The Garret Cooper Series by Greg Wendleton

 

The Greatest of These

Garret Cooper Series Book 1

by Greg Wendleton

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

ABOUT THE BOOK

What happens when a global pandemic, a life-saving vaccine and a criminal conspiracy come to a boiling point? Garret Cooper is a naïve, paid assassin who is leading a double life. Conspiring against him and looking for a massive payday are his mentor and former teammates. When they attempt to frame him for murder, conspiracy and treason, he must question everything he thought was true, and confess his hidden life to his wife. In this first book in the series, Garret Cooper uses his wits to overcome the obstacles he faces on the beautiful island of Maui.

The Greatest of These is a fast-paced page-turner that will capture your imagination...a must-read!

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Roads to Redemption

Garret Cooper Series Book 2

ABOUT THE BOOK

Garret Cooper continues his search for Conrad Bishop and Jackie Ming throughout Central America in this, the second book in the Garret Cooper Series. While Garret and Fonda attempt to establish a new life on Maui, the threats posed by the dangerous fugitives continue to threaten their existence. Conrad finds himself embroiled in a feud and Jackie battles demons that continue to haunt him. Friends, both new and old, lend assistance to the manhunt as well as the efforts of many men to find a better path in life...their personal road to redemption.

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GUEST POST

What inspired you to write this book?

My best friend lives in San Antonio, Texas. His name is Steve Cooper, and he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it; no questions asked. So, I had an idea to create a character that would pay homage to his personality. When San Antonio experienced a freak snowstorm in February, I used that weather event and Steve’s persona to start writing.

I had an idea of where I was headed with the story, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to get there.  With the COVID pandemic gripping the world and the release of several vaccines, I figured the United Nations would be looking for a way to help underdeveloped countries, and some criminal organizations would be looking for a way to take advantage.

That is where the premise for “The Greatest of These” and the Garret Cooper Series came from. Honestly, I changed directions, added characters, expanded the reach of certain characters, namely Scott Crowley, who is in reality a dear friend of mine, on an almost daily basis. My wife asked me if I had an outline that I was following and I had to confess that I didn’t. I was keeping notes so I could refer back to them for details, but I knew where I wanted to go, so I just let the words flow.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

If it’s okay, I’m going to answer this question and incorporate a few other questions into one. The most enjoyable thing I experienced writing both released books in the series, has been sharing what is in my head with friends, family and readers that have found their way to the series.

As I wrote and shared small sections with friends, I gained encouragement and confidence.  So, I began asking if I could use their names and persona in my stories. Scott Crowley’s family was in the Coca-Cola business in Minnesota, so he always has a supply of Coke on hand. His personality is reflected in the character. Alex Ramirez was never in the Army or an undercover DEA agent, but he is a man of great character and powerfully built. Charles Ivory is a friend of great integrity and he allowed me to use his name and physical likeness as a key character.

Turning my friends into characters, whether using their actual names or a mash-up of their name has been a blast for me and provided great inspiration.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

When I started writing “The Greatest of These” in late February 2021, I had five main characters in mind. Garret Cooper, Fonda, Chad Wilhite, Jamie Wilhite and Conrad Bishop. I had inklings of other characters that would be introduced, but I had no idea that Jackie Ming would become a character of how he would evolve. Likewise, Scott Crowley initially was going to be a character that was introduced and then forgotten.  I’m so very glad that I changed my thought process on that!

After the initial start up, most of the characters come to me as I’m writing. How does a specific character fit into the story line? I prefer to insert the character into the story as opposed to writing the story to fit a character.

In a way, that is an advantage to being self-published. I can create and write what comes to me. If I need to pivot, I can pivot without running it past my editor. I have more freedom and certainly more flexibility. Don’t take me wrong; in this highly competitive field, I’d love to have a publisher. As you know there are millions of books available on Amazon and other sources and it is very difficult to break through. That is why I appreciate what you are doing for the writing community. I’m hopeful that the doors that you open will lead new readers to the Garret Cooper Series and my future stories.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greg Wendleton is a resident of Overland Park, Kansas where he lives with his wife, Jan, and their Chocolate Labradoodle, Chief. Greg and Jan first met in Hawaii while attending Radford High School. Their fathers were both career Air Force NCOs. Life took them in different directions until they reunited thirty-five years later. They have four adult children, all of whom are married, and four amazing grandsons.

After more than forty years in food service sales, Greg retired due to a rare eye malady. Afflicted with Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy which left Greg unable to drive or travel alone, he discovered a new passion. Always harboring a desire to write, but lacking the time to dedicate to the craft, his recent life changes opened new doors.

The Greatest of These”, an action/suspense novel introduces Garret Cooper, a flawed man who must overcome his own demons to rescue his father figure from imminent death. The author utilizes exotic settings, current events and a touch of self-deprecating humor to develop his characters and to create his stories.

Roads to Redemption”, book two in the Garret Cooper series was released on July 16, 2021, and “Judgement”, book three in the series is slated for release in late 2021.

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GIVEAWAY

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon giftcard,

Signed paperbacks of the two books

-1 winner each!



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