Rogue's Angels Present: The Black Hand by Jonathan Dunne

Please welcome Jonathan Dunne author of The Black Hand

Jonathan Dunne will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

The Black Hand

byJonathan Dunne

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GENRE:   Crime/Mystery

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INTERVIEW:

1. What or who inspired you to start writing?

It wasn’t inspiration but pure escapism that started me on this journey. Great books provide all the inspiration I need. But if you can find a hero, good, use them to fuel the journey. 

2. What elements are necessary components for this genre?

A firm grasp of the subject is important. People are complex and there are blurred lines between what we deem to be decent and immoral. A criminal is not always immoral and model citizens are not always decent. If you are going to write about this genre – you should at least know the topic and understand that this is a multi-faceted and complex subject. 

3. How did you come up with your idea for your novel?

It came from a song! Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand blossomed into an idea about the unseen hand controlling everything from behind the scenes. We tend to be more afraid of what we don’t know. That unseen danger can be terrifying.

4. What expertise did you bring to your writing?

My knowledge of the topic. There is too much written about the subject from people who don’t understand this world. They’re outsiders looking in. 

5. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I doubt myself daily. But push on regardless. 

6. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

Working on a new book. The Florist. It’s the first time I’ve written in the first person and although it’s a crime story – there is unadulterated heartbreak from a man’s perspective. Men don’t talk enough about pain. So, it’s a topic I want to address. 

7. If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why?

From the Black Hand…I’d probably be the Charlie Boylan. He struggles to maintain and stand tall, every day. Chasing your dreams can be soul crushing at times, belief comes and goes but you work through it anyway. Do the work, surrender and let it go…

8. Can you give us a sneak peek into this book?

This book captures the consequences of pushing someone too far. The Black Hand may be all powerful but how do bully someone who is without fear? You cannot frighten someone who is unafraid of death. This book is an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.

9. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

Absolutely not! Who am I to critique anyone?

10. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

Never be afraid of something you can do twice. Submitting was not a big step. I was prepared for the NO – as a writer, you better get ready for rejection. For encouragement – I looked in the mirror. 

11. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

Best advice – You’re in the room. Get noticed.

Worse advice – You should stop writing. 

12. Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I plot the books carefully. An editor of a major Irish publication was aghast that I flew by the seat of my pants. This woman is super successful – so I followed her advice and she was right. How can I write about organized crime without a plan?

13. How do you maintain your creativity?

I’m creative at heart. It’s a joy. No maintenance needed. 

14. Who is your favorite character in the book. Can you tell us why?

Jacob Boylan – the protagonist. He is completely driven towards his end goal. That goal is unbearable however it was not of his design. He walks over the fragments of his broken heart – each step of the way. 

15. Are your plotting bunnies, angels or demons?

Demons; always demons.

16. Anything else you might want to add?
I’ve said too much already! 

BLURB:

In the aftermath of Ireland’s most deadly gang war, Dublin’s ruling family has scattered to the wind.

Into the void steps a criminal genius known only as The Black Hand. His organisation’s powerful grip is ruthless, bloody and barbaric.

With Europe’s biggest crime in play, The Devil needs a distraction. And The Black Hand needs Jacob Boylan to return to Irish shores. He will stop at nothing to provoke Dublin’s most lethal criminal out of hiding.

But has the wily genius misstepped? As all eyes are on Jacob, the Dublin exile carefully plans a gangland wipeout, for he is nobody’s pawn.

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EXCERPT

The Glock was steady in his grasp as he rested it gently under the security guard’s chin. Unloaded, the Glock weighed 660 grams, however this wasn’t empty. A trickle of sweat rolled down the man’s brow as Jacob spoke calmly. 

‘Think of your loved ones. It’s only money. It’s replaceable. Take a deep breath and calm yourself.’ 

The guard’s eyes were wide with fear. His breathing was shallow. He began to urinate down his left leg. 

Jacob watched the last bag of cash disappear into the vehicle. ‘Turn around and face the wall,’ he ordered. The guard obeyed without question. Jacob calmly sat in the back seat as they drove away. 

The escape route had been planned. The surveillance was disabled. Nobody spoke as they drove. There was no speeding. The getaway was planned and smooth. 

Jacob removed the balaclava and ran a hand through his sandy-blond hair. The two passengers in the front seat were giddy with excitement, but they concealed it well; Jacob had no time for juvenile behaviour. Only the passage of time would offer a definite escape, and even then, he wasn’t sure. 

For twenty minutes, they drove in silence. The abandoned industrial estate was rare for London, otherwise it was perfect. They stepped from the vehicle, removed their overalls, and placed the weapons on the backseat. They were clean, but Jacob didn’t care; they were to be destroyed. A canister of petrol was removed from the trunk, with a small detonator attached. Jacob flicked the switch and didn’t look back as the car exploded. 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jonathan Dunne is a native of Dublin's north inner city. The Black Hand is his second novel in the crime genre. The Takeover - his first crime novel went on to wide acclaim and regularly featured in Amazon's bestseller lists.


He is also an avid MMA journalist who has penned articles for some of Ireland's biggest publications. He holds a Degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology and is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and education. After returning to complete his leaving certificate as an adult in Jonathan has went on to have four novels published.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/dublinauthor/

https://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Dunne/e/B00BEFKHVC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

http://jonathanwdunne.wordpress.com/

The book is on sale for $0.99.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

Jonathan Dunne will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3042