The Freedom Broker lands in London

Shots Editors Mike Stotter and Ali Karim were delighted to join International Thriller Writers [ITW] Executive Director Kim KJ Howe for lunch in Mayfair yesterday.

Kim has been busy, launching her insightful and adrenaline pumping debut THE FREEDOM BROKER, an international thriller that is as prescient as it is exciting.

Kim discussed this work, with Shots here and I wrote at the time –

Filled with trade-craft, espionage techniques, as well as a vast array of characters and compassion, this action orientated thriller twisted and turned like an African river. It delves into many themes, which at times was revelatory and at times perplexing; though with Thea Paris; her confidence and that of her cohorts, one did feel a sense of reassurance that she would be able to manage despite what was thrown at her, and her team. 

Read the Full Review Here

Kim was in London researching her follow-up, as she is carving a solid reputation within the world of Exfiltration and Hostage recovery. She met with Peter Moore a British IT expert who spent 31 months in captivity after being kidnapped in Iraq. Peter joined us for lunch which was a delight to meet this remarkably upbeat engineer who survived being trapped in the Middle East.

Read more about Peter Moore Here

Also joining us were Peter James, who has released his latest Roy Grace thriller NEED YOU DEAD [and is reviewed here at Shots Magazine]; Journalists Jon Coates of The Express, Jake Kerridge of The Telegraph, Karen Robinson of The Sunday Times and of course Barry Forshaw [who has his AMERICAN NOIR on release and reviewed at Shots Magazine here].

Kim gave us all a little insight into the real-life world of Hostage Exfiltration, which forms the spine of her Thriller Fiction, as well as a quick Q & A with the guests which might amuse you, and I wonder who might be the one who mentions Lysergic Acid.

Shots Magazine would like pass our thanks to Kim Howe, Sophie Ransome and Rachel Kennedy of MIDAS for organising a fine lunch, with excellent company and a great deal of laughter, as humour sometimes allows us to cope with the darkness of this reality.

Earlier this year, Kim Howe and Lee Child were recorded in conversation in New York’s Mysterious Bookshop, which we present below -

The ebook for The Freedom Broker is currently available from Headline Publishing in the UK and the paperback will be released on 27 July 2017.

KJ Howe discusses The Freedom Broker

As a book reviewer, I share the mantra of my colleagues when we say ‘we’re looking for something new’. And KJ Howe’s debut thriller The Freedom Broker is just that, something different, featuring a tough, hero trapped by her past; now a hostage / kidnap negotiator and expert in ex-filtration.

I wrote at the time –

Filled with trade-craft, espionage techniques, as well as a vast array of characters and compassion, this action orientated thriller twisted and turned like an African river. It delves into many themes, which at times was revelatory and at times perplexing; though with Thea Paris; her confidence and that of her cohorts, one did feel a sense of reassurance that she would be able to manage despite what was thrown at her, and her team. 

When I put the book down, I shook it hard and listened for any rattle. There was silence, for it has been judiciously edited for in these times of reduced attention spans there was not a superfluous turn of phrase, exposition, word, or dammit - not even a stray semi-colon. Though there was an odour of Cordite remaining in the room forcing the reader to open the window.

Read the Full Review from Shots HERE

I first met Kim Howe in Phoenix Arizona in 2006, at the inaugural Thrillerfest , where by happenstance, I was seated behind her at a panel chaired by David Morrell, and have bumped into her at various Bouchercon events, as well as at last year’s Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

I was delighted when Kim agreed to a short interview for Shots Readers, and if this piques your interest, then don’t tarry, as The Freedom Broker is available on a promotional offer, as an ebook for £0.99 – click here, and you will be directed to the offer.  

AK       First question first, what came first, the character of Thea Paris or the Story – or is that an unfair ‘Chicken or Egg’ type of query?

KJH    Thea Paris came first, but in thriller-esque fashion, the story raced to close the distance.  I wanted to create a strong, talented woman with humanizing vulnerabilities, including Type 1 Diabetes.  I enjoy books that are character based, so I’m hoping Thea might resonate with people, and perhaps encourage anyone with an illness that they can still reach for their dreams.

