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Big Flies by Keith Hirshland

Publisher: CreateSpace  (August 9, 2016)
Category: Mystery/Thriller, Hard-Boiled Detective
Tour Dates: October/November, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-5327-1936-3
Available in: Print & ebook,  238 Pages

After Chester Daniel David, highly celebrated travel writer and hospitality critic, dies in an automobile accident, his son, Leland, is the heir to his prosperous estate. Among the late writer’s possessions are stacks of magazines hidden in an attic that suggest that his stories about his world travels were less than authentic.

As Leland grew up, it seemed as if his father was never home. If he wasn’t at the exotic locations depicted in the various publications, then where was he? And what was he doing?

In a witty mystery that simultaneously follows the lives of the father and son, clues that Chester leaves behind point to notorious unsolved crimes committed within a fifteen-year span:

• The D. B. Cooper plane skyjacking and ransom demand in the Pacific Northwest
• The theft from a Caribbean museum of a twenty-four-carat-gold cross recovered from a sixteenth-century shipwreck
• The inexplicable vanishing of $1 million from the Chicago First National Bank
• The theft of a collection of priceless artifacts from a Mexican anthropological museum

As Leland unlocks the mysteries surrounding his father’s true life, he finds himself with even more unfathomable questions that he never anticipated asking about his family—and himself.

Reminiscent of Michael Connelly, Nelson DeMille, Nick Hornby, and Terry Pratchett.

Interview with Keith Hirshland

What initially got you interested in writing?

Throughout a nearly four-decades career in broadcast television, as a producer or on-air talent, I always tried to be a storyteller. During that time, I put ink and lead to paper and wrote thousands of stories, introductions, features and teases. My words were used to bring programs on the air, take them off the air and, many times, fill the middle. But during all that time I never considered myself a “writer” Then in a space measured by mere months both my mother and my father passed away and I was encouraged to tell their story. In doing that, I told my own. What resulted was my first book, a memoir, titled Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In (Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat). I enjoyed that experience so much I turned my attention to fiction and the result is, Big Flies.

How did you decide to make the move into being a published author?

It was the burning desire to tell the world what amazing people my parents were. To detail their accomplishments and illustrate how much of an impact they had on my life. At the same time, it allowed me to leave a record of where I had been and what I had done for my children. My Dad and Mom’s story can now only be told in the past tense but, luckily, mine has many more chapters.

What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?

First and foremost, I hope they are entertained. A close second would be that they come away having learned something they may not have known before picking up the book. That’s, in many ways, easer to do with non-fiction but I attempt to weave facts and information into my fiction writing as well.

What do you find most rewarding about writing?

There was an amazing sense of accomplishment when both books were ultimately published. Everybody has a story to tell, real or fiction, but not everyone is able to tell it in a fashion that is interesting to somebody else. It’s thrilling to be able to do that. To have a friend, a loved one or a perfect stranger tell you they enjoyed your work.

What do you find most challenging about writing?

Honestly I would have to say it’s getting over the angst that what I am doing is any good. Especially when I am writing fiction. There are so many talented writers, working so hard, and doing great work. When your book ends up in a library or on a home bookshelf next to one of theirs’s, you want it to measure up.

What advice would you give to people want to enter the field?

Do it for the right reasons. Take it seriously, invest in the craft. Have a story to tell and tell it.

What ways can readers connect with you?

They can contact me at my website: www.keithhirshland.com

Follow me on Twitter: @BigFliesBook

Both books, Cover Me Boys and Big Flies are available at Amazon.com

Praise for Big Flies by Keith Hirshland

“This is an engaging story well told. The plot hinges on the power of secrets and secrets revealed but Keith fully understands the heart of the story is the unfolding of relationships fulfilled or not. Can we ever really know who we know? While this novel works beautifully as a nostalgic and fun caper tale it’s all wrapped up in fathers and sons, true and lasting friends and of course intriguing women. Keith is aiming high here. Really, really well done.”- David R. Hill, Amazon Reviewer

Praise for Cover Me Boys, Were Going In by Keith Hirshland

“I really wanted to read this book because I have become a real fan of The Golf Channel as well as ESPN. I have also found that biographies can be very interesting, and the broadcasting industry is of special interest.
I was very pleased with my reading of this book. It was everything I hoped it would be. Keith grew up the son of a local TV broadcasting executive, and was steeped in the inner workings of the industry his entire life. This up-bringing permeates every day of his life. I highly recommend this.”-William Smith, Dr. Bill’s Book Bazaar

“Mr. Hirshland does an excellent job grabbing the reader’s attention and not letting go. The writing is crisp and the book flows seamlessly from beginning to end.”- Financially independent wannabe, Amazon Reviewer

“This book is a great read. Quick chapters take you through the author’s life (The good times and bad). Along the way the reader gets an insider’s view of the local and national sports television world. It is a crazy ride through the trials and tribulations of being a part of two networks starting up (ESPN2 and Golf Channel) as well as hanging out with some of the best golfers and television executives in the country. If you are remotely interested in television sports, how local television works or just a golf fan this is the read for you.”- TraceySue, Amazon Reviewer

About Keith Hirshland

Keith Hirshland is a sports television producer with more than three decades of experience and an Emmy award under his belt. He produced shows that aired on ESPN and ESPN2. Hirshland later was among the first forty people hired by The Golf Channel in 1994. He was in the middle of the action when it premiered in 1995 and provided his talents for the all golf network for close to two decades.

Big Flies is Hirshland’s second book and first novel. He is the author of Cover Me Boys, I’m Going In (Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat), a memoir about his experiences in the television industry. Hirshland lives in New Jersey with his wife and Bernese Mountain Dog.

Website: http://www.keithhirshland.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keith.hirshland?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BigFliesBook

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