As a result, Doetsch produces multi-layered books featuring taut suspense, complex plotting, and rich characterization. “I have always been a fan of the anti-hero who’s deeds came about as moral compromise. There are the rules of society, the rules of man, the rules of God but sometimes, to do the right thing, you have to violate those rules, compromise even your own beliefs. It makes for a richer, more conflicted character who has to not only battle outside forces but the moral compass within himself.”

Like Michael St. Pierre, Doetsch does much of his work under cover of darkness. “I have always been a night owl as that’s where my creative juices seem to flow best, when life is free of distractions.” He does most of his writing from 10 pm until around 3 am , but admits that daylight hours serve for research. A voracious reader of science, medicine, and history, Doetsch is fascinated, he says, by “the little known facts that float beneath the surface. They are all seeds with the potential for great stories.” That fascination comes through vividly in his work.

Doetsch has plans for more Michael St. Pierre Thieves books, as well as other thrillers. “I have a file called The Daily Story Outline where I have to come up with a new story every single day,” he says. “It’s a great thing to take a half hour out of the day and just daydream yourself into some far off land, mystery, or adventure. It makes me focus on what I truly am and that is a story teller.” Based on the gripping, thoughtful page turners he’s already produced, we can only look forward to more excitement and intrigue from this striking voice in the thriller landscape.

Richard Doetsch’s debut thriller, The Thieves of Heaven is available in twenty one languages. Film rights have been purchased by 20th Century Fox. The Thieves of Faith will be available December 26, 2007.

ITW contributing editor Bill Cameron is an Oregon writer of mystery and suspense. His debut novel, Lost Dog, came out in 2007.