Espionage Thrillers The Sound of Death by David Mannes

Sonic attacks hit American and Russian consulates around the world. Two compromised government people are killed with no outward injuries. What does it mean? The perfect assassin, a mini drone that kills with sound is in the hands of revenge seeking General Kyung-sun of North Korea’s Intelligence service. Wynter, still reeling from the loss of his partner and lover, Michelle Martin, is teamed with Russian agent Yekatrina Sokolov of Majic-12’s counterpart, Setka MO, and are now on a race to hunt down this team of terrorists who are planning to kill delegates at a Camp David summit. In their attempt to stop the carnage they become targets themselves.

The Big Thrill caught up with author David Mannes to learn more about the latest book in his Damien Wynter Series, THE SOUND OF DEATH:

Can you pinpoint a moment or incident that sparked the idea for this book?

Yes, as I read about the Havana Syndrome hitting US consulates and that the intelligence communities were initially baffled.

A novel is such a major undertaking; there’s the writing of it, of course, then you’re spending months and months revising, polishing, and then promoting it. How did you know this was the book you wanted to spend the next couple of years on?

Once I get the idea, it sort of writes itself. I do outline, make a character list, and often when stuck, go back re-read and edit and rewrite. I know how a book will begin and how it will end before I set to writing it, though I did rewrite the ending a bit.

David Mannes

Were there any particular books, movies, or songs that were knocking around in your head while you were writing this one?

Usually, I listen to James Bond soundtracks or other action movie soundtracks when I’m writing the Damien Wynter books. This is the fourth book in the series.

When you first created your protagonist for this book, did you see an empty space in crime lit that you wanted to fill? What can you share about the inspiration for that character?

The character initially was going to be a villain, but as I researched Majestic-12 I changed my mind and thought of it as a dark version of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Damien Wynter’s personality is partially based on my son who can be sarcastic and cynical but with a irreverent sense of humour. The physical description is based on CNN’s Anderson Cooper, but a straight, buffed version.
Wynter has seen amazing things, he is former military.

In addition to a great read, what do you hope readers will take away from this story?

The possibility of alien existence on earth, of a logical belief in UFOs, and opening up to the dangers of extremism and political subterfuge.

What can you share about what you’re working on next?

I’m working on the 5th Damien Wynter book, The Ransom Queen. And a sequel to my novel The Cantor’s Son – Mashed Chromosomes and Other Delights about Jeff Reimer’s reminiscences about high school and college, during the social revolution in the late 60’s and early 70’s in the cultural wasteland of Oklahoma.

Also working on the third Scarlet Justice series novel recounting NWMP corporal Alfred Kingsley and his companion Charlie Buck as they hunt down the killers of Kingsley’s brother.

David Mannes has had a multi-faceted career path, first as a secondary education teacher, and then working as an educational writer, producer-director of educational film, TV, and video for the province of Alberta. His 1990 documentary ‘Writing on Stone’ garnered several AMPIA nominations. He has written a dozen novels and books for varying genres. David is married and lives in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

To learn more about the author and his work, please visit his website