McMaster creates a rich tapestry of human emotion and intrigue in a masterfully crafted novel for fans of character-driven psychological thrillers. It is a profoundly moving novel that masterfully blends elements of drama, romance, and suspense.
'The Attic', Richard McMaster's bestselling thriller novel, will be available May 27 and 28, 2026 at no charge at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU.
'The Attic' has achieved bestseller status in both contemporary fiction and psychology thriller categories. Fans of psychological thrillers will find themselves captivated by the book as McMaster masterfully combines heart-pounding suspense with beautifully crafted characters that possess complex motivations and rich backstories.
In this novel, Sybie Kobak a classmate of Byron Kelly, suffers from NPS, nail-patella syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Students call her Tic Toc because of the way she walks with her brace. Years after this school they meet again, and she has a changed woman. They marry, but tragedy strikes before they can even enjoy a honeymoon. When Byron faces assault charges and a lawsuit, he flees to Chicago to assume a fake identity and new image. He takes a low-level computer support job with an international investment banking company where he discovers the CEO has embezzled over 26 million dollars.
When Byron Kelly becomes a whistleblower on the run from the FBI, he hides in the attic of a dying old man, Henry Steele. Byron cares for the old man and learns he is estranged from his daughter over the death of her mother, his wife, because of family secrets he has kept from her.
'The Attic' is an engaging and powerful narrative that weaves together themes of love, resilience, and the weight of secrets. It is a rollercoaster journey filled with emotional depth and moral dilemmas.
Byron Kelly's transformation from a man facing assault charges to a whistleblower reveals not only a quest for redemption but also a powerful exploration of identity.
The character of Henry Steele, the dying old man in whose attic Byron finds refuge, adds layers of complexity and richness to the story. The plot is skillfully crafted, filled with unexpected twists and revelations, particularly when Byron discovers the CEO's embezzlement. This revelation heightens the tension, making the narrative both a thrilling mystery and a profound commentary on morality and the impacts of our choices.
McMaster displays a masterful command of language that immerses readers in both the characters' internal conflicts and the external chaos they navigate. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of suspense and reflection that give weight to the unfolding events.
Overall, 'The Attic' is a masterclass in storytelling, combining emotional resonance with an engaging plot. It is a heartfelt tale of love, loss, and the human capacity for change that will leave readers rooting for Byron and Sybie’s journey.
In a story about Richard McMaster, printed by The Hudson Weekly, Dennis Keller said, "There have been multiple authors that have made a significant contribution to the world of literacy. In the current era, we have come across several first-time authors with the gift of writing. Richard McMaster is an accomplished author whose works have been praised for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance."
Keller continued with "Richard McMaster never falls into the trap of presenting his characters as simplistic archetypes or caricatures, instead allowing them to emerge as fully formed individuals with their unique voices and perspectives.
"In addition to his skillful characterization, he is also a master of plot and pacing. The structure of his novels keeps readers engaged and invested in the story while also allowing for moments of quiet reflection and contemplation. The author’s writing is often described as 'page-turning' or 'gripping,' but it is also imbued with a sense of thoughtfulness and depth that elevates his work beyond mere genre fiction."
One reviewer said, “Absolutely loved this book. I don’t want to give anything away, but this was the best book I have read in a long time. Haven’t done anything else for the last 24 hours. Just wonderful!”
Another reviewer commented, "You wrote a novel about a man with a past so messy, he literally hides in a stranger’s attic while trying to do the right thing. It’s emotional. Unconventional. Thoughtful. There’s rare disease rep, ethical drama, and a wildly underrated whistleblower story wrapped in quiet literary suspense."
Other books by Richard McMaster include his bestselling historical fiction novel, 'Aaron's War', which details the struggles of a Jewish soldier's experience in WWII. It explores coming-of-age, antisemitism, forbidden marriage, PTSD, and substance abuse, resulting in a powerful story that takes the reader's breath away with its dramatic tale of love, bravery, and sacrifice.
