What's Your Story: Kevin Skelly

Background
I am a 26 year old relocation consultant from Brookfield, CT.  I am an avid sports fan and played both football and lacrosse growing up (the latter like Mitch Rapp).  I come from a fairly large family 3 siblings (2 sisters, 1 brother) and we are incredibly close.  I have 2 nieces that are adorable, and bring joy to my life and a smile to my face every time I am with them.  I love to read and I joined fan club last year! 

When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince on a trip down to FL in '12.  We were in the airport in the lounge waiting for the flight, and I was bored.  I went into one of the shops and perused the book rack.  I am naturally attracted to shows/movies about the spy game and/or the military, so naturally Vince's American Assassin caught my eye.  And what a perfect book to start with of his!

Do you have a favorite book?
My favorite book of Vince's has to be the original and that is American Assassin.  I also loved Consent to Kill.

Who is your favorite character?
My favorite character is Mitch Rapp.  He is so self-assured, but for good reason.  He is intelligent, humble (at the right times), skeptical of authority to downright insubordinate, and a true patriot.  I also love the forever stoic Irene Kennedy.  Never lets pressure get to her, and her detractors never get under her skin.  That is such an enviable quality, and patience like that is truly a virtue.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I picture Taylor Kitsch.  He has played the military/enforcer role before, but also the cocky playboy role.  He would make an excellent Mitch.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I think that answer would have to be Stan Hurley.  He has served this country honorably for so long, and is still involved in retirement.  His temperament matches mine sometimes (or the way I wish I could be).  He is a badass, even at nearly 80.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
These books have brought such joy to my life.  I laugh out loud when reading them, and have shed tears as well.  I cannot describe the sadness I feel that this series will not go on with its original writer.  I hope the author they bring in to do this next book does the series justice, because Vince Flynn was a true artist!  RIP Vince!  You brought so many years of happiness to so many people and fought the disease that eventually took your life with such valor and courage.  Thank you again buddy!!!

What's Your Story: Philip Mikan

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!)   

What's Your Story: Mike C.

Background
I'm an Interaction Designer by trade, but travel and adventure are my real passions.  I am currently planning for my 10th anniversary bull run in Pamplona as well as a motorcycle trip in Vietnam.  

When did you start reading Vince?
I probably saw a recommendation on Amazon when searching for Clive Cussler.  So about the 3rd book I would imagine.

Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin because it shows the genesis of the character and how hard he worked to prove himself.  

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch of course. The all-American hero!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I guess I picture him as a little rougher looking George Clooney type.  Maybe a little Eric Bana too. 

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Mitch himself.  It would feel good to always stand for something.  

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Eagerly awaiting the next book!

What's Your Story: Jeff Walker

Background
My background is football and the West Coast Offense. I've written two football books and one novel. 

When did you start reading Vince?
When my football career came to an end I moved home to take a little time off. I coached at UCLA and at two high schools in Oregon. It was a great career. My Dad had an entire stack of Vince Flynn books. I'm an avid reader, but hadn't had the time to read the Mitch Rapp books. I started reading them. My Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and those books
took on an entirely new meaning. I read to keep my sanity. I read all of his books and re-read several of them. It was a nice distraction from the horrors of cancer. Unfortunately my Mom didn't beat cancer; she died 18 months and 11 days ago, but who is counting. She is in a better place. Life changes and continues down an altered path. 

Do you have a favorite book?
I don't have a favorite one. I like them all. 

Who is your favorite character?
They're all interesting! 

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire).

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I would want to be one of the bad guys so I would know how horrific it would be to be hunted by the American Assassin!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I am so excited to hear that Kyle Mills is continuing the Mitch Rapp story line. 

What's Your Story: Navy Veteran

Background
I am a 37-year old single career woman working as a purchasing agent for a steel distributor.  I come from a big loving Irish Catholic family and am lucky enough to live within walking distance of my parents and siblings and nephews and niece.  I love to read and just this year joined a new book club.  I love all things Pittsburgh and Penn State!  

