external stakes may be life-or-death, but what readers truly connect with is how a character navigates their struggles—both inside and out.

While it was a learning experience, in many ways writing ‘Line of Sight’ gave me a deeper appreciation of a genre I already enjoyed and the craft behind it. As such, I am already working away on a sequel, so it seems I may be spending a little more time in the world of espionage. Stick around!

- Paul G. Wright

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Paul G. Wright is a native of Atlanta, GA. He has worked as a newspaper journalist, freelance writer, and screenwriter. He studied acting at the Warehouse Actors Theater and earned his degree in filmmaking from Columbia College Hollywood, in Tarzana, CA. He currently resides in the Atlanta area with his wife and their cat Dusty.

 

Website: https://www.paulgwright.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulwrightauthor/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-G.-Wright/author/B08LYG7V88

 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Line-Sight-Paul-G-Wright/dp/0228633524

 

 

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 GIVEAWAY 

 Paul G. Wright will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

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