Jackson Coppley's Blog, page 6

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"Trust" by Hernan Diaz

"Trust" by Hernan Diaz explores wealth, power, and personal revelations in early twentieth-century Wall Street.

Divided into four parts, with the last serving as a resolution addendum, the narrative begins with "Bonds" by Harold Vanner, a biography of a wealthy financier Benjamin Rask. Reminiscent of "Citizen Kane," Rask is a fictional character, but everyone knows who it really is. Diaz's ability to convey a compelling story without relying on dialogue is interesting, and the prose used to depict character thoughts and interactions is amazing. It's no surprise that the novel earned a Pulitzer Prize, a fact reinforced by its mention in the heading on every other page.

The second part, "My Life," by Andrew Bevel, shifts the narrative from third to first person, presenting an unfinished manuscript that gradually reveals Bevel as the protagonist of Vanner's "Bonds." The self-serving nature of Bevel's account adds intrigue, and the differences in his portrayal of his wife, Mildred, compared to Vanner's "Helen," raise thought-provoking questions that linger throughout the book.

Part three, "A Memoir, Remembered," by Ida Partenza, offers a more conventional novel with dialogue and a deeper exploration of Bevel's character through the eyes of the working-class New Yorker. The theme of "trust" takes on a more personal meaning for Ida in her relationship with people close to her.

The last segment, "Futures," is a journal kept by Mildred Bevel during her stay in a Swiss sanatorium. Initially appearing dull, Diaz cleverly conceals a surprising twist amidst the seemingly mundane details. Skim, if you must, but pause when this gem is revealed.

While the novel delves into the intricacies of high finance in the early twentieth century, it may require patience from readers less interested in this subject until Ida Partenza's narrative picks up the pace in the third part.

For those intrigued by the world of finance and appreciative of elegant prose, "Trust" offers a rewarding read. The unexpected twist at the end serves as a bonus, cementing the novel as a finely crafted literary work.

Born from Ashes

"Born from Ashes," the seventh installment in the Cassie Quinn series, manages to hold its own as a compelling murder mystery. Cassie Quinn, a consultant to the Savanah Police Department, possesses a unique ability – she see the spirits of the deceased. Surprisingly, this supernatural skill, while central in a few critical moments involving kidnap victims and murderers, doesn't dominate her crime-solving prowess.

The collaborative work of L.T. Ryan and K.M. (Karen) Rought in this series offers a distinctive perspective through Cassie Quinn's character. Rought likely provided the nuanced female viewpoint. Cassie teams up with Jason, a detective, and together, they confront adversaries who often are women.

The core of the story revolves around a serial killer who has been committing murders sporadically over a decade. What makes this killer distinctive is the unmistakable signature – each victim bears the sign of the cross in ash on their forehead and is laid to rest in a shroud, giving rise to the name "Ash Wednesday Murders."

As the narrative unfolds, the influence of a powerful publicity company named Apex becomes clear. This company boasts influential politicians among its clientele. Some of whom have deep-seated secrets that need to remain buried, both figuratively and literally.

With a plot full of unexpected twists and turns, "Born from Ashes" delivers all the elements one would anticipate in a gripping murder mystery. It a standalone gem in the Cassie Quinn series.

Transformed

"Transformed" by D.E. Heil is a thought-provoking novel that tackles the contentious issue of gun control with a measured approach. This is not your typical vigilante story where the hero brandishes guns in a blaze of glory. Instead, Heil places you in the shoes of the protagonist, compelling you to grapple with the question of whether one should carry a handgun.

The story revolves around a doctor working in a Baltimore hospital, a city plagued by the kind of criminal violence common to most big cities. This physician has experienced an inordinate amount of personal involvement in these crimes, both as a witness and a victim. He and his spouse share a strong anti-gun sentiment, setting the stage for a profound internal conflict. Should he, in a city riddled with violence, be armed for self-protection?

In "Transformed," the depiction of gun violence is a far cry from the typical, clean and precise shots to the heart or head often found in most thrillers. Heil's narrative depicts the harsh reality, where shooters are lucky to hit an arm or a leg. He choreographs these scenes with visceral and unflinching realism, immersing the reader in the gritty details.

While "Transformed" may occasionally come across as preachy in its approach to the subject matter, it's worth pushing through these moments, as the novel ultimately offers a rewarding and thought-provoking thriller that leaves readers pondering the dynamics of gun control and personal safety.

The Wager

"The Wager" is a true sea adventure that unfolds like a riveting novel. In the year 1740, Commodore George Anson embarked on a mission to disrupt and harass Spanish shipping routes in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Departing from England, he led a squadron of ships, among which was the formidable HMS Wager, a 24-gun frigate.

