I recently had the tremendous honor of interviewing bestselling author Ted Bell. Known for his popular Alex Hawke franchise, Bell is one of the true must-read thriller authors in the genre today. I asked him about any future writing projects and whether or not we might one day see Alex Hawke on the big screen. Check out his answers below:

Ryan: Ted, you’ve been kind of laying low for a while, are you currently working on anything?

Ted: Great question. The answer is yes, I’m working on a whole lot of things!

Ryan: Your latest novel, Patriot, just came out in paperback, right?

Ted: Correct. In fact, I just took a trip to Paris and London, and it was number five in all the airports, so that was good to see.

Ryan: Patriot was the ninth novel in your bestselling Alex Hawke series, do you have plans to write a tenth novel?

Ted: Absolutely! It’s going to be called Overkill, and I’m well underway with that story. It follows on the heels of my novella, White Death, in that it’s about Switzerland. The villain once more is Putin, who is flat broke and in danger of a coup. There have been assassination attempts on his life and the country is out of money, so he has the brilliant idea to invade Switzerland in an attempt to steal all their gold and cash reserves.

Ryan: Do you know when that will come out?

Ted: I should have it finished by Christmas, so I would say it will probably be a spring or summer release sometime next year.

Ryan: Previously on The Real Book Spy, I reported that you’re also working on a standalone mystery novel. Can you tell me anything about that?

Ted: Sure. I’ve written a book about a Private Investigator who is very much a throwback Thursday kind of guy, very old school in his beliefs and who is completely politically incorrect on every level.

He upsets a lot of people, but he’s a hard-drinking, hard-fighting kind of guy named Blackie Blaine who lives on a converted tugboat in Miami with his sidekick, a guy named Irish, who is an ex-prizefighter. Blackie is a great character and to use an old gangster term, I’m calling the novel Private Dick.

Ryan: How is Blackie Blaine different from Alex Hawke?

Ted: He’s American. He is the polar opposite of an English gentleman. He did go to Princeton, but he got kicked out for stealing his lacrosse coach’s car. He’s just the total opposite of Alex Hawke. Blackie is a one-hundred percent, testosterone-fueled American badass. Hawke is a total gentleman. But Blackie, while not a gentleman, does have a heart of gold.

Ryan: You’ve sort of become known for having plenty of babes, bullets, and fast cars in your books. Can we expect that in Private Dick?

Ted: Well, Hawke is rich. Alex is the sixth richest man in England. Blackie is, like, the sixth poorest man in Miami Beach. Like I said, he lives on a tugboat. He’s scrambling to make a buck!

Ryan: Wasn’t Blackie Blaine in a short story that you wrote?

Ted: He was, yes. Blackie was born in a short story called The Pirate of Palm Beach, which I wrote at the request of Nelson DeMille, who did an anthology called The Rich and the Dead.

Blackie actually lives aboard Errol Flynn’s old yacht, which was fitted with machine guns during World War II. Flynn actually petitioned the Navy to let him keep the guns, but they said no–so that’s in the story. Essentially, Blackie is disinherited by his father and down on his luck, so he becomes a Private Investigator.

Ryan: Vince Flynn was recognized as one of the political thriller authors who first transitioned away from Russia after the Cold War, and turned his attention to Islamic extremists, even before 9/11. In that same sense, you were one of the first authors to transition away from just radical Islam, and set your sights on Russia long before they were a world player like they are today. Even before last year’s Patriot, you were writing in Russian bad guys as far back as TSAR (the fifth Hawke novel), which came out in 2008. What led to you doing that before everyone else?

Ted: Because I felt like, just based on my own intuition about world events, that Putin was going to be the world’s next bad guy. I found him fascinating. I went to Russia, with a little help from some friends in the intelligence community, and spent time in Moscow and Saint Petersburg and even interviewed ex-KGB officers. I just thought Putin was a phenomenally interesting character, and I knew I had to deal with him in my books back in 2007 when I was actually writing TSAR.

Ryan: Is Hawke’s house in Bermuda, Teakettle Cottage, a real place?

Ted: Yes, in fact, if you go to Bermuda you’ll see endless houses that look like Teakettle Cottage. It’s real, but I promised the owner I won’t tell anyone where it is.

