BooksChatter: ℚ♫ The Echo Man: Byrne & Balzano [5]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Richard Montanari to talk about The Echo Man (first published 3 March 2011; this edition 21 March 2017, Witness Impulse, 560 pages), a novel of Suspense, book five of the Byrne & Balzano series.

"This tale had me gripped by the throat, unwilling to do anything but anxiously turn the pages. Richard Montanari's writing is both terrifying and lyrical, a killer combination that makes him a true stand-out in the crowded thriller market. The Echo Man showcases a master storyteller at his very best." - Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of The Silent Girl

"Richard Montanari's The Echo Man continues his work as a writer whose prose can capture quite extraordinary subtleties. When a man's facial expression is described as "not the look of someone with nothing to hide, but rather of one who has very carefully hidden everything," we know we are in good hands, and with The Echo Man, we are in the hands of one of the best in the business". – Thomas H. Cook, bestselling author of Red Leaves

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Richard Montanari; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

As we love music, Richard Montanari has shared with us his music playlist for The Echo Man - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for The Echo Man?

"I have long been a fan of classical music, and knew that one day my appreciation would enter the world of my fiction. When I began my deep research, I wondered if any of the great works followed a specific narrative. I knew that there were symphonies written on specific topics, created to evoke a time or a mood or a specific series of events, but I wasn’t sure if there were major works that followed a plot. I knew that “Peter and the Wolf” had a storyline, and that instruments in the orchestra represented the various animals, but that was about it.

When I visited the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia I learned the difference between absolute music (where comprehension depends solely on the piece’s structure, not on any narrative), and program music (music overtly inspired by a nonmusical idea). It opened up a new world of possibilities for my story. When I rediscovered the work of Camille Saint-Saëns, I was enthralled."

Which explains the two wonderful pieces from Saint-Saëns in the playlist.

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"My two series characters, Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano, represent different facets of my personality, or at least those traits to which I aspire. They are both a lot braver than I am, and each has a clearly defined moral compass.

Besides the obvious differences (Italian-American vs. Irish-American, male vs. female) they have a great deal in common. I think this is why they complement each other on the job."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your latest US cover for The Echo Man - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I have been very fortunate to work with the great design team at Witness Impulse. The fabulous cover of THE ECHO MAN was designed by Guido Caroti."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Echo Man, its story and characters?

"There are a number of clues in the story, bread crumbs that lead the story down some pretty dark lanes, and I will leave those to be discovered.

There are a few institutions based on real-life entities that readers may recognize. Because the story deals with unsolved homicides from Philadelphia’s past, Detectives Byrne and Balzano engage the help of an enclave called Société Poursuite, an homage to the Vidocq Society, a similarly themed group named after a nineteenth century French detective named Eugène François Vidocq."

Who would you recommend The Echo Man to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’ve been told by some readers that my work tends to be graphically violent. I think this is because the stories examine in detail the aftermath of homicide more than the act itself.

I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries, thrillers, and police procedurals."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I’ve always been drawn to crime stories, even as a child. When I was ten or so I used to take the bus downtown to visit the massive Cleveland Public Library main branch. I’d wander the stacks all day, pulling books from shelves.

One day I happened upon DOUBLE INDEMNITY by James M. Cain. Terribly lurid fare for a ten-year-old, but I imagine that was part of the appeal. I’ve never looked back."

What is in store next?

"THE ECHO MAN is the fifth book in my series about the Homicide Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department. I’m happy to say that the most recent book in the series, SHUTTER MAN (number 9), was named one of the Ten Best Crime Novels of 2016 by the New York Times.

I’ve just completed a standalone, a very twisted tale of small town murder entitled THE LAST GIRL.

Next up – book #10 in the Byrne/Balzano series.

Also, I’m very excited to announce that Witness Impulse will be publishing THE KILLING ROOM, the sixth novel in the Byrne/Balzano series, in May 2017."