BooksChatter: ℚ Dead Air: Glenn Beckert Mysteries [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Cliff Protzman to talk about Dead Air (26 September 2017, Mill City Press, 318 pages), a Mystery, book one in the Glenn Beckert Mysteries series.

"What a captivating read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the character development to the page turning suspense to the author’s obvious love of the city of Pittsburgh. The plot twists were entertaining and still believable. I can’t wait to read more." ~ Amazon Verified Purchase

"...a thrilling mystery story. [..] this novel did a fantastic job of utilizing a standard mystery format to deliver a thrilling and engaging story. A 'whodunit' novel that develops fascinating characters and puts them in some interesting situations. [...] Dead Air: A Glenn Beckert Mystery by Cliff Protzman is a well written dark murder mystery novel." ~ Amazon Verified Purchase

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

A very warm welcome to Cliff Protzman; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Dead Air ?

"The novels of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett were among my favorites. I strived for that experience with a modern twist.

I wanted to tell a story of a man in transition, facing changes. The only constant in our lives is change. We all confront life-altering moments. In order to move forward we have to put the past behind us.

It was my desire to create a modern noir, fatalistic, cynical, with sexual tension intertwined. It was important for the reader to understand and embrace the characters, for better or worse. The main characters, Beck and Irene, are a couple searching to put the past behind them."

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

"I believe every author includes a part of their persona in their stories. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes subtle.

There is no doubt the main character contains a lot of me. Beck is haunted by a divorce, change of career, and emotional walls. Much of Beck’s history reflects my past with dramatic enhancements."

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

"I wanted to clearly show the reader that this is a dark mystery, especially with the title Dead Air.

The faded reddish color on the word 'dead' lends some ambiguity, shades of gray. The old-fashioned microphone indicates that the story is a traditional murder mystery, in the class of a noir."

Why should we read Dead Air and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Dead Air is the first in a series. The story is character driven. The reader can easily immerse themselves into the characters. They are realistic in all their strengths and flaws. I hoped that each reader could see themselves living this story.

The plot is complex with many twist and turns. It will keep the reader guessing. Beck isn’t trying to save the world, just solve a crime. The ending is surprising but realistic."

Can you tell us something quirky about Dead Air , its story and characters?

"The story takes place in Pittsburgh. The city becomes a character in its own right. The investigation takes the characters to the corners of a diverse city. Dead Air shows Pittsburgh at its best and its dark sides as well. I hope the reader gets a good feel for the city."

Who would you recommend Dead Air to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I recommend Dead Air to everyone of course. Realistically, this book will be best appreciated by adults and perhaps some young adults.

There is sexual tension between the two main characters, Beck and Irene, but no explicit sex. Beck also works with Police Lieutenant Paglironi, a former college teammate. Their one-on-one dialogue does contain some locker room talk."

If you could / wished to turn Dead Air and the Glenn Beckert Mysteries series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Beck was created to be played by Michael Keaton. The book is set in Pittsburgh, Keaton’s hometown. He can best show Beck’s deep thinking as well as the dry wisecracking nature.

Téa Leoni would be the perfect Irene. She has proven herself a strong woman in the entertainment industry. Leoni would be the perfect complement to Keaton as Beck. She can also delivery the flirty dialogue that Irene has perfected.

The director would have to Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense."

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 prefer mysteries, although aren’t all stories mysteries. Will star-crossed lovers live happily ever after or not? Will the Empire survive or be conquered? Will the hero hit the game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth or strikeout? All are unknown to the reader. The reader is induced to finish the book to find the answer.

Readers almost demand conflict. They want to find out if the protagonist can resolve the issue and how. If you can write a murder mystery, the process can carry over to other genres. I have written several short stories centering around a personal conflict. They are also fun to write."

What is your writing process?

"I sit in front of the keyboard and start telling a story. Of course, it’s not that simple. I have a victim, an investigator, a set of suspects and a loosely structured plot. I let the characters lead me through the story scene to scene.

I have a coffee mug with the following inscription: Writer’s Bock; when your imaginary friends stop talking to you. I find this true. When I’m stuck, it’s because I stopped listening. I have to ask “what would the character do?”"

What is in store next?

"Dead Air is the first in a planned series. In the next installment, Beck searches for a missing person who turns up murdered. The search switches to finding a missing software project and a killer. His investigation leads him into dark alleyways and backrooms where government secrets are fought for. The simmering relationship between Beck and Irene hits a roadblock distracting Beck from his search."

Cliff, it's been a pleasure having you with us. We hope you are having a great tour!

The past dark secrets of his friend forces Beck to face his own past to reveal the killer.