Many years ago I requested information about Project Blue Book from the United States Air Force. At the time, I read articles and books about UFOs. Although I had wanted to try to write a thriller about the federal government’s investigation into the subject, I put it off for decades …
Bentley Turner – 16 December 2022
The Back Flap
This historical suspenseful thriller features Mason Cunningham, a well-educated former Navy pilot turned CIA agent who becomes the director of the department that investigates UFOs. His job is not only to determine sighting locations but also determine the health of those who reported the sightings and experienced exposure to bright lights. When Cunningham learns that a recently retired agent, who reportedly died, has been seen by one of his staff members, his job comes to a crashing halt and an investigation begins. What he discovers just might put his department – and the CIA – in jeopardy.
About the book
What is the book about?
The Agency concerns the CIA’s investigation into UFOs. Mason Cunningham, a former agent and now director of the small department that does the investigations, assigns his staff the task of learning the locations of sightings and landings. He also has his staff try to learn what has happened to the witnesses who experienced bright lights. Later, he learns that a former agent who retired and reportedly died has been seen by one of his staff members. Cunningham investigates and soon gathers information that could put his department and the entire CIA in jeopardy.
When did you start writing the book?
At least two years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
About a year.
Where did you get the idea from?
Many years ago I requested information about Project Blue Book from the United States Air Force. At the time, I read articles and books about UFOs. Although I had wanted to try to write a thriller about the federal government’s investigation into the subject, I put it off for decades, until I had written several short stories and a couple of mysteries.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Not really. The characters came to me without too much effort. Most of the plot came to me without too much work as well. Overall, even though the novel is my longest, it was not the most difficult to write.
What came easily?
I would say the major or primary character―Mason Cunningham. I knew him inside out in a very short time.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are fictitious. However, Cunningham certainly has some of my ideas, which have come to me because of my professional experiences and education.
Do you have a target reader for this book?
Adults who enjoy reading thrillers about the CIA, UFOs, mysteries, etc.
How was writing this book different from what you’d experienced writing previous books?
This book contains more words than my previous novels. Yet, without question, it was much easier to write than the others. I really enjoyed writing about the primary character and his adversary.
What new things did you learn about writing, publishing, and/or yourself while writing and preparing this book for publication?
I learned that I could write a thriller about a totally different subject that, I hope, readers will accept and enjoy.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of The Agency from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