Ryan: I know you love to read, which authors do you enjoy?

Ted: Well, my favorite living author is Ian McEwan. He’s just a brilliant writer. He wrote a book called Atonement, which is an amazing novel and was a great film as well. He also wrote a wonderful book called Saturday about the life of a brain surgeon in London. His books are just staggeringly good.

Ryan: What is your favorite show on television right now?

Ted: The best show in the world airs Monday night on Bravo, it’s called Odd Mom Out, and my beautiful daughter, Byrdie Bell, is one of the stars. She plays a character named Simone, and the show is about hyper-competitive moms on the upper east side of New York. It’s hysterically funny, and a really great show. Other than that, I watch Fox News and that’s it.

Odd Mom Out and Fox News, those are my two shows.

Ryan: Hypothetically, if there was ever an Alex Hawke movie, who would you like to see play Hawke?

Ted: When I started to write about Alex, my vision of him was Errol Flynn who, as you probably know, was Australian. As far as looks, that’s who I saw. But I will say that there’s another Australian actor, now, who I think could make a really fine Alex Hawke, and that’s Chris Hemsworth. He checks all the boxes for me when it comes to playing Hawke.

My top three choices, if I had to pick, would be Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Robert Downey Jr.

Ryan: Okay, so you’re writing a tenth Hawke novel (Overkill) and you’re working on a standalone mystery novel (Private Dick). I have one more question… is there any news on the Hollywood front?

Bell: Well, to be honest, Ryan, do you hear that drum roll? Your timing is impeccable on that question because I have just closed a deal with a major Hollywood studio to put Alex Hawke on the big screen. You know, a huge action franchise, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m just thrilled.

Ryan: Wow!

Ted: I’d love to tell you everything, but we’re waiting for the studio announcement, which could come at any time now, as the deal has closed.

So when that happens, I’ll talk to you all day long about it, because it’s an amazing team that’s been put together at the studio with the executive producer and the screenwriter, and we’re all working really closely together to make Alex Hawke as good as he can be.

Ryan: So you’re going to be involved in that process?

Bell: Yeah, I’m flying out there in the next week or two for story conferences on the story line for the first feature in the Hawke series. I probably shouldn’t tell you the title, but I will. We’re calling it Hawke.

So there you have it, Hawke fans. Straight from Ted Bell himself, it sounds like we might finally be close to seeing Alex Hawke on the big screen!

I’ll be covering all of Ted’s projects, including the next Hawke book and his standalone mystery novel, so make sure to check back for updates. In the meantime, spread the word on social media using the hashtag #HawkeMovie — then let me know which actor you’d most like to see play Lord Alex.

The post Breaking News: Ted Bell and Hollywood first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

In an exclusive interview with The Real Book Spy, sources say that Ted Bell, author of the bestselling Alex Hawke series, is currently working on a standalone mystery novel.

The story is said to be set in present-day Miami and will follow Blackie Blaine, a film-noirish private detective who takes on a pretty client with a potentially deadly case.

In the parlance of old black-and-white gangster movies, the protagonist is a Private Dick–which is currently the novel’s working title.

While my source didn’t comment on how much of Private Dick is already completed, I’ve confirmed that Bell does not yet have a deal in place to publish the book. In fact, Bell’s 2015 thriller, Patriot, the ninth in his Alexander Hawke franchise, was the final novel of the author’s two-book deal that he previously signed with William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins).

Between Private Dick and Overkill, the rumored tenth Hawke novel (also in the works), Ted Bell remains one of the biggest names in the genre, and someone to watch very closely.

I’ll be all over this story moving forward, so be sure to check back for any updates. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, order your copy of Patriot today. 

The post Breaking: Ted Bell Working On New Standalone Mystery Novel (With Details) first appeared on The Real Book Spy.

Author Vince Flynn first introduced the world to CIA operative Mitch Rapp with his 1999 novel Transfer of Power. Since then, Rapp has gone on to star in thirteen more novels, with the fifteenth (currently untitled) due out later this fall. Throughout his illustrious career, Rapp has earned the nickname “The Angel of Death” from his enemies–as Mitch will stop at nothing to protect his country and countrymen.