When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince back in 2002 I believe.  I fell in love with Mitch Rapp, just my kind of guy, and Vince's writing style and character development.

Do you have a favorite book?
Transfer of Power!  I loved reading the relationship between Mitch and Anna get it's start!

Who is your favorite character?
Definitely Mitch!  He is an all-American hero, deeply complex, but also light humored character.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I have my own personal thoughts on what Mitch looks like.  I have never really thought of an actor that would be him, that is why it is hard for me to think who will finally end up playing him in American Assassin.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
This would be a toss up between Anna and Dr. Irene Kennedy; I love her smarts and close feelings with Mitch.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Only that I was totally devastated by Vince's passing.  I really thought he had this beat!!  But I am happy to see the character and stories around Mitch Rapp will be carried on.

What's Your Story: Paulette Collins

***Cosent To Kill Spoilers***

Background
I am your typical old lady. Taught first-grade children for 30 years. Retired now and watering my gardens. Mother of 3 grown sons and grandmother to 6 grandsons.Winter time I heave snow off my sidewalk and up on the banks. Which is no easy job because we got 300 inches last year.

When did you start reading Vince?
Started reading Vince Flynn about 4 years ago on a visit to my sister and brother in law's home.  Did not have a book to read so I picked up one of Greg's books...hooked!

Do you have a favorite book?
I cannot remember the title it was the one where he hunts down his wife's killer and let's them go at the end.

Who is your favorite character?
Of course, Mitch!  He is the epitome of a tough, good guy. What a hunk!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I envision Mitch as an all-around  good man. He presents  that humor that
is so different from women. I picture him as our American soldiers.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Who could I possibly be?  I am too much of a push-over to hurt anyone!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
My sister and her husband met Vince at a book signing.  They were so pleased to discover what a wonderful person he was. He was my favorite author.

What's Your Story: Scott Fees

Background
I am Sergeant with the Edmond (OK) Police Department and commander of our department's Bomb Squad. I have been a police officer for 35 years and have been married to my wife for 30 of those years; we met on a traffic stop where I wrote her a ticket in 1983 for peeling out through a red light in her Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. That was THE BEST ticket I've ever written. I responded to the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 on the day of the bombing, and our squad assisted in the investigation for the remainder of the time at the blast site. I broke my back in 2009 after falling off our bomb transport trailer and was off work for nearly 2 years, however I have since returned to full duty status and plan on retiring withing the next few years.

When did you start reading Vince?
The first Vince Flynn book I read was Memorial Day. My wife bought it for me when it came out and I have been hooked ever since. I have read every one of his books at least 4 times and am currently on my 5th reading of American Assassin.

Do you have a favorite book?
I think American Assassin is my favorite book simply because it was the most anticipated book of them all. But it's kinda like having to choose which child is my favorite (even though I have only one child...haha). I love each book for different reasons. But there was so much interest, curiosity, longing and anticipation for the story of how Mitch Rapp became Mitch Rapp, that I literally counted down the days with excitement for when the story would finally be told, so for that, 'American Assassin' has to be my favorite.

Who is your favorite character?
Favorite character? Mitch Rapp, of course. However, Mitch Rapp couldn't be Mitch Rapp without Irene Kennedy, Thomas Stansfield, or even the crusty old fart Stan Hurley. 

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Oddly enough, before I ever knew what Vince Flynn looked like, I envisioned someone who looked pretty much like him. When I saw what he actually looked like, I was amazed. I had actually envisioned a book's character to look like the movie character only one other time, and that was in Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt For Red October'; I had envisioned Jack Ryan to look like the actor Alec Baldwin. But as for which actor I envision? I picture Chris Hemsworth, except darker eyes. I suggested him to play Mitch Rapp after seeing him in one of his earlier movies: 'The Perfect Getaway'. 

