Ken Harris

K en h ARRIS

Ken Harris retired from the FBI, after thirty-two years, as a cybersecurity executive. With over three decades writing intelligence products for senior Government officials, Ken provides unique perspectives on the conventional fast-paced crime thriller. While this is his first traditionally published novel, he previously self-published two novellas and two novels. He spends days with his wife Nicolita, and two Labradors, Shady and Chalupa Batman. Evenings are spent cheering on Philadelphia sports. Ken firmly believes Pink Floyd, Irish whiskey and a Montecristo cigar are the only

muses necessary. He is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Northern Virginia. “THE PINE BARRENS STRATAGEM: From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish” publishes on January 27, 2022 “SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY: From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish 2” publishes on July 14, 2022

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Uncaged welcomes Ken Harris

Welcome to Uncaged! Could you tell readers more about The Pine Barrens Stratagem that releases in January?

I think an early review I received said it best: “A contemporary crime thriller that works on every level, from the smoldering investigation to the whipsaw banter between characters you’re bound to love.”

This book is my tribute to the 1970’s private eye, investigative television shows I grew up watching with my father. I rediscovered my love of The Rockford Files by binging the show shortly after I retired. A few episodes in, I knew my three-year battle with writer’s block was over and I could craft a humorous, fast-paced entertaining PI novel with a hard-nosed sarcastic protagonist, but set in current times. And what is more current than the pandemic? If you read this book, you’ll come for the engaging story but stay for the dialogue and relatable characters.

You are retired FBI, did your experience help with writing this crime thriller?

My 32 years with the FBI provided me with a background and knowledge of proper procedurals, if that makes sense, to write a griping crime thriller. The FBI, itself, plays a very minor role in The Pine Barrens Stratagem. I find it more enjoyable to write about a small twoperson detective agency than a large bureaucratic machine. Its more personable and compelling. People have asked why I don’t write an FBI-thriller and that’s an easy answer. There are way too many people writing about the FBI and I don’t need to add to it. I’ve got other, more entertaining stories to tell. Besides, what fun is it, if you know everything about the subject matter?

What is the most difficult scene for you to write? What is the easiest?

When I have detailed handwritten notes, no scene is too difficult to write. If a scene has strong characters, I’m very much at ease writing entertaining dialogue that will hold the reader’s attention and move the story forward. Give me characters with chemistry and banter and I can write all day. I live for those scenes.

As for difficult, it’s those breadcrumb scenes, the ones that begin to lead the reader towards a major plot point that sometimes give me trouble. I find when writing these types of scenes my mind plays Short Attention Span Theater. I constantly look for a million different things to distract my concentration. Self-imposed deadlines sometimes help in these instances, but not always.

Do you have a favorite character you’ve written? Has there been a character that’s been hard to write about?

My favorite character to bring to life is my main protagonist, Steve Rockfish. He’s a middle-aged, harddrinking, dry-witted private eye. What’s not to love? His sarcasm and quick wit allow him to get out of dilemmas without resulting to violence. Except when its needed and then he brings the pain. He drives a car that is very near and dear to my heart, which also happens to share a name with my previous Dodge Challenger SRT. I continue to live vicariously and drive that car through my character.

The least? Officer Louie Sommers. Everyone hates a cop on the take. How much belief will a reader suspend with his actions? Will they think, “oh another dirty cop? The same old same old.” Can I bring something different to the table for the reader to hate about this guy? Does he get his just desserts? You’ll have to pick up the book to find out.

How do you come up with the title to your books?

For The Pine Barrens Stratagem, I had finished watching The Rockford Files, S2 E2, “The Farnsworth Stratagem,” and had to look up the definition of Stratagem. It is a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end. I thought that was the first draft of my story in a nutshell. I then added the Pine Barrens as the forest that serves as the location of a pivotal scene. Additionally, much of the story’s background takes place in the famed woods.

