As most of you know, my 17th thriller Oath Of Office is coming out on February 14, 2012 in hardcover and e-book. The novel was inspired by the documentary Food Inc.. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend renting a copy (and not watching it right after dinner). The film exposes many of the frightening and hidden realities of the food industry and uncovers the “plastic veil” separating us from what we eat. I was most impressed with the efforts and passion of the featured food justice advocates, farmers, writers and policy makers. It was individuals such as Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivores Dilemma, Joel Salatin, author and farmer at Polyface Farm in Virginia, and Barbara Kowalcyk food safety advocate whose 2 ½ year old son died of E.coli poisoning that motivated me to write Oath of Office.
Here’s a bit about the story: The novel opens when Dr. John Meacham goes on a shooting spree at his medical office killing his business partner, staff, two patients and himself. The blame then falls on Dr. Lou Welcome, who worked with Meacham years before as a counselor, after John’s medical license had been revoked for alcoholism and angry outbursts. Lou knows that Meacham was an excellent doctor who deserved to be practicing medicine, and fought hard for his license to be restored after his rehabilitation. As Lou looks into matters, the terrifying evidence he finds takes him down a path to an unspeakable conspiracy that seems to lead directly to the White House and those in the highest positions of power. At the heart of the terror is corn modified with the genes of the flesh-eating termite Macrotermes bellicosus.
Over the few months until the book’s release, I will post articles, questions, and discussions on my website, Facebook and Twitter pages relating to OoO’s themes. I would love to hear your thoughts about the food justice movement. What books, movies, articles and experience have furthered your understanding of food ethics issues? What farms and businesses in your community are providing options to eat and shop locally? What specific food issues do you wish you knew more about? Please share your insight and on my Facebook page—I’m happy to respond to and highlight your thoughts.
Here are a few more things to look for on this page in the coming months:
- “Food for Thought” Discussions: Every other week I will post a new article or question on my Facebook and Twitter pages about the themes presented in OoO, On Facebook, join me by going to the discussion tab, and on twitter follow the hashtag #FoodForThought. For each discussion, I will award two contributors (one on FB, one on Twitter) with a signed copy of the book. Do you have a question that you’d like to pose to the group? Email me your idea at michaelpalmerbooks@gmail.com. Hope you can join the discussion.
- OoO Sneak Peeks: I will provide a few sneak peeks of the beginning of OoO before its release date. For now, take a look at the Prologue and let me know what you think. I’ll post more chapters as we get closer to pub date.
- Financial help: For every book Preordered during the three weeks leading up to OoO’s release date, I will donate $1 dollar to The Food Project- a great organization making change near my own home in Massachusetts. Learn more about their mission.
- Calling all book bloggers: Are you a book blogger or reviewer? I’d love to offer you an advanced reading copy of Oath of Office to review and post on your website, and another copy of the book to giveaway to a reader of your choice. Send me an email with your mailing address to michaelpalmerbooks@gmail.com.
- Events: I’ll be doing a number of appearances following the release of OoO, some with my son Daniel, whose thriller Helpless comes out 1/31/12. I’d love to see you at one (or more) of them. Take a look at the full list and RSVP.
Thank you again for your support, readership and friendship over the years. I am truly grateful.
Happy Reading,
Michael