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
That's a difficult question. I think I would have to be Stan Hurley, because Mitch Rapp is too complex of a character to pull off. Stan Hurley is more akin to my way of dealing with scumbags on the street, which has landed me in the captain's office many times in my career. Having said that, I like how Stan talks to people and how he is brutally honest (and stubborn), as well as driven. As reckless as he is portrayed, he still has an odd sense of conformity; he plays by the rules...the terrorists' rules. And that's exactly how you fight these fanatics; down in the gutter, and down in the gutter is precisely where we need to be. 

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Only that when Vince passed away, it was truly a profound loss. After my wife turned me on to his novels, I turned my mom and brother on to them. After my mom read 'Memorial Day', she did precisely what I did: immediately went out and bought the first 5 novels. Vince is definitely missed, but like I mentioned earlier, when I first began reading his novels, I pictured Mitch Rapp to physically look like Vince; so in a sense, Vince continues to live on. As long as his words remain and as long as people continue to read his work, he will continue to live on. 

What's Your Story: Navy Veteran

Background
I served in the Navy for 30 years, and 4 years with Force Recon and 8 years as a Spec Ops Tech.  

When did you start reading Vince?
2 years ago when a partner in the Sheriff's Office shared a novel with me.

Do you have a favorite book?
Since reading the first one my friend loaned me I have been trying to get the entire hardback series.  All of them are great

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch the gifted one, Stan the old guy who has done it before and is there to act through a younger protegee, and Irene Kennedy who is a replacement for Stansfield who taught her everything she knows.  They make the series. A very dynamic group and a dynamic series.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Matt Damon because of his outstanding job on the Bourne Identity series.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Doc Jim O'Brien.  I'm a retired Master Chief Navy Hospital Corpman and shooter, like Marcus Luttrell, I was a member of a Force Recon Team and have the ability for everything outlined in the Teams.  

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I would like to see someone continue his legacy within his novels and keep the novels going. There's so much going on in the world concerning terrorism, decreased use of assets in the field, and an anti-American feelings around the world, that a hero like Mitt Rapp is needed to bring sanity to the situation. 

What's Your Story: Matt Lewis

Background
Father of two, writer, fly fisherman and guitarist.

When did you start reading Vince?
From the beginning, with Term Limits. It was actually my Mother who read it first and passed it on to me. 

Do you have a favorite book?
Term Limits again. The subject matter was a jolt in the arm to the thriller-writer community. It was something we hadn't seen before.

Who is your favorite character?
Who doesn't pick Mitch Rapp? The character is so great because he says what he wants to say, when he wants to say it! Almost all of us have had a moment when we have wanted to run our mouths, yet we bit our tongues instead. Who can't identify with that!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
All of the Special Operators that sacrifice so much and ask so little in return.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I'd be Mitch Rapp, no surprise there.  But as long as we are fantasizing, I'd have less regret and a sense of loss. The character of Mitch Rapp has a heavy under-current of both.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Vince was a true gentleman and will be missed. Both of his parents read the manuscript for my debut novel Endgame and with their endorsement Vince shared it with those he works with in the publishing community. Never met me, but helped me nonetheless. 

What's Your Story: Steffanie Nicole Barger

Background
Ex cop, business owner, chemical sales rep, mom and writer!

Why did you start reading Vince?
On the beach, then all night. Read American Assassin in 4 days.

Do you have a favorite book?
Kill Shot. You learn why Mitch Rapp is Mitch Rapp. You fight along side him and hope he survives the suspenseful twists and turns!

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch Rapp's conversations with the bad guys!...and Thomas Stansfield's cunning ways for all the right reasons and of course Stan Hurley's attitude and Irene Kennedy's inner strength.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I think of men like Chris Kyle and how they have families and fight for our freedoms and we truly never know what they go through.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I am definitely vicariously Mitch Rapp. My true personality is quite the opposite though. I would say Mitch is an INTJ. I am an ENFP.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
There's nothing like getting into the head of an assassin with a huge heart buried deep inside.

