Background
I graduated High School the same year as Vince and I would Have graduated
college the same year but instead I spent four years on active duty in the Coast Guard. In hearing his interviews (via podcast) we have the same historic reference points; Iran Hostage Crisis, Pan Am Lockerbie and on the positive side the US Hockey Gold Medal and the Reagan years. I was a local police officer for 16 years. I also have over 20 years of Coast Guard active duty and reserve service.
When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince Flynn's books shortly after he passed. I had never been a fiction reader but once I jumped in I couldn't stop. I started with Protect and Defend because it was the smallest at the bookstore and became consumed. I read all 14 in books in about six months, with the goal of reading them all again after a break - this time in order.
Do you have a favorite book?
It is difficult to say which is my favorite book - but I remember my favorite scene. In Protect and Defend while on Air Force One Mitch is challenged by some 20-something year old staffer. I just love the way Mitch discounted him and put him in his place. We could certainly use more of that in DC!
Who is your favorite character?
Of course Mitch is the favorite - but the second favorite is Irene Kennedy. She seems like the kind of boss we'd all be honored to have; tough, fair, protective of her people and their talents, but most importantly allows them the latitude to do their job. (Not a micro-manger!)
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
I don't have any favorite actors that I can imagine being Mitch. (Perhaps it is because his views are in stark contrast with any Hollywood actor I know about.) Mitch Rapp is a completely unique figment of my imagination, designed by Vince Flynn.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
Scott Coleman was my favorite supporting character. I just remember reading and thinking, "everybody should have a friend like Scott Coleman!" A true wingman! It would be cool to be buds with Mitch Rapp!
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Sad to say but I wish I had been a fan when Vince was still alive. Better yet, I would have loved to have met him at a book signing or something like that. He and I seem like-minded. (Although he is a bit more accomplished that I!)