Initially helmed by Captain Dandy Kidd, the voyage took a tragic turn when Kidd succumbed to the challenges of the journey and died. That necessited the elevation of Captain David Cheap to command. Under Cheap's leadership, the expedition went south, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Their route led them through the treacherous waters of the Strait of Magellan, situated at the southern tip of South America.

As the voyage progressed, the crew of the Wager encountered relentless storms that battered their vessel, ultimately culminating in its grounding on a desolate island off the coast of what is now modern-day Chile.

The first part of the narrative immerses the reader in the tempestuous storms that preceded the ship's abandonment. Here, you read of profound loss of life on high seas, plagued by disease and injury. In the middle section of the book, the reader is taken through a harrowing months-long struggle for survival. The final segment of the story addresses the fate of the survivors upon their eventual return to England, revealing that, against expectation, some endured.

Author David Gann exhibits exceptional skill in weaving together historical documents and firsthand journals, crafting a narrative that delivers a compelling and action-packed account of this extraordinary expedition.

For a fine sea adventure and learning something about the early English navy, I recommend this book highly.

The Air Riders on TV

Jackson Coppley is interviewed on WRDE Coast Life about his new novel.

,Click Here to See the Interview (May not be available outside the U.S.)

WRDE Coast Life

The Air Riders Review

For all those who've been itching to step into another galactic journey, the wait is over! The newest entry in the Nicholas Foxe series is here, aptly titled "The Air Riders." The mastermind behind this epic, local author Jackson Coppley, recently shed some light on the excitement brewing in his latest interstellar tale.

If you're unfamiliar with the Nicholas Foxe series, don't fret. Coppley has designed it in a way that allows readers to dive in at any point. "The Air Riders" is the fourth in the series and serves as a thrilling capstone. The narrative is woven around the mystery of an advanced civilization that once thrived on Earth 10,000 years ago but vanished without a trace. Why did they disappear? This book spills the beans: they relocated to another planet. However, the hows and whys are still up for debate, making for an exhilarating read.

Amidst the space-age thrills and enigmas, the tale doesn't shy away from heartbeats of romance. What sets Coppley's novels apart is the blend of realistic technology within the science fiction setting. While the concept of aliens might seem a stretch to some, Coppley ensures the science in the series is grounded. One intriguing concept he shares is the alien's ability to send signals that replicate them, using something they left on Earth 10,000 years prior. This replica returns to Earth through radio transmissions, providing an enticing twist to the sci-fi realm.

Furthermore, the new book introduces a character with malevolent intentions, inheriting the body of a ruthless criminal. His mission? To retrieve something exclusive to Earth that will help him conquer his home planet. The suspense thickens with the question: What is this Earth-exclusive element?

The Air Riders Debuts as Best Seller

I'm proud to announce that The Air Riders debuted as an Amazon Best Seller in Crime & Mystery Science Fiction.

The Air Riders

After scientists notice peculiar radio telescope transmissions, four replicas of people from another planet arrive on Earth. Two of them have malicious goals that could impact all of humanity — and the other pair joins forces with Nicholas Foxe to put a stop to their dangerous plans…

The Caribbean Affair

The Caribbean Affair

by Nick Thacker

Within the realm of the action-adventure genre I write, Nick Thacker consistently captures my attention with his latest creations. I read with questions in mind: Does the storyline possess an enthralling allure? Is the prose skillfully honed? Does it possess an irresistible pull, urging the reader to keep turning the pages? For Nick Thacker's "The Caribbean Affair," the answers are yes, across the board.

At the heart of this story stands Jack Barr. Interestingly, Jack shares the same given name as mine, Jackson, although he has a clear preference for the simplicity of "Jack." (I suspect Thacker has woven a compelling backstory to illuminate this choice.) Occupying a desk job at the CIA, Jack is a far cry from the likes of James Bond, yet this very distinction resonates with the reader. It positions him as an ordinary man, someone any reader can envisage walking in the same shoes.

Embarking on a Caribbean cruise with his wife and two young daughters, Jack's intentions are set on a well-deserved vacation. Amid the voyage, the narrative introduces a dubious character on board — an individual radiating an aura of malevolence. But to what end? A critical juncture unfolds when an explosion rocks the ship's frame while it’s anchored in the waters off Jamaica. It causes a subtle tilt. The crew ushers passengers onto lifeboats, bound for the nearby shore. A subtle inkling, however, raises Jack's suspicion, propelling him to defy convention by springing back to the vessel from the lifeboat.

And thus begins an extraordinary journey.