What's Your Story: Tim Hagan

Background
Former Marine and international mobility specialist. I travel a lot and always need a good book on the road.

Why did you start reading Vince?
On one of my trips I finished the book I was reading and was looking for another book to hold me over until I got home. Saw Vince's book "Kill Shot" in one of the airport book stores, read the back cover and knew it was right up my alley! Mitch Rapp became my next favorite protagonist, besides Jack Reacher, and I was hooked. Proceeded to fly through all of the Rapp books and was incredibly sad when I heard that Vince got away from us.

Do you have a favorite book?
A very hard question, but I would have to say "Kill Shot" because it got me hooked on Mitch Rapp. I just couldn't wait to get the next book.  I got online and wrote down all the books so I could then start reading them in sequence.

Who is your favorite character?
Hands down it has to be Mitch Rapp. However, you have to like Scott Coleman as well.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Being a former Marine I envision myself working in a support role with a guy like Mitch. Sort of like Scott Coleman.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
When you travel a lot your best friend is often times a good book. There is a lot of down time with delayed flights, the flight itself, hotel time, etc. Having one of Vince's books in hand made that travel so exciting. Time would fly by. I would get 3/4's through the book and start to feel down because I didn't want the book to end. That's when you know you are hooked on an author, when you don't want the book to end, and you can't wait for the next one to come out!

What's Your Story: Terry Hayes

Background
I am a former journalist and foreign correspondent who, through a very fortunate set of circumstances, got the opportunity to work as a screenwriter and film producer. A person who I didn't know - a medical doctor - was looking for someone to collaborate with him on writing a movie. A mutual acquaintance mentioned my name and the doctor came into an office where I was producing a top- rating current affairs radio program and we had a chat about journalism and movies. What we were really trying to do was work out if we could work together.  We both seemed to think it was worth a shot and we ended up going on a long journey together. The doctor's name was George Miller, he went one to be nominated for several Oscars and won one. The first movie we did together was called Road Warrior/Mad Max 2 and a whole lot of of other movies and mini series followed. As I mentioned, it was a very fortunate set of circumstances! I have continued to write movies but my greatest joy has been to work as a novelist. My first book, I Am Pilgrim, is about to be published in the US.

Why did you start reading Vince?
I love browsing in bookshops and surfing the net. I remember walking into
a ookstore, picking up a Vince Flynn book - it was Consent to Kill - reading
the first few pages and then promptly buying it. I guess that was 2005 or
so. My kids are always saying I'm losing my memory (to say nothing of my
mind), so it might have been a little later.

Do you have a favorite book?
My own favorite is American Assassin - primarily because it is a sort of
origin story and I always seem to have a weakness for those. I loved going
back and meeting Mitch Rapp at a much earlier part of his life and it's always
terrific to read about those things - big and small - that contributed to him
becoming the man we know.

Who is your favorite character?
Well, I'd like to be original - and I have really tried to make a case for Irene Kennedy - but I'm afraid I just can't go past Mitch. I think we should all be so lucky to know - let alone create! - a guy like him. I think, as we get older especially, we become more and more disillusioned with politicians no matter what party they represent. Mitch's attitude to them certainly struck a chord with me.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Having worked so long in the movies, I always think in terms of casting so forgive me if I go down that route. If you were going a bit older, I think of Russell Crowe - there is something very contained and powerful about him. You get the sense he is very much his own man - just think of him in Gladiator. Younger, and a guy who seems to have a very big career in front of him, is Chris Hemsworth. There is a real presence and like-ability to him - with or without that big hammer. My wife says Russell, my tween age daughters say Chris - and that pretty well sums up the age thing! Of course, they are both Australians (which is where I was raised) so maybe I am a bit biased. In order to counteract that, I think Matt Damon could play it really well and he's such a good actor I can't help envisioning him in many, many things I read.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Everyone should read these books!

