Hello. My name is J.J. and I have a research problem.

And I don’t have a research problem.

My first novel, Resolve, involved murder at a marathon. Now, I was already doing a lot of distance running, but for me the aspects of book research and training blended together and the next thing I knew I was spending quite a bit of money on GPS gadgets, fancy running shoes, and other running gear. You know. . . research.

I learned my lesson from that experience and cut back on my research expenses. For my next novel, the protagonist was an alcoholic, so I researched moderately.

Shut up.

Then, I wrote a book that dealt with a sniper. If you’re wondering how my wife felt about the prospect of me buying a sniper rifle, then you haven’t met my wife. Anyway, I do not own a sniper rifle.

I penned a book called Bolt Action Remedy that included the sport of biathlon. It turns out the costs of skis, ski poles, biathlon rifles, gloves, snow suits, trips to Norway, and skiing lessons amounted to more than the royalties from my previous books. Actually, the costs amounted to more than I will ever make in book royalties. So, I was able to conduct a lot of research but not allowed able to buy all the equipment.

But, then I started writing the follow-up to Bolt Action Remedy—Record Scratch. In this mystery, former Pittsburgh narcotics detective Trevor Galloway is hired by the sister of a once-famous rock star to look into her brother’s murder. Additionally, she wants him to find the last recording of rocker Jimmy Spartan, which happens to be on one vinyl record. She pays Galloway. . .and then promptly kills herself.

To write this book, I conducted quite a bit of research on record players and turntables (NOT the same thing) and the music business in general. Yep. Lots of research. I spent a lot of time at a place called Galaxie Electronics in Pittsburgh and learned more than I thought I ever could about the history of records and all that can play them. Then, I spent a lot of time online looking at turntables, speakers, albums… yep.

Oh, and lookie what magically showed up in my house.

Yes. I may have a research problem.

On the other hand, I don’t have a research problem. I have an extensive background in law enforcement and national security, so I have a lot to draw upon and plenty of sources. Recently, I’ve taken a position with an agency based at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) on the Georgia coast so I’m in research heaven. If I have a question about explosives, I can talk to ATF. If I’m wondering about something NCIS related, I know people there. If I have a question about how the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG, it’s a real thing) works a case, then I can find out. It’s alphabet soup utopia down here.

So, when I say I have research problems—don’t cry for me, Argentina. I’m okay. The research—although sometimes expensive—is fun for me and valuable to the work. I want the reader to know my novels have an element of authenticity to them and don’t play along with the typical Hollywood clichés. And solid research can be done well and it doesn’t always cost a great deal. It’s all about practicing restraint.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my next book involves photography and I need to head off a package from Amazon before my wife sees it.

Editor’s Note: He made me do it. I met J.J. at Bouchercon when he attended the panel I moderated. Because two panelists mentioned his name, he jokingly gave them each one dollar. I did not know him, but I’m still waiting for my dollar. Anyway I’m to tell you that J.J. reminds me of a more muscular version of Chris Hemsworth.

Read more about Trevor in Record Scratch, the second book in the “Trevor Galloway” thriller series, coming October 22, 2018 from Down & Out Books.

It’s a case Trevor Galloway doesn’t want. It’s certainly a case he doesn’t need. The client–the sister of a murdered musician–seems a bit off. She expects Galloway to not only solve her brother’s homicide, but recover a vinyl record she believes could ruin his reputation. Galloway knows he should walk away. He should simply reach over the desk, give back the envelope of cash that he admittedly needs, and walk away. However, when the client closes the meeting by putting a gun under her chin and pulling the trigger, his sense of obligation drags him down a path he may not be ready to travel.

As Galloway pieces together the final days of rock and roll legend Jimmy Spartan, he struggles to sort through his own issues, to include having the occasional hallucination. He’s not certain how bad his condition has deteriorated, but when Galloway is attacked in broad daylight by men he assumed were figments of his imagination, he realizes the threat is real and his condition is putting him and anyone nearby at risk. The stoic demeanor that earned Galloway the nickname The Tin Man is tested as he reunites with an old flame, becomes entangled in a Secret Service investigation, and does battle with old enemies.

A story divided into twelve songs from Jimmy Spartan’s final album.

A detective unsure of his own reality.

Find out who has the stronger motivation: The man with everything to lose, or the man who has nothing to lose?

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Meet the author
J.J. Hensley is a former police officer and former Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service. He is the author of the novels Resolve, Measure Twice, Chalk’s Outline, Bolt Action Remedy, and Record Scratch.

Mr. Hensley’s first novel Resolve was named one of the Best Books of 2013 by Suspense Magazine and was named a Thriller Award finalist for Best First Novel. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers.

All comments are welcomed.