Given my extensive research into kidnapping the last three years, I wanted Thea to be an elite kidnap negotiator—a freedom broker—who travels to the world’s hotspots to bring captives back home.  The world of hostage retrieval fascinated me, as it lurks in the shadows of society, a heart-breaking and dangerous milieu.  Thea Paris became a freedom broker after she witnessed her brother’s kidnapping as a child.  While her brother returned home nine months later, he was never the same.  As a result, she was determined to help other hostages. There are over 40,000 reported kidnappings every year, and the number continues to grow.  Displaced military and police in third world countries are turning to kidnapping as a way of putting food on the table, and they have the requisite security skills to do so.  We need our freedom brokers to help negotiate for the release of hostages to bring families back together.

AK       I recall meeting you first over a decade ago, at the inaugural ITW Thrillerfest; as an avid reader of thriller fiction, so when did the desire to write one yourself first appear?

KJH    It was real pleasure meeting you in Phoenix, Ali.  I’m continually amazed at your memory, as you were able to literally quote what we had talked about ten years ago.  I’ve always been passionate about thrillers, and when I read David Morrell’s BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE and Lisa Gardner’s THE PERFECT HUSBAND, I thought—wow, if I could ever provide the kind of wonderful escape these talented writers did for me to someone else, then it would be a dream come true.  I started studying writing and attended Seton Hill University to complete my Master’s in Writing Popular Fiction.  I’ve also studied with some of the masters in the genre, including David Morrell, Lee Child, Steve Berry, and they have taught me so much about storytelling and craft, and serve as inspiration to keep working hard.  Writing is a lifelong journey, and I hope to keep improving with each book. 

AK       And I see you have an interesting early life filled with travel and reading, so tell us a little about the books you read then, that made an impression upon you?

KJH    My father worked in telecommunications, so we lived all over the world, including the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.  It was an eclectic upbringing, providing a unique education about the diversity of our world.  Always the new kid, I lost myself in books, especially spy thrillers like THE DAY OF THE JACKAL and EYE OF THE NEEDLE.  I loved the adventure, danger and travel in these novels, and I never tired of those harrowing tales.  I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

AK       So with your debut, did you have an extensive plot mapped out before you embarked upon the writing process, or are you a follower of the muse - deploying the high wire act?

KJH    Most authors feel that they are either a plotter or a seat-of-pants writer.  I’m more like pants on fire!  I definitely teeter on the high wire when I write.  I feel like if I’m surprised by the turn of events, then maybe my readers will be as well.  I’m constantly thinking about where I want to go in the story though, trying to analyse the underlying structure.  Research often fuels my plots, giving me helpful ideas.  If I’m struggling with something, I consider the themes of my books, which is heavily based on family relationships.  Lots of fodder!

AK       Many debut novels deploy the first person narrative, in terms of voice, rather than the third person omnipresent; so did you deliberate on which voice best suited The Freedom Broker?

KJH    I chose the third person close—for a few reasons.  First, I like the way you can get inside different characters’ heads and give the readers insights into their personalities.  First person only allows access into the protagonist’s viewpoint, and I prefer the variety of several viewpoints.  Second, in a thriller, ending one scene with a cliff-hangar, and then diving into another character’s point-of-view is a fabulous way of injecting tension into the narrative.  Third, I like the close third person, as it has attributes of the first person with its tight psychic distance, but allows for a variety of characters to speak their truth.  I’m also not as comfortable writing in first person.  I have the deepest respect for authors who do it well, including Lee Child who nails Reacher’s voice.

AK       And tell us about the research; as you subtly embed tradecraft within lucidly realised locations - so the wiff of authenticity is as strong as that of the Cordite that peppers the narrative?

KJH    As a former medical writer, I’m heavily invested in research, and I wanted to bring authenticity and verisimilitude to my freedom broker series.  I have spent the last three years interviewing kidnap negotiators, former hostages, kidnap and ransom insurance executives, hostage reintegration experts, and the Special Forces soldiers who deliver ransoms and execute rescues.  Immersing myself in this world was fascinating and critical to the books.  When I read, I like to be entertained, but I also like to learn, grow as a person.  I’m hoping that readers of THE FREEDOM BROKER will feel enlightened about the world of kidnapping after spending time with Thea and her team of operatives.