What's Your Story: David Tromblay

Background
I am a honor grad from a military school, have done extensive security work, Train in Krav Maga and h2h combat... I fit the profile of Mitch Rapp and wish someone would find me to do a casting call.

Why did you start reading Vince?
3 years ago and I was hooked.

Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin and Consent To Kill.    They are all so full of depth its hard to like one more than the other.    

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch.  Enough said.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Me.  Mitch reminds me of myself. We think alike, and we both have a will that cannot be broken. Plus, I am a loner with a broken heart..lol.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Everyone should read these books!

What's Your Story: Lisa Carroll

Background
I'm a freelance writer and also a media relations consultant - I also worked overseas in London for many years, sometimes on events with the U.S. Embassy. My company had people speaking like Margaret Thatcher and Caspar Weinberger at luncheon events.

Why did you start reading Vince?
Around 5 years ago - I was not really into thrillers but thought, "hey, I'll give this a try." I was hooked!

Do you have a favorite book?
"Transfer of Power" - it had everything, from the White House inner secrets to a romance - amazing!

Who is your favorite character?
Yes, Mitch - because he is so brave about what is right and wrong, and not
afraid to tell it how it is.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Actually, Vince himself! But I think Chris Hemsworth is a good match too.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I would be Greta, his girlfriend in the prequels, what a lucky girl!!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Yes - just reading about Vince, the way he conducted himself when he found he had cancer and learning more about him has been such an inspiration to me through some tough times (job loss, relatives passing away). Also I admire his writing and was inspired how he got his first book out there to the public.    

What's Your Story: Gay M.

Background
I am a retired educator who taught social studies and have always been interested in history, government and world affairs.

Why did you start reading Vince?
Two years ago I lost my 54 year old sister to liver cancer. I live 21/2 hours away from the rest of my family. Because I had retired, I was able to drive back and forth to help with doctor appointments, chemo and radiation. Once my sister came under hospice care, my visits became more and more frequent. I had long been a fan of both Vince and Mitch. During the drives I began getting books on CDs to help occupy my mind and keep my emotions under control. Mitch's own battle plus his immense talent in hooking you as a reader and reeling you into Mitch's world helped me keep my sanity. Six months after my sister died, my mother passed away very suddenly. I retreated back into my books. Then, I learned of Vince's death - my hero, my rock. So, within a period of one year, I lost my "sheroes" and my hero.

Do you have a favorite book?
Well, that's like picking your favorite child. Perhaps Consent to Kill. I think perhaps I bonded a little more with Mitch after the death of his wife. His pain was very real.

Who is your favorite character?
Of course I love Mitch and Irene kicks butt but there is just something about Stan Hurley. I just loved the way he played mind games with his captors while they tortured him - you begin to see his motives for the methods of training he uses.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I have my own vision that doesn't immediately bring to mind a current actor. I would almost rather see someone of little fame but great talent take this role much the way Matt Damon made Bourne. Just please no Tom Cruise!

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I love Marcus Dumond and I don't like pain and danger. So, perhaps the computer geek who gets to be the fly on the wall for all the nitty gritty.    

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I love, love, loved watching Vince speak (on You Tube) to a group I think in the Southwest. He was just so real. His stories about meeting GW Bush and the real Secret Service and CIA agents are priceless. I signed up to work the 1996 Olympics in ATL with security and got to work with every level of law enforcement including the Secret Service. I see Vince's admiration. They are real people but in a split second they can have a red dot on your head. I learned a lot from being around them. Would have loved to spend time with Vince, pick his brain. True talent He is missed.    

What's Your Story: Laurel Iverson

Background
A few years ago, at my 25th high school reunion, I ran into Erin, the gal who was my best buddy in late-elementary/early-middle-school. Having been thinking about old classmates, I asked her, "Whatever happened to your old neighbor [and our classmate] Vinnie?"  She -- knowing my sense of humor -- thought I was being facetious and replied with a smile, "Yah, whatever did happen to him?  

