Welcome to this stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Paul Martin Midden's Toxin. The author has provided the following fictional interview based on the character in this book and the story. It is pretty good. Be sure to check the bottom of this posting for information on how to win a copy of the book. Now ... with no further ado, here is the interview.
An Interview with Jake Telemarck, junior senator from Wisconsin (a character in the novel Toxin)
Conducted by Sanford Williams, Senior CNN correspondent.
CNN: As most people know by now, there have been tragic occurrences of domestic terrorism in the United States in recent months, developments which seem to have ended with the mysterious deaths of members of a shadowy organization known only as “the Bookkeepers”. With me today is Senator Jack Telemarck, the junior senator from Wisconsin, who was reported to be involved in those developments. Some say he played a critical role in ending the threat—some even say he had a hand in the deaths of the terrorists, although he has consistently denied that. Details about those deaths and the ongoing investigation are still coming out. This is Mr. Telemarck’s first interview with CNN.
Senator Telemarck, much has been made of your role in recent events surrounding domestic terrorism in the US. Some say that you had a major role in reducing or even eliminating this threat. What do you have to say to that?
JT: Well, Sanford, let me say a couple things to that. Number one, this kind of threat is never completely eliminated. Fanatics continue to dream of overthrowing our government, and there are always groups out there who think that they could do a better job at running the country. So it is something we have to be on the alert for constantly. Secondly, while I was honored to play a minor role in recent events, the defeat of the plot that was uncovered in Washington was really the result of hard work by many federal agencies working together. Actually, people from inside and outside the government were critical to the success of those efforts.
CNN: So you deny rumors that it was you who single-handedly eliminated the Bookkeepers.
JT: By killing the Bookkeepers? I think the investigation into those deaths is still inconclusive. If you are suggesting that a sitting Senator somehow murdered or conspired to murder thirteen people, you had better have some solid proof. Even if they were traitors and mass murderers. But yes, I deny that I single-handedly made much of a difference at all. I was close to some of the principal players. I did hold some meetings. There was an incident during the Senate debate on secession that I played my most significant role in. By interrupting that and rallying other moderate Senators, we were able to prevent that outrage from happening. And I think this was an important element in exposing the extent of the conspiracy.
CNN: So you believe there was a conspiracy.
JT: Absolutely. I don’t think there is any doubt about that. The results of the investigation in northern Virginia these past weeks uncovered an extensive and highly disciplined plot to unseat our government. I do not know how those people died, but the country is safer with them out of the picture.
CNN: This was a religious group which is alleged to have made these plans and perpetrated one of the largest mass murders on US soil. Some have accused you of being anti-religious. Are you?
JT: Of course not. Fanatics are fanatics, no matter what their religious practices. I do think we have learned from this experience that not all radical groups are of foreign or Islamic origin. There have been religious fanatics throughout history and they have been consistently disowned by their parent churches. No one can blame religion for the deranged few who use it to further their own power. I also remind you that, prior to 9/11, the largest terrorist attack in the US was perpetrated by a US citizen, Timothy McVay.
CNN: You are familiar with Dr. Isadore Hathaway of the progressive think tank, The Center for Law and Public Policy. She was quoted as saying that without your help the Bookkeepers’ plot may well have succeeded. What is your response to that?
JT: I do know Dr. Hathaway, and I know her to be a bright, generous person. But I am afraid she overrepresented my role in recent events. It was actually she who first sounded the alarm—discreetly—about the Bookkeepers and their plot. She was actually the essential player, as I see this situation. But she is too modest to say so. Like a lot of those analysts, she likes to remain in the background.
CNN: There have been reports that you and she have gotten close over these past months.
JT: No comment.
Conducted by Sanford Williams, Senior CNN correspondent.
CNN: As most people know by now, there have been tragic occurrences of domestic terrorism in the United States in recent months, developments which seem to have ended with the mysterious deaths of members of a shadowy organization known only as “the Bookkeepers”. With me today is Senator Jack Telemarck, the junior senator from Wisconsin, who was reported to be involved in those developments. Some say he played a critical role in ending the threat—some even say he had a hand in the deaths of the terrorists, although he has consistently denied that. Details about those deaths and the ongoing investigation are still coming out. This is Mr. Telemarck’s first interview with CNN.
