In 1995, I published a mystery with St. Martin’s Press, entitled Something to Hide. I then wrote another novel, a thriller called Tongues of Fire. I accumulated some flattering letters from publishers, but no contract offers for this second book of fiction. Yesterday, it suddenly occurred to me that I should give it away on my website. That’s the 21st-century way, after all. Click here to read the beginning and then download the whole thing if it appeals to you.
By way of background: Tongues of Fire is a thriller set just before the Second World War. The Nazis believe that they will gain enormous power if they can put together the shards of a universal language that are preserved in the various occult traditions of the world. Our skeptical hero, an American linguistic professor, begins to investigate their plot only because he has been forced into service by a Soviet agent (who is the main female character).
This isn’t Literature, but I think it’s fun. It’s also slightly “educational,” since the plot revolves around some issues in the philosophy of language. If one person enjoys the online version, that will be one more person than if I had left it on my hard-drive.
I am really enjoying the adventure/love story. It is very much in the the Indiana Jones/007 Alistaire McClean/Dan Brown macho genre. So I’m intrigued about how and why the story came into existance and if it ends up different, or if there is a message in it.
Thanks for reading and for posting a comment. I have to admit that the story came into existence when I was watching “Indian Jones” with my kids and thought I could write something a little similar. I hope it isn’t as macho, though. The philosophical theories are genuine but the overall “message” is not very serious.
Just finished Tongues Of Fire. As you say, not Literature, but fun. Good story, plenty happening. Though sometimes it felt as if I was reading a draft. Scenes could have been improved with some beefing up. Lots of attention for the educational (and interesting) bits, but action scenes seemingly thrown out in a few lines. Would have been nice to know/feel more about the main protagonists. Maybe easily said, not being a writer myself, but you did ask.
Thanks for reading! I can hardly remember the book now, but I’m sure your reaction is generous.