AK       I find it encouragingly curious that you attended the first ITW Thrillerfest, in Phoenix Arizona; and now over a decade later, you have not only your first thriller on the market but you are an Executive Director at International Thriller Writers and heavily involved in the NY based annual Thrillerfest, so tell us a little about what you do with ITW.

KJH    I’m honoured to be part of the International Thriller Writers.  It’s a special organization, the sole mandate is for us to support all thriller writers.  Please know that we are very inclusive, as we have many members who write YA, romantic suspense, science fiction thrillers, etc.—we welcome anyone writing page-turning fiction. 

I’m the executive director of ThrillerFest, the annual conference held in July every year in NYC at the Grand Hyatt.  The lovely Liz Berry is the executive director of ITW, and we work closely to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help our talented authors.  It’s a great privilege to be part of such a professional and friendly group.  If you’d like more information, please visit the ThrillerFest website:  www.thrillerfest.com.  If anyone has questions, drop me a line at kimberleyhowe@thrillerwriters.org.  I’m here to help.

AK       And will we see you at Bouchercon, Theakstons Harrogate as well - so tell us about the events you are planning to attend in 2017?

KJH    Absolutely.  I’m delighted that Bouchercon will be in my hometown of Toronto, Canada this year, and I can’t wait for Harrogate as well as CrimeFest.  I love visiting the U.K. and look for any chance to do so!  I’ll also list other events on my website, www.kjhowe.com

AK       Advanced word, including warmth for Kirkus [among others] has been very generous for The Freedom Broker, so were you nervous crossing the line from reader to writer?

KJH    Absolutely, totally nervous.  Like other authors, I work alone for countless hours, hoping my stories might resonate with readers and critics.  It’s hard to predict how people will respond.  Writing is a very personal process, so any positive feedback is profoundly appreciated.  I also realize that everyone has different taste, and it’s to be expected that some people may not find my book(s) their cup of tea.  But when a reader or critic speaks highly of THE FREEDOM BROKER, it truly touches my heart. 

AK       And I am assuming you are continuing the adventures of Thea Paris, and if so any hints what might be in store?

KJH    I was fortunate to sign a two-book deal, so SKYJACK, the next Thea Paris adventure, will be coming out next February.  Thea is shepherding two former child soldiers from Africa to London when the plane they are on is hijacked.  The adventures kick off from there.  The novel features secret stay-behind armies from WWII, the Sicilian Mob, the CIA, and the Vatican.  Warning:  do not read it on a plane……..laughing…….

I’m also researching future Thea Paris novels, as I have many rabbit holes to explore in the world of kidnapping. I love visiting the locales where I set the stories, so I can bring a ring of authenticity to the settings.  Travel and adventure are my passions, so it’s no hardship to spend time abroad.

AK       I enjoy your blog, which you share with ‘ROGUE WOMEN WRITERS’ so tell us a little about it, and how it got started?

KJH    I adore the Rogue Women Writers, as they are a supportive and impressive group of eight female thriller authors focused on international intrigue.  Charter members include Gayle Lynds, Francine Mathews, Jamie Freveletti, Christine Goff, Karna Bodman, S. Lee Manning, Sonja Stone, and myself.  A few of the ladies started talking about how fun it would be to bond together with like-minded writers, and the next thing we knew, Rogue Women Writers was born.  Please stop by at www.roguewomenwriters.com, as we love having visitors.  We blog regularly about intrigue, spies, kidnapping, and many other topics.

AK       And tell us a little about some of the recent books that have passed your reading table?

KJH    As you are, I’m a huge fan of Andrew Gross’ THE ONE MAN.  I love books that provide a total escape, and that is what Andy did with his brilliant historical novel.  If people haven’t had a chance to read it yet, I would highly recommend they do.

Another phenomenal trilogy is Greg Iles’ NATCHEZ BURNING and THE BONE TREE.  Can’t wait to read MISSISIPPI BLOOD.

AK       And I found the imagery and storytelling in The Freedom Broker to be most cinematic, so I am assuming you also have an avid interest in Film, so what recent thrillers have you seen that have caught your eye? As well as the ones in the past that still remain in your memory.