Vince became quite the New York Times best selling author, didn't he?"  I was a little confused at first, then questioned, "Vince?  You mean Vince Flynn?  Vinnie is THAT Vince Flynn?"  I used to bicycle by Vince Flynn's house on the way to visit my friend.        

Why did you start reading Vince?
I had noticed the books before the reunion, but took instant interest in them once I realized that Vince was one of my childhood classmates.

Do you have a favorite book?
Transfer of Power: It seemed to give a very real, human face to what it was like to be a hostage and hoping against hope that someone like Mitch was out there trying to rescue you.    

Who is your favorite character?
Probably Irene Kennedy.  Not only is she a successful woman in a man's world, but she is a true friend to Mitch, helping him keep things in perspective.        

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Probably Harrison Ford in the screen version of Jack Ryan, not because of the different character or different author, but because both characters have had it up to *here* with bureaucracy and the bull that comes with it.     

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
No question -- Irene Kennedy.  She struggles with being a working mother, finds balance in what she does, and still has time for friends like Mitch Rapp.    

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
His death is all too real since I am the same age and knew him as a child.  Nor only has his life been cut short, cut so has his talent.    

What's Your Story: Pamela S.

Background
I'm a veteran of the U S Air Force and now work for the federal government. I've been a reader all my life. Everything from true crime to love stories. No westerns or science fiction; unless its Star Trek inspired!

Why did you start reading Vince?
I was going to the salon for a hair appointment and didn't have anything to read. The supermarket next door had a display of Flynn's books in a special section. I picked up Term Limits and was hooked after the first chapter! When I left the salon, I went back to the market and picked up the other five books on display! The next day I was at Borders picking up the available hardbacks and have eagerly awaited the new releases ever since!  

Do you have a favorite book?
Consent to Kill. With all the killing he had to do...yes he had to, in the end he still didn't lose his humanity. I always knew it was there by how passionate he was about his "business", but you really got to see it this time.

Who is your favorite character?
It has to be Irene Kennedy!! She has peeped Rapp's hole! She know him...when to reel him in and when to let him loose. She does all that..not an easy task AND mothers Tommy like a new born cub!!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Gerard Butler!! I think he can display Mitch's ruthlessness & humanity. He's not bad to look at either.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Irene Kennedy. As previously stated that woman has it going on and she intends to keep it that way.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
All of the novels had me on the edge,of my seat. What makes them so exciting to me is I know some of that is really happening!   

What's Your Story: Jonathan L.

Background
I am 18 years old and I have battled Bipolar and some learning disabilities for most of my life. I just graduated from high school in Birmingham, Alabama, and am planning on going to college in the fall.  

Why did you start reading Vince?
I started listening to the series on audible format about 2-2 1/2 years ago at my dad's suggestion. From the moment I started hearing George Guidall's voice reading American Assassin, I was hooked.    

Do you have a favorite book?
Memorial Day most definitely. The suspense and all around awesomeness
of the novel takes it all the way to the top of my "favorite books list."

Who is your favorite character?
Thomas Stansfield is my favorite character. His ingenious plans and overall cool nature portrayed in the books is pretty inspiring.   

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I'm not too much into actors and people in general, so I really don't know. I usually make up images of the characters in my mind.    

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I probably would be Stan Hurley, because he is the very opposite of me. He doesn't care who he offends, and does pretty much whatever he wants.    

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
The Mitch Rapp series in general helped me get through my times of depression. The whole audio format helped me overcome my reading disabilities and enjoy the books. I need to thank Mr. Vince for helping me through my depression. I probably would have committed suicide if I didn't have the audio books. I re-listen to the books all the time. I listen to these books for hours at a time, and once i just sat all day snacking and listening to Mitch be a bad ass.    

