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John A Daly
a book bubble about
From a Dead Sleep
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Author Insight
Using Politics to Deepen the Wedge
Because I regularly write political commentary, many readers are surprised that there's nothing overtly political in this novel. In fact, this is the only excerpt that refers to any of the characters' political leanings. I felt it important to do so here because I wanted make it clear to the reader that absolutely no common ground exists between Sean Coleman and Chief Gary Lumbergh. Beyond the personal animosity they hold for each other, they come from two different worlds. Sean grew up in the mountains of Colorado. He's a rugged individualist. Though he's angry at the world, he also takes personal responsibility for his standing it. Lumbergh, presumably a product of academia, has chosen a career in public service. He's a 'big city' guy who navigated his way through a government bureaucracy to achieve his stature. The story takes place in the year 2000, in the wake of an extremely close presidential election. There was a lot of lingering tension along partisan lines at that time. I wanted to use that tension to better define the characters and their differences.
Book Excerpt
From a Dead Sleep
“Sean . . . Gary’s a good man. He’s a good husband to your sister. Now, I know the two of you don’t see eye to eye, but—”
Sean interrupted. “You know, I am so sick and tired of everyone telling me how good of a guy Gary is. I get it! Okay?” He shook his head. “The man spent twelve years down in Illinois, kissing more ass than he kicked. Did you know he’s never even fired a gun?”
Zed sighed and said, “Never fired a gun in the line of duty, Sean. Of course he’s fired a gun before. He’s a trained police officer.”
“Trained at kissing ass, maybe!” Sean barked. “Diana always talks about all the promotions he got. If he’s never even fired a gun before, how else do you think he got them? He comes into this town like a goddamned celebrity and they throw a police chief ’s badge right on him without even asking him a single question!”
“Sean . . .”
“Did you know that he voted for Al Gore?” He glared soberly at his uncle.
Zed winced at Sean’s words, as if he had just stepped on jagged glass. He shook his head. “I did hear that. And I ain’t making any excuses for that. But, Sean, we both know that this isn’t about Gary’s past or his politics . . .”
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