Most people hear The Pine Barrens and automatically think of the Soprano’s episode, with Paulie’s famous quote: “You’re not gonna believe this. He killed sixteen Czechoslovakians. The guy was an interior decorator.” But those woods are more to me than an alleged mafia body dumping ground. I grew up in the area. It’s the home to the birth of Mother Leeds thirteenth child, more commonly known as The Jersey Devil. I did two weeks of summer camp in the middle of the Pine Barrens when I was in second grade. The camp counselors started in with the Jersey Devil stories on the first night. I’m not sure I’ve recovered from the trauma. I have memories of driving down those dirt roads with friends at unsafe speeds, and canoeing the Basto River offering to buy beer off older folks with coolers. Good times with friends I’ve lost touch with.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

Being retired and writing for a living still leaves me with a lot of time on my hands. Within the last year, I’ve taken this somewhat skillset and volunteered for some pro bono writing for a YouTube cooking show, Another Fat Guy Cooks. I’ve written up the episode descriptions and recipes for all of the shows. In return, one of the episodes was devoted to the fish tacos that Steve Rockfish loves so much.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

I’ve always tended to write main characters first, even in my self-publishing days. For the Pine Barrens Stratagem, I had ideas of what characters I wanted to create long before I even thought about the story or any overarching plot points.

But now that I’ve crafted the main characters of Steve Rockfish and Jawnie McGee across two completed books and an in-draft third, it has become more of a “what situations can I throw these two and their supporting cast into that are outside the ordinary? What plot would bring the readers back for a second or third go round?”

That was the thinking behind the sequel, See You Next Tuesday (publishing in July 2022).

When I’m not writing, I can usually be found playing with these two clowns, Shady McCoy and Chalupa Batman. I’ve been a gamer since my first Atari in the late ‘70s, albeit not a very good one. I’ve been hooked on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for the past year. Something about raiding and pillaging as a Viking that does wonders as a relaxation technique. Comedy podcasts are also a fun diversion that I’ve found helpful to destress, since my working days. My current go-tos are Issues with Andy and The Doug Stanhope Podcast. Lastly, I tend to torture myself most nights by watching my favorite Philly sports teams play.

If you could have one all-year season, which would it be and why?

I’m a Fall person. I love the crispness in the air, when it’s just cold enough to throw on a hoodie and make a fire outside. We have a pavilion in our backyard with a fireplace that I turn to when I hit a wall with a character or particular scene. I sit outside with a pencil and paper and watch the flames dance. Ideas usually begin to flow soon after.

How many hours a day do you write? On average, how long does it take to write a full novel?

My writing routine consists of planting my butt in front of my keyboard or a pad of paper every day, between the hours of 7am and noon. Sometimes if I’m on a run it’s longer. The music is always loud and helps me get into a trance. The kind where hours pass by and you have no idea how long you’ve been at the desk but your coffee is empty and you’re shocked your bladder hasn’t exploded.

But with technology, the writing routine runs through the entire day. It’s not uncommon for me to wake up multiple times per night and leave the bedroom to begin dictating into the Notes app what idea was on my mind when my eyes shot open. Too many times I’ve rolled over and forgot the idea when morning comes. Now voice-to-text is my best friend.

The Pine Barrens Stratagem took three and a half months to complete the first draft. The sequel, See You Next Tuesday, moved quicker and the first draft was finished in two and a half months. All bets are off with the third in the trilogy. I’ve recently passed the three-month mark and its only about half way done. Promotion for the first and edits to the second have taken a lot of my writing time away.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

I’m old, so I prefer the good old traditional physical book. But I will say, with all the reading I’ve done the past year of other Black Rose Writing authors, ebooks are beginning to grow on me.

I am currently reading Brent Michael Kelley’s Stay Away From Psycho Joe. I’m a big fan of horror and dark fantasy and Kelley excels at creating tales of the weird that I can never put down.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

I want to thank those that have stuck with me through the self-publishing times, the long bouts of writer’s block and provided valuable feedback through early reviews of The Pine Barrens Stratagem. As for those reading this interview? Buy the ticket, take the ride. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Heck, I’m willing to

My blog, KenHarrisFiction.com is the best place to follow for all things Steve Rockfish. I have a monthly newsletter that readers can sign up for. I know, who needs more email? You do. My newsletter is informative, funny and most of all, short. You can check out previous episodes posted to the blog and then sign up while you’re there. Other than the other Social Media links provided (FB and Twitter), check out KenHarrisFiction on Instagram and see more of my Labradors, Shady McCoy and Chalupa Batman.