What's Your Story: Alan Lee

Background:
With over 30 years of journalistic experience, I anchor the morning news for Fox in Detroit. A Purdue University grad, I also played semi-pro baseball in St. Thomas, USVI. A rabid sports fan, my journalistic career began in sports before switching over to news. My debut espionage thriller, SANDSTORM comes out June 4th. 

Why did you start reading Vince?
I caught up with Mitch Rapp in Executive Power.

Do you have a favorite book?
Consent To Kill is my favorite. A contract on Rapp's head! The nerve! Plus I
had the pleasure of hosting Vince as he conducted a book signing at Borders
Books (remember them) in Novi, Michigan.

Who is your favorite character?
The big guy himself, Mitch Rapp is my favorite. No question kicking evil butt without remorse is an admirable trait.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Well, Vince told me who he thought would be perfect for the role so he planted that seed in my head and I'm not going to go against his vision.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I'd be any character on his good side.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
On a personal level, I can't thank Vince enough for his friendship. While he was dealing with his severe medical condition, he took the time -- while recovering -- to read my manuscript. What resulted was a fantastic blurb from Vince for my debut novel SANDSTORM and a lot of encouragement to go along with it. He truly is one hell of a guy.

What's Your Story: Eddie Bane

Background
Eddie Bane is a former pitcher and first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins. Bane played for the Twins from 1973-1977. He has served numerous roles in professional baseball and is currently the special assistant to the GM for the Boston Red Sox.

Why did you start reading Vince?
I am avid reader, and probably started reading Vince around 2005.  What appealed to me immediately was the way Mitch Rapp treated politicians.   I love the political confrontations with the know-it-all political types.  I also like the way Vince is able to portray Mitch’s humanistic side.

 I try to labor through the books and read slowly, in part to make them last longer, but also to take-in some of the information. There is a lot to learn from Vince’s books, from where things are located to pecking orders.  I know a couple baseball scouts that were SEALs and I drill them every time I am around them about the information in Vince’s books.  

Do you have a favorite book?
Probably The Third Option.  I love all of the books though.  Vince could write a coloring book and I would read it.  

 I have read all of his books two-to-three times.  Whenever a new book comes out the only thing that stops me from reading is baseball, and maybe a little sleep.  The books are more than just page turners, you really put yourself in the world of the characters.

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch.  We did a bracket of toughest fictional characters and my final two were Rapp and W.E.B. Griffin’s Ken McCoy.  Of course, Mitch won.  

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I always envision one of the baddest guys there is; there is just something about him.  Brown hair, eyes that do not tell anything and an average build.  There is an understated strength and intelligence though.  I come across guys like that in my business, they look just like average “joes,” but then you find out they were SEAL team members.  

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Scott Coleman.  He is the only person, other than maybe Irene, that might be able to keep a leash on Rapp.  Although, I do not think it would work.

What is your life like as the special assistant to the GM for the Red Sox?
I follow players for the draft, the trading deadline and the international market.   My job is basically to be ready when Ben Cherington (Red Sox GM) needs something.  Like when John Lackey (All-Star pitcher) got injured, I immediately had to go and watch a few guys to see if they might be a fit for our team. 

It’s hard for people to fathom what the Red Sox mean to Boston.  I literally get calls from people asking me if I can get them close enough so they can just touch the players.  There really is a special relationship between the team and Boston. Especially, with what happened last week.

Where you in Boston during the week of the Marathon?
I was traveling, but you know, when you see what went on in Boston, you realize that Vince really has his finger on the pulse of what is going on.  It also makes you wonder who are the real Rapps that are out there and how far they have to stay under the radar?

The Red Sox are currently first in the AL East, care to make any predictions for the year?
Ben did a great job putting together a team of good character players and really trying to give John Farrell (Red Sox manager) players that care about winning.  Plus, there are carry over guys who have that mindset, like David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia.  We are better than people thought we would be, but we knew we were going to have a pretty good team.  Hopefully we can keep it up.