Thacker adroitly crafts a vivid tapestry of characters, some evoking intense aversion while others command our fervent support. Intriguingly, not all whom we root for emerge unscathed, an artful device that prevents complacency for the reader's experience. The plot's contours remain veiled in mystery through a substantial part of the book, with revelations and "aha" moments held tantalizingly until the final moments.

"The Caribbean Affair" stands as a well-told tale, where Thacker's narrative shines.

Recommended.

Oppenheimer

In the film "Oppenheimer," Director Christopher Nolan showcases a remarkable performance by Cillian Murphy and his exceptional directing skills to create a true masterpiece.

Nolan is known for bending time and space in movies like “Tenet” and “Inception.” In this movie, it is the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer that Nolan ricochets back and forth through the man’s life. In a short while, the viewer understands which part of Oppenheimer’s life we’re seeing.

Central to the movie is Oppenheimer's pivotal role in spearheading the development of the atomic bomb. Surprisingly, we discover that he had a ranch in New Mexico, raising questions about his seemingly self-serving recommendation to hastily construct Los Alamos to house the scientists under his guidance.

One might think that the drama of the countdown to the a-bomb explosion would be the climax. But it is not. The story arc of Oppenheimer is broader than that.

I watched the movie in 70mm in a theatre with an excellent sound system. Nolan delved into the mind of the young Oppenheimer with loud displays of space and electricity. I thought it ironic when the countdown for the first atomic bomb reached zero, there was perfect silence. Just blinding light. It was undoubtedly true to life.

Cillian (pronounced kill-i-an) Murphy may be best known for his leading role in “Peaky Blinders.” Nolan previously directed Murphy in “Inception.” His portrayal of Oppenheimer resembles neither of those. A slate of excellent actors supports him.

Matt Damon plays General Leslie Groves, the man charged with making a nuclear weapon possible. Upon seeing Damon appear in that role, it made perfect sense. What was odd was that Academy-Award winning Rami Malek play a bit part. Playing a major role was Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss. Strauss was Oppenheimer’s biggest supporter before he turned into his worst antagonist. But Downey was unrecognizable in that part. When Downey played Charlie Chaplin years ago, he proved his range. This role furthers that talent. He’s not just Iron Man.

Speaking of range, Gary Oldman makes a brief appearance as Harry S Truman, just to show his. More screen time was spent by Kenneth Branagh as Niels Bohr.

Emily Blunt played Oppenheimer’s wife and Florence Pugh, his mistress. My problem was that in the movie they looked too much alike.

I have a degree in physics, but one is hardly needed. This is a drama about human interaction, about egos big and small, about winning a war without regard for future repercussions. The movie runs exactly three hours but seems shorter.

Recommended.

What ChatGPT Says about Me

I was reading an article in The Washington Post about how AI is now being used to beef up people's description of themselves (usually for dating apps). It got me to thinking. How would it embellish the Bio I use as an author.

So...

Here is what I entered into ChatGPT:

Rewrite this bio to make it more interesting: Jackson Coppley is the author of the best selling Nicholas Foxe Adventure series, Leaving Lisa – An AI Romance, and numerous short stories. Coppley combines his insight from a career in telecommunications and computers with his knack for spinning a good tale. He resides with his wife Ellen in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

And, here is what the magic of AI wrote:

Prepare to embark on thrilling literary journeys crafted by the master storyteller, Jackson Coppley. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the explosive pages of the internationally acclaimed Nicholas Foxe Adventure series, where danger lurks around every corner and suspense hangs in the air like a cloak of mystery.

But that's not all—Coppley's creative genius extends far beyond the realm of gripping thrillers. Delve into the realm of artificial intelligence and human connection as you immerse yourself in the groundbreaking novel, "Leaving Lisa – An AI Romance." Prepare to question the very essence of what it means to be human and to fall in love.

Short stories? Oh, you bet he's got plenty of those too! Each one a dazzling gem, expertly crafted to captivate your imagination and leave you craving for more. From the darkest corners of the mind to the brightest reaches of hope, Coppley's short stories will transport you to places you've never dreamed of.

But what sets Coppley apart is not only his boundless creativity but also his unmatched expertise. With a background steeped in the dynamic worlds of telecommunications and computers, he weaves intricate technological tapestries into his narratives, adding a touch of authenticity that will leave tech enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike in awe.

When he's not conjuring up new worlds on the page, Coppley finds solace in the company of his beloved wife, Ellen. Together, they reside in the enchanting fusion of suburban charm and seaside beauty, splitting their time between the elegant confines of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and the sun-kissed shores of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Get ready to lose yourself in the breathtaking realms spun by the ingenious mind of Jackson Coppley—a literary magician who seamlessly blends suspense, technology, and sheer storytelling brilliance into works that will grip your soul and ignite your imagination.