KJH    When I write, I often see scenes unfolding, like a movie playing on a screen in front of me—and I love watching films and TV series, especially in the thriller genre.  I love classics like all of the Bond films (huge fan) as well as THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR, DAY OF THE JACKAL, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED, RONIN, and HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER.  And the TV series RAY DONOVAN is beyond compelling.  I love how the brilliant writers make me cheer for a total anti-hero—and I enjoy how they use family as a prominent theme in the series.  THE NIGHT MANAGER had me absolutely hooked—but that could have been because of Tom Hiddleston.  Also love HOMELAND. 

AK       Thank you for your time, and also the adrenaline rush of your debut thriller.

KJH   Thanks for your energy, your positivity, and your support of the genre.  I always enjoy your posts, the analysis thought-provoking, staying with me long after I read them.

AK       You are way too generous, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s Crimefest in Bristol.

Editor's note: The Freedom Broker ebook is currently available on a 99p promotional offer CLICK HERE and the paperback will be released on 27 July 2017 from Headline Publishing in the UK

More information about KJ Howe can be accessed Here

More information about Thrillerfest 2017 can be accessed Here

We Got You Covered

Artwork © 2017 Headline Publishing

One key aspect of the business of publishing and book-selling; apart from the obvious narrative ability of the writer, the skill of the editorial team, negotiations with retailers, marketing and promotional activity is of course - ‘The Cover’.

I recall speaking with a key Publisher in America, about the importance of ‘The Cover’ – especially related to the intended audience the book is pitched at. I was most interested in the use of focus groups, especially the ‘eye-catch test’, ‘residual memory’, ‘attention triggers’ and much else where book covers / jackets are rated in a scientific manner, and by population demographic, in terms of book-selling efficacy.

I remember discussing the cultural differences of cover design between North America and Great Britain with Tess Gerritsen many years ago. Tess was picked up by Selina Walker, of Transworld / Random House UK many years ago when she changed the direction of her fiction to the Crime-Thriller Genre. Her breakout novel in Great Britain was ‘The Surgeon’, and at the time of UK release she was surprised at Transworld’s intended cover design, which was minimalist in terms of motif, when contrasted to the more specific, and direct imagery of the original US cover.

AK: I’m very interested in the differences between the covers of your U.S. editions and of those published in the UK. I find the ones produced by British publisher Transworld to be much more interesting.

TG: I love my UK covers. They are stark and clean and very distinctive. … I would go as far as to say that [Transworld’s jackets] were revolutionary in their design. I don’t think anyone else was making such minimalist imagery work in the crime-fiction world. As it turned out, it was those covers that really caught people’s eyes …

AK: For instance, the UK cover for The Surgeon is very minimal--just a white sink basin with three drops of blood--whereas your American cover for that same book is far busier and more colorful. What’s your take on cover design?

TG: I think [the differences are] cultural. Americans like more color. We like a lot of sex on our covers--the female form, faces. A lot of this has to do with the art director at the publishing house and their taste; and to be honest I don’t really know what makes a cover work or not work. So I leave it to my publisher. I don’t want to second guess them, as they are usually right.

Read more from The Rap Sheet Here

As a scientist, I often consider the book ‘cover / jacket’ akin to the box that Erwin Schrödinger once placed his cat into with his renowned quantum-mechanical thought experiment. One does not know the condition of the cat, unless the box is opened and the cat observed; analogously, a novel can only be understood when the book cover is opened, and the narrative read. Before the observation of the cat, or the book being read, all we can go on is the external state of the box Schrödinger placed his cat in; or when considering the quality of a novel, all we have before we actually read the work, is the cover and the views of others [reviews], in the ‘blurb’, the back cover synopsis and of course the cover.

The art of observation when it comes to Schrödinger and his ‘cat in the box’ is vital as we will only know whether the animal is alive or dead when we look inside [i.e. observation / measurement]; while the quality of a novel can only be ascertained by reading by one, or of many people; and the aggregation of opinion.

Before the observation [or the reading], a novel is just a series of words laid between paper covers, or trapped within a digital device. So until then; we have the cover as a guide to manage our expectations [judging a book by its cover] of what lies within.