Enjoy an excerpt from The Pine Barrens Stratagem

The Pine Barrens Stratagem Ken Harris Crime/Thriller Releases Jan. 27

Private Investigator Steve Rockfish needs cash, like yesterday. The bad news is that yesterday, a global pandemic raged, and Maryland was headed toward a lockdown that would ultimately lead to cheating spouses no longer “working late,” and hence a lack of new clients.

Rockfish’s luck changes when a Hollywood producer reaches out, but the job is two states away and involves digging up information on a child trafficking ring from the 1940s. What he uncovers will be used to support the launch of a true crime docuseries. He grabs a mask, hand sanitizer and heads for South Jersey. On-site, Rockfish meets Jawnie McGee, the great granddaughter of a local policeman gone missing while investigating the original crimes. As the duo uncover more clues, they learn the same criminal alliance has reformed to use the pandemic as a conduit to defraud the Federal Government of that sweet, sweet, stimulus money.

It’s not long before the investigation turns up some key intel on a myriad of illicit activity over the last eighty years and Rockfish rockets toward a showdown with the mafia, local archdiocese and dirty cops. COVID-19 isn’t the only threat to his health.

Excerpt

Rockfish sat in the Scion’s passenger seat while Jawnie drove. He wasn’t thrilled with the decision, but she was adamant that some of the dirt roads, deep within the Pine Barrens, were no place for a Dodge Challenger. Plus, she didn’t feel like playing navigator. In the end, Rockfish decided not to put up much of a fight, considering Jawnie was more than a little familiar with where they were headed, although he had second thoughts with the four cases of whiplash he had suffered before even reaching the highway. “Do you drive with two feet,” he asked. “Because my head can’t keep jerking forward and slamming back much more. Unless you’re running an insurance scam, and if so, what would be my take?”

“Enough with the backseat driving, and can you put your visor back up? That late afternoon glare off the mirror is killing me.”

“Make a deal with you. You drive how you want. I’ll keep an eye on our surroundings the way I want. Speaking of which, can you move this rightside passenger mirror a little more to the right, all I’m seeing is the rear fender.”

“You got it,” Jawnie said, and she played with the mirror control until Rockfish let her know it was

| FEATUrE AUTHOr |

right where he needed it. He could monitor anyone approaching from behind without having to turn around. “I do want to fill you in on something I learned before we left,” Rockfish said. “When you went into the house to fix those sandwiches, I reached out to a guy I know in the Baltimore PD, Dan Decker. He’s an old friend and helps me out when he can. He’s going to have one of their academy cadets do some research for us and see if there is anything more than a current history between the Marini and Provolone families. The Marini’s have run Baltimore as long as the Provolone’s have this area. If Edward’s notation of the two factions working together has anything to it, Decker will let us know. He said currently both families have worked together when it was profitable to do so. Sound familiar?”

“Yeah, same M.O. as our knuckle draggers and kid touchers,” Jawnie replied.

Rockfish was happy to learn Jawnie’s disdain for organized religion matched his own. “Well put. But if there is a history there, what are the odds that some wealthy, non-fertile Baltimore Catholics would be willing to pony up some cash to right the situation. And Edward was witness to it all?”

They drove in silence over the next twenty minutes, Rockfish trying to figure out exactly what he expected to find in a fifty-four-year-old decrepit building in the middle of the woods. He hadn’t arrived at a conclusion yet when something very familiar came into focus.

“Remember when you asked me about knowing when you’re being followed?” Rockfish said.

“Yeah, I just chalked it up to anxiety and paranoia. It comes standard on the Millennial base model.” “Guess what? We are,” Rockfish deadpanned. “Don’t do a damn thing different and let me think for a second. There’s a Jeep Grand Cherokee, right now, two cars back that’s been with us since we pulled off the highway when I was telling you what Decker said.” Rockfish pulled out a scrap of paper and jotted down the license plate. “I’ll ask Decker to run this, if they end up sticking on our ass the whole way. I could be a tad paranoid, but I’d rather err on the side of caution. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and I’ll tell you if evasive actions become necessary. We’ll start you slow and work our way up to the infamous private eye J-turn.”

Ten minutes later, the Scion crossed the Hammonton City line and Rockfish lost sight of the Jeep. He had Jawnie drive a couple of concentric circles around the downtown area, before heading out on County Route 542 which, according to her, would point them towards the southern part of Wharton State Forest and the abandoned orphanage. Rockfish spotted the Jeep, only a second or two after it turned on Route 542 from a side street.