Senator Telemarck, much has been made of your role in recent events surrounding domestic terrorism in the US. Some say that you had a major role in reducing or even eliminating this threat. What do you have to say to that?
JT: Well, Sanford, let me say a couple things to that. Number one, this kind of threat is never completely eliminated. Fanatics continue to dream of overthrowing our government, and there are always groups out there who think that they could do a better job at running the country. So it is something we have to be on the alert for constantly. Secondly, while I was honored to play a minor role in recent events, the defeat of the plot that was uncovered in Washington was really the result of hard work by many federal agencies working together. Actually, people from inside and outside the government were critical to the success of those efforts.
CNN: So you deny rumors that it was you who single-handedly eliminated the Bookkeepers.
JT: By killing the Bookkeepers? I think the investigation into those deaths is still inconclusive. If you are suggesting that a sitting Senator somehow murdered or conspired to murder thirteen people, you had better have some solid proof. Even if they were traitors and mass murderers. But yes, I deny that I single-handedly made much of a difference at all. I was close to some of the principal players. I did hold some meetings. There was an incident during the Senate debate on secession that I played my most significant role in. By interrupting that and rallying other moderate Senators, we were able to prevent that outrage from happening. And I think this was an important element in exposing the extent of the conspiracy.
CNN: So you believe there was a conspiracy.
JT: Absolutely. I don’t think there is any doubt about that. The results of the investigation in northern Virginia these past weeks uncovered an extensive and highly disciplined plot to unseat our government. I do not know how those people died, but the country is safer with them out of the picture.
CNN: This was a religious group which is alleged to have made these plans and perpetrated one of the largest mass murders on US soil. Some have accused you of being anti-religious. Are you?
JT: Of course not. Fanatics are fanatics, no matter what their religious practices. I do think we have learned from this experience that not all radical groups are of foreign or Islamic origin. There have been religious fanatics throughout history and they have been consistently disowned by their parent churches. No one can blame religion for the deranged few who use it to further their own power. I also remind you that, prior to 9/11, the largest terrorist attack in the US was perpetrated by a US citizen, Timothy McVay.
CNN: You are familiar with Dr. Isadore Hathaway of the progressive think tank, The Center for Law and Public Policy. She was quoted as saying that without your help the Bookkeepers’ plot may well have succeeded. What is your response to that?
JT: I do know Dr. Hathaway, and I know her to be a bright, generous person. But I am afraid she overrepresented my role in recent events. It was actually she who first sounded the alarm—discreetly—about the Bookkeepers and their plot. She was actually the essential player, as I see this situation. But she is too modest to say so. Like a lot of those analysts, she likes to remain in the background.
CNN: There have been reports that you and she have gotten close over these past months.
JT: No comment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul Martin Midden is a psychologist who currently serves as Clinical Director of a nationally-recognized treatment center. Midden’s debut novel, Absolution, was released to great critical acclaim in 2007. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
ABOUT THE BOOK: A gripping first person novel that reads like non-fiction, Toxin is briskly-paced and filled with urgency. Part provocative political thriller, part powerful psychological narrative, Toxin delivers a terrifyingly-real storyline that deftly blurs the lines between fiction and reality. Novelist Paul Martin Midden displays remarkable dexterity in his extraordinary character development, exquisite understanding of the texture and complexity of human relationships, and ability to keep the pages turning in this powerful thriller.
REGISTER TO WIN: Paul Martin Midden is giving away a signed copy of his book, Toxin, to one lucky tour visitor. Go to his book tour page, http://paul-martin-midden.omnimystery.com/, enter your name, e-mail address, and this PIN, 6482, for your chance to win. Entries from Mystery Reader Discussion will be accepted until 12:00 Noon (PT) tomorrow (Thursday, July 23rd). No purchase is required to enter or to win. The winner (first name only) will be announced on their book tour page next week.
5 comments:
Good followup to the book - an interview with the main character. I liked the idea!!!
AWESOME! I sure do enjoy the tours you participate with!! I had to keep reminding myself that the interview was with a fictional person. Thanks for bringing another book to my attention I may have missed otherwise.
Very cool - can't wait to pick up a copy of the book!
What a unique idea, interviewing the main character. The book sounds great. All the best of luck to Paul Martin Midden for his tour and sales.
Thanks for the comments!! I enjoyed the book as well and thought the "interview" was an unique idea. Thanks again!!!
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