Once a world-class athlete, Mitch is remembered as one of the greatest lacrosse players to ever play at the collegiate level. He’s also won the world-famous Iron Man competition in Hawaii and placed several other top-five finishes to go along with it. Since his days as an athlete, Rapp has become America’s greatest defense against terrorism. He’s big, strong, hot-headed, ruthless, and the absolute last person you’d want to come face-to-face with in a dark alley.

Mitch Rapp isn’t just America’s most effect weapon against terrorism, he’s also one of the country’s greatest patriots–and he’s spilled enough blood to keep the red of our flag bright and bold for many years to come.

First book in the series: American Assassin

2.) Scot Harvath

Ever since his first novel, The Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor has churned out Scot Harvath novels at a blistering pace. Harvath, an ex-SEAL who joined the Secret Service before heading up a top secret program designed to take the fight against terrorists straight to their doorstep, is now working with for a private black-ops firm called the Carlton Group.

During his career, Harvath has saved countless lives and doled out some serious punishment to numerous bad guys around the globe. He’s also prevented world wars and stopped several nuclear and EMP attacks aimed at America. Even African Hemorrhagic Fever is no match for Scot, who managed to torpedo a sinister plot from radical progressives who believed the world’s population must be dramatically reduced.

Bottom line: Harvath isn’t just a super agent, he’s freaking Superman!

First novel in the series: The Lions of Lucerne 

3.) Gabriel Allon

Gabriel Allon, the legendary wayward son of Israeli intelligence, is a master of two crafts–restoring famous paintings and killing people. As one of the world’s most prestigious art restorers, Gabriel has touched up some of the most famous paintings the world has ever known. As a spy, he’s protected Israel at all costs, and it has cost him plenty.

While not big in stature, Gabriel relies on his intellect and foresight to outsmart opponents and enemies alike. He’s protected millions throughout his career and lost some of his closest loved ones in the process. His story is sad, action-packed, and compelling beyond words. Silva has written one of the best series the genre has ever seen. 

No matter how many famous paintings are restored, the greatest masterpiece of all will belong to Daniel Silva–for creating the beloved Gabriel Allon. 

First book of the series: The Kill Artist 

4.) Alex Hawke

Oh, to be a handsome billionaire known for your wit and charm… hey, a guy can dream right? Babes, cars, incredible mansions, and a knack for war–Alex Hawke is the most Bond-like character since Ian Fleming first introduced the world to 007. In fact, some could argue (and I will!) that Hawke is a far better character than Bond for a number of reasons. 

Lord Alex has a tragic but fascinating past. He’s descended from pirates, which readers of Ted Bell’s series know all about. No spoilers here, but if you’re not reading Bell’s Hawke series, you’re missing out in a big way. 

Bell’s novels are over-the-top fun, with a side dish of mystery and nonstop action for dessert! Hawke is truly fantastic and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

First book in the series: Hawke 

5.) Pike Logan

Nephilim “Pike” Logan (yes, Pike is a far better name than Nephilim) is one of the baddest dudes in the genre today. I can’t help but picture Brad Taylor, Pike’s creator, when I read the Logan series. Taylor, the former Delta Force operator, brings knowledge and experience that few others can provide–and his writing skills and storytelling ability are outstanding. 

Pike is a member of the Taskforce, a blacker-than-black-ops unit that answers to a small group of people headlined by the president. They operate outside of the law, doing whatever it takes to keep America safe. Pike is ruthless and capable of stunning violence when he deems it necessary to national security–but that’s just one side to him. He also has a great sense of humor and many other good qualities, loyalty being one of them. 

Taylor is the only author in this genre that consistently releases two books a year. Incredibly, he seems to be getting better with each book–which should scare his competition. If you’re not reading the Pike Logan books, then you’re missing out on the best pure military thriller series currently in print. 

First book in the series: One Rough Man

6.) Dewey Andreas 

I’ll be honest and admit that when I first heard of Dewey Andreas, “Dewey” didn’t seem like a tough-guy name. But don’t let the name fool you, Andreas is a former Delta Force operator who is highly skilled in the art of killing bad guys–which he does a lot.

Ben Coes’ first novel (Power Down) came out in 2010 and was instantly one of the best books in the genre that year, a trend that’s continued each year with each new novel. Coes is a superb writer and crafts his stories so the plot builds with excitement and suspense, leading to action-packed endings that will most certainly get your blood pumping. 