“Company’s back,” Rockfish said. “I guess when we hit these dirt roads you mentioned, we’ll see how serious they are.”

When the Scion’s tires soon left the asphalt, and began rolling down the slightly larger than single lane dirt road, the Jeep’s true intentions came to light. No longer concerned about being spotted, the Jeep’s speed increased until it was only a few feet from Jawnie’s bumper. Rockfish’s head swiveled from the Jeep and back to his pilot. He needed to stay calm, but Jawnie looked petrified, and while her hands had a death grip on the wheel, they were also visibly shaking.

“Jawnie, listen to me and we’ll be alright.”

She didn’t say a word, but Rockfish could feel the car slowing down. Screw her feelings, he thought and began giving orders.

“Put your foot back on the gas. You need to keep a constant speed.” And then a minute later. “Stay in the center, don’t give them space to get alongside of us.” Lastly, he shouted. “The center I said!” His voice gave

out with that last outburst and he knew she heard the fear in it. Rockfish swore as the Jeep slammed into their back bumper. “That a girl, keep her straight! Gas, give it some—” The rear windshield exploded, shards of safety glass like small pellets peppered the interior of the car. Jawnie screamed and instinctively yanked the wheel to the left. Likewise, Rockfish now yelled in order to be heard. “Foot off the gas! Steer into it!” Rockfish wasn’t sure how he got through to Jawnie, but she listened, and the Scion straightened back up and they were rocketing straight down the dirt road once again. But before he could congratulate his pupil, the Jeep was now angling to get alongside; the Scion drifting dangerously close to the right shoulder, or lack thereof. Rockfish turned and looked out the driver’s side rear window. He could clearly see the Jeep’s front end. In the next instant, they were sliding again, Jawnie’s foot slammed on the brake and the Jeep’s right fender nudged the Scion’s left rear. Brakes squealed, and tires howled as dirt, dust and burnt rubber filled their lungs. “Hold on, hold on, hold on!” It was all he managed to say, but her eyes told him she was a million miles away. Rockfish closed his and braced for impact. The car spun violently to the left, a hundred and eighty degrees, and his head whipped left and then right, slamming against the window. The seatbelt dug into his chest and he had trouble breathing. A second later, the earth beneath the car’s right side began to give way and the Scion slid into a ditch before coming to a stop. By the time Rockfish opened his eyes and turned around, the taillights from the Jeep had disappeared into the distance.

“That settles it, I’m going to the police now! They, someone, fuck I don’t know who just tried to kill us!” Jawnie said. “Look at my car! Who’s going to pay for this? Not like we’re exchanging fucking information with them!” Her mask was around her neck and Rockfish could see the tears.

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Rockfish took a second before he replied. His partner was still in shock, borderline hysterical, and he didn’t want to push her over the edge, unlike the car they pulled themselves from. The Jeep had performed a textbook pit maneuver and Rockfish bet Jawnie wasn’t a big fan of Cops or Live PD. Hence, her jumping straight to attempted murder. “Now hold on Jawnie,” Rockfish said. “You’re not hurt, right? That seatbelt and airbag did their jobs?”

“Of course, but—”

“No buts about it. Your chest might be a little sore tomorrow from that belt, your eyes swollen from the air bag, and more importantly, you’ll never forget your first chase. But seriously, no one tried to kill us. If they had wanted us dead, we’d be bleeding out from gunshot wounds. Your rear window was the victim of a warning shot. When we were in that ditch, no one walked up from behind and pumped a few slugs into the back of our heads.”

Rockfish stopped and looked at Jawnie, he needed to make sure he was getting through. Her breathing had slowed down quite a bit and that was a start. “This was a warning, pure and simple. All this tells us is that someone thinks you might be sticking your nose somewhere it doesn’t belong. Obviously, it pertains to those boxes. I haven’t been in town long enough to piss someone off yet, at least, I hope. But if they were staking out your place, they’d have my license plate number and know who I am.”

“But I’ve only dealt with Hasty on this,” Jawnie said.

“Look. You might have worked out a deal with Hasty, but odds are he wasn’t the one that went into the very back of the evidence room and pulled those boxes for you. He’s probably recounted your conversation to a few of his ‘trusted’ senior men, and God knows who else might have been in the room when those conversations took place. Was

there anything else you mentioned either to him or anyone else at the station that might cause a reaction like what just happened?”