These thoughts came to me when I was recently sent the cover from Headline Publishing’s art department for a highly anticipated debut thriller [entitled ‘The Freedom Broker’]. The reason for my interest is that like, Tess Gerritsen’s The Surgeon; the US cover diverges from the UK cover considerably, both in terms of style and imagery. I was also intrigued by this debut as I have known the writer, Kimberly Howe for many, many years. We first met a decade ago via International Thriller Writers first convention Thrillerfest 2006, held in Phoenix Arizona. Both of us were / are avid readers of thriller novels, and we both write. Since then Kim has become Executive Director at International Thriller Writers annual Thrillerfest, but all the while she has been writing away as well as gaining a Masters in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She also won several writing awards, including three Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. 

Kim recently asked me to guest blog at the resource Rogue Women Writers; which I did as I enjoy talking [often at length] about Thriller Fiction [as anyone who has met me in a bar will confirm]. My theme was ‘The Lone Wolf’ as a Protagonist as well as an Antagonist.  

The article can be read here.

Last year when I attended Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime-Writing Festival, I was delighted to hear that Kim’s debut thriller novel ‘The Freedom Broker’ had been picked up by Quercus in the US and Headline Publishing in the UK.

So what is ‘The Freedom Broker’ all about?

There are twenty-five elite kidnap and ransom (K&R) specialists in the world. Only one is a woman: Thea Paris. And she's the best in the business. 

Twenty years ago, a terrified young boy was abducted in the middle of the night by masked intruders while his sister watched, paralyzed with fear. Returned after a harrowing nine months with his captors, Thea's brother has never been the same. 

This life-shattering experience drove Thea to become what she is today: a world-class freedom broker. Most hostage-recovery work is done at the negotiation table, but when diplomacy fails, Thea leads Quantum Security International's black-ops team on highly sensitive rescue missions to political hot spots around the globe. 

Her childhood nightmare resurfaces when her oil magnate father, Christos Paris, is snatched from his yacht off Santorini on his sixtieth birthday, days away from the biggest deal of his career. The brutal kidnappers left the entire crew slaughtered in their wake, but strangely, there are no ransom demands, no political appeals, no prisoner release requests-just obscure and foreboding texts written in Latin sent from burner phones. 

Knowing the survival window for kidnap victims is small, Thea throws herself into the most urgent and challenging rescue mission of her life-but will she be able to prevent this kidnapping from destroying her family for good?

Kirkus, one of the publishing industry’s most respected advanced reviewing sites gave it an enthusiastic thumb-up; so word of mouth started to travel across the Atlantic - well it is an International Thriller.

A fast-moving thriller featuring kidnapped oil tycoon Christos Paris and his kidnap-negotiator daughter, Thea. She’s tough. She’s smart. She’s diabetic.

Greek mogul Christos is snatched from his yacht, The Aphrodite, on Christmas Day, his name day, and his crew lies dead in pools of blood. Luckily, Thea’s job at London-based Quantum International Security (QSI) is hostage rescue. She's a woman of “pure steel” in an “action-oriented domain.” American Special Agent Gabrielle Farrah gets involved, because the Christos name is “synonymous with the oil that fueled America.” There are no ransom demands, only cryptic messages in Latin. 

……..But the best scene—and who cares if it’s plausible—involves bungee jumping over the Zambezi River. It’s worth the price of the book.

A spectacular start for what promises be a great Thea Paris series.

Read the full Review Here

I was amused to see the variation in terms of cover theme from these two publishing houses, separated by the Atlantic Ocean. I was most flattered that Headline Publishing sent me the art proofs for the UK cover, which is featured at the top of this post and is the very first cover reveal of this remarkable debut.

In America, Quercus have gone with the burning Yacht image with its Blue hue, while the British have gone for the running Loner, featuring the Orange of the Sun, as well as a Muzzle–Flash; Orange on Black.

So until February, The Freedom Broker is like Erwin Schrödinger’s cat, hidden in the Box; like Kimberley Howe’s debut novel hidden beneath two differing covers, and waiting to be read.

I would recommend those intrigued, to pre-order which can be done via the Shots Bookstore Here for the UK Headline Edition or Here for the Quercus US Edition; for in February, Kimberley Howe’s Narrative skills can be observed personally, rather than take Kirkus’s word or my own regarding the adrenaline-fuelled, thought-provoking world of The Freedom Broker.

Because when it comes to trouble, Thea Paris has got you covered.  

Ali Karim, January 2017