First Strike, the sixth novel to star Dewey Andreas, comes out on June 28th and might be Coes’ best novel yet. Say it with me, In Dewey we trust!

First book in the series: Power Down

7.) Will Robie

When the Unites States government needs someone killed, they call Will Robie. He’s the best there is, and he has the resumé to prove it.

Robie is known for following orders without question and never missing a target. That is, of course, until he begins to question things in David Baldacci’s The Innocent. In doing so, Robie put a target on himself and was forced to slip away into the shadows. Eventually, he returns to his old violent ways, but only when he’s forced to. 

Far too many men learned the hard way that the absolute last place you want to put one of the baddest dudes on the planet is with his back up against a wall and a weapon in his hand. Robie is a compelling protagonist and a ton of fun to follow and root for. This is Baldacci’s best series by far, and maybe the best character he’s ever created. 

First book in the series: The Innocent

8.) John Wells

Bestselling author Alex Berenson has created a hero like no other in John Wells, his series protagonist who has starred in ten novels to date. What makes Wells unique from the other characters in this genre, other than his wise-cracking responses and sarcastic tendencies, is that he’s a devout and practicing member of Islam. 

Wells was first intrigued by the religion when he was working for the CIA and went underground to infiltrate al Qaeda. However, he believes in peace, rather than killing and waging war against infidels. For that reason, he’s still willing to help stop the terror group and anyone else that poses a threat to national security. 

Not only is Wells one of the baddest dudes in the genre, but Berenson oozes talent and has been remarkably consistent in churning out high-octane thrillers. If you haven’t tried this series yet, start at the beginning with The Faithful Spy–which is one of the best spy novels written in the last fifteen years.

First book in the series: The Faithful Spy

9.) Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher is a former Major in the United States Army Military Police Corps, turned mysterious drifter. Reacher, who at 6’5″ is an intimidating presence, is a man who owns nothing and has no place to call home. He has no luggage, no vehicle to drive himself around it, and no cell phone. But don’t feel bad for Reacher, this is exactly how he wants it. 

Reacher is impossible to locate, as he travels mostly by bus from various locations. Often times he arrives in a town, spends a fee nights, then makes his way to the next stop on his never-ending journey. While he often chooses his destinations at random, he has a knack for finding trouble. Reacher, you see, hates bad guys–and not just big-time criminals, but even the petty thugs and purse-snatchers. When he see’s injustice, he deals with it–usually in brutal, devastating fashion. 

Reacher is also a brilliant detective and has an eye for seeing things that others routinely miss. Over the course of twenty novels, most of them best-sellers, author Lee Child has earned a loyal following. His next Reacher novel, Night School, comes out on November 8, 2016. 

First book in the series: Killing Floor

10.) Victor the Assassin

Victor the Assassin is a chillingly brilliant creation by author Tom Wood. Victor has no past, no record of anything, and no last name to go by. He’s a contract killer working for whoever can afford him, and he’s a master of his craft. He’s also skilled in the arts of deception and blending in–changing his appearance when necessary–and is versatile with a variety of weapons. 

If someone takes out a hit on you and they hire Victor to complete the job, well, it’s been nice knowing you. 

Victor is mysterious, and the truest killer on the list–meaning he doesn’t care about the target, law enforcement, innocent lives, nothing… He’s a total anti-hero, which can make it hard to root for him. That’s where Wood’s skilled writing comes into play, sucking the reader in until they can’t help but follow Victor around as he does what he does best. 

First book in the series: The Hunter 

Honorable Mentions: 

Cotton Malone (by Steve Berry), Court Gentry (by Mark Greaney), Kolt Raynor (by Dalton Fury), John Corey (by Nelson DeMille), Scott Coleman (by Vince Flynn), Mason Kane (by Joshua Hood), Logan West (by Matthew Betley), Sam Capra (by Jeff Abbott), Jericho Quinn (by Marc Cameron), Jonathan Grave (by John Gilstrap) and Gil Shannon (by Scott McEwen). 

The post The Ten Baddest Dudes in the Spy Genre Right Now! first appeared on The Real Book Spy.