“I d-d-did tell him I had hoped to t-t-take what I found in these boxes, scan what I could, and create a website. One that would ask the public for tips. Anonymously, of course. It would be a way to get the word out and maybe get someone’s attention who might remember something. Hasty asked his secretary to check and see if he had the authority to put the PD’s logo and tip line on this site. He was only trying to help.”

“So, he’s got a secretary. Old bird, I bet?”

“Yeah, Betty Lou Sommers. I’m guessing she’s logged more than a few years there.”

“There’s your problem. Old Betty Lou sees all Hasty’s business that comes and goes out of his office. I’d lay odds her loyalties lie with others she’s worked with or for through the years and not the guy who knocked the latest Ringle out of office.”

“I’d never thought of it that way.” “If you’re trying to be a junior special agent, I’d advise you to think that way. Someone in that department is crooked and an off-duty cop or on-duty mafioso ran us off the road. Doesn’t matter who, I’m betting they can be one and the same. Now if you feel alright, we need to call for a tow.”

“And an Uber.”

“Do you have any bars?” Rockfish said. “Nope.”

“We were lucky this was only a warning. We’ve got some walking ahead of us. They shouldn’t be coming back.”

I gotta reach out to Davenport, he thought. The stakes have significantly increased.

Sandra Lee Reynolds

Differently Abled

Differently Abled

Sandra Lee Reynolds Children

Differently Abled is about Sierra, a girl with Down’s Syndrome who is discouraged by her disability because she feels like she doesn’t fit in, and has no friends because of it. However, she refuses to let her disability discourage her from overcoming life’s challenges and is determined to be included.

When Sierra decided to voice her opinion, others realized that being different doesn’t mean you can’t do something. People listened, and everyone soon learned that extending kindness, patience, and acceptance are the keys to humanity..

Differently Abled has been translated and is available in other languages: Capable Différemment in French, Capacidades Diferentes in Spanish, and in Mandarin.

Author Interview

Q: What’s the hardest thing about being an author?

Many might say the hardest part of being a writer is coming up with ideas; for me, that is not the case. The most difficult thing about being an author is having the patience to wait for success and the courage to face failures along the way. My biggest challenge is trust-ing myself and believing my dreams can come true, especially as an indie-published au-thor.

Q: What is the best thing about being an author?

The best thing about being an author is watching your project come to life; seeing your name on the cover and knowing my hard-work has paid off and helped me realize I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Q: What book changed your life?

Moby Dick by Herman Melville is probably one of my favorite novels and on some level inspired me to write about my own vulnerabilities and struggles; to face the sense of loss I felt from having a child with Down’s Syndrome.

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

My inspiration to write Differently Abled stems from my daughter Sierra, who the book is about. I am profoundly grateful for her; she taught me patience and the true meaning of perseverance.

Q: How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?

If I were to describe my writing style to someone else, I think I would call it crisp, clean, and emphatic.

Q: Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally?

For me, writing is something that flows naturally; but only after I’ve thought about what message I want to get across do the creative juices flow from the pen to the paper, so to speak.

Q: What is the take home lesson you wish your readers will learn after reading this book?

it is okay to embrace one’s differ-ences.

Q: What books are currently in your to be read pile?

I read any classic I can get my hands on, over and over; but my to be read pile currently includes the entire “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling.

Q: Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

People with Down’s Syndrome face stereotypes and myths that they are incapable of do-ing things. I want people to know the societal norms that man has imparted are okay to question. I want my fans to understand that having Down’s Syndrome doesn’t define someone, nor does it limit their abilities; it’s simply a condition that is part of who they are. I want them to know it’s okay to embrace someone’s differences.

Sandra Reynolds is an Immigration Services Officer with the Department of Homeland Security. She has 18 years’ experience raising a child with Down’s Syndrome. She specializes in spreading acceptance. She is a powerful force in teaching people to embrace others’ differences. She uses her positive attitude, patience, and tireless energy to encourage others to be kind. She is inspired by her two children, Curtis and Sierra. In her free time, she mentors children with disabilities, spends time with her children, and loves to play with her grandchildren.

sandrapaquette.com