Aaron Vanko, an innocent Iowa farm boy, faces the ultimate test that countless veterans have grappled with throughout history: the harrowing decision to take another's life in the name of duty.
But just as Aaron prepares to embark on this mission, a stunning revelation threatens to upend his entire world: he learns of his Jewish heritage, a discovery that shatters his sense of identity and his relationship with the love of his life.
Despite his fears, Aaron moves ahead, fueled by an unwavering sense of duty and patriotism. But now, he must wage war on two fronts - battling the enemy outside who seek to eradicate the Jewish race, and the inner with ethical dilemma that rages within his own soul.
Aaron is taken on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, courage, and sacrifice, as he confronts the darkest corners of human nature and emerges forever changed.
Readers and reviewers have praised 'Aaron's War'. USA Today bestselling author Holly Roberts called Aarons War, "A coming of age story that grips your soul and takes you on a thought-provoking journey." Tom Porter, author of All I Need To Know About Business I Learned From A Duck stated, "An engaging, informative and thought-provoking tale of survival, love and faith. Make room for Richard McMaster on your list of up-and-coming authors." Lynn M. Safris said, “The descriptions and details given throughout this author's writing draw the reader into each page, making Aaron's journey feel like their own. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience of readers. I truly enjoyed reading Aaron's War and I highly recommend this book."
Another of his books, 'Voyage Of Life,' is an exploration of overcoming obstacles that leaves readers deeply moved and inspired. It is a must-read for anyone seeking an inspirational journey through the lens of the "Baby Boomer" generation. A captivating love story, 'Voyage Of Life' captures the essence of the coming-of-age 60's with a twist, as the story is told as Thomas Cole’s Voyage of Life paintings are portrayed by the women woman Sean Buchanan loves; childhood, youth, manhood, and old age. The paintings are a metaphor for Sean’s life—the verdant landscape and calm waters of childhood turn turbulent in youth, and then early in manhood, the rocky shores of manhood open to a promising sky of old age when he believes that his one true love left him for another man.
The breathtaking story also unfolds mysteries around losing a father, mother, wife, son, and friends and Sean’s perseverance in life and, in the end, reuniting with his first love.
McMaster considers Voyage of Life to be one of his signature works. Readers and reviewers agree.
One reader’s review stated, “While reading, you will smile, you will hesitate thinking, oh no, and you will cry, but there is a surprise toward the end. This is one of the best romantic books I have read.”
He is also the author of 'A Love Divided By Time', described as "one part The Notebook, one part suspenseful psychopath story, and one part Somewhere in Time." In that book, Forrest and Allie believed they found love in a previous life and being born again was a game of hide-and-seek to find each other in plain sight, seeking their better halves, united and whole. When tragedy strikes, Forrest makes a pact to find her killer, raise their daughter and find peace by joining her in the ever after.
Richard McMaster is available for media interviews and can be reached at Lifevoyages@gmail.com. More information is available at his website at https://richard-mcmaster.com/. All of his books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU?.
About Richard McMaster:
Bestselling author Richard McMaster is the author of best seller Aaron’s War, the 2018 Arizona Authors’ Association fiction runner-up book of the year, Voyage of Life, The Other Half, The Attic, and Love Divided by Time.
Before embarking on a writing career, he was a healthcare executive, heading up three different start-up companies, one ranked fifth largest of its kind in the United States. A native Iowan he was blessed to have lived twenty years in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and now in Arizona. He actively participates in writing and book clubs: The Authors Guild, Phoenix Book Club, the oldest in Phoenix since 1926, Arizona Authors Association, and Arizona Traditions Writing Club, a local club he co-founded and has served as a writing contest judge. He is also a volunteer citizen patrol officer supporting the Surprise Police Department.
Contact:
Richard McMaster
https://richard-mcmaster.com
Lifevoyages@gmail.com
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