This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A photograph can tell the truth. It can also get you killed.

Ethan McGuire’s relentless pursuit of explosive stories has cost him his family, his integrity, and now–possibly–his life. While documenting the rise of white supremacist movements in Western New York, Ethan encounters a world of neo-Nazis, heavily armed survivalists, rogue FBI agents, and violent criminals, all with something to hide. But when a crew of ruthless bank robbers starts hunting him for photos he doesn’t even know he has, the stakes turn deadly.

As his enemies close in and his family becomes a target, Ethan must expose the truth–before it buries him. Shooting at Shadows is a relentless thriller and chilling cautionary tale, inspired by the author’s real-life experiences as a photojournalist. It exposes the darkness lurking beneath the surface of American extremism–and the cost of bringing it to light.

“One hopes that McMullin has further adventures planned for his unlikely hero.” –Kirkus Reviews

“…a provocative thriller exploring highly pertinent themes in American culture today…” –Fredrick Soukup, author of Blood up North

Author Q&A

Can you describe your dream home?

Definitely in the mountains. Surrounded by thick forests, but in enough of a clearing that having a vegetable garden is possible. Big enough to have guests but small enough to have easy maintenance. Open floor plan on the ground floor with a chef’s kitchen and a large stone fireplace. Nice but not extravagant.

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

Skewered jumbo shrimp with Cajun spices cooked on the grill. Brown rice cooked with sweet onions. Fresh green beans. A simple green salad with avocado and pepitas. For dessert, a glass of Limoncello, up or just a few rocks, your choice.

Tell us about the absolute BEST review you have received.

Someone (“Dayna”, no last name) on Amazon said the following and it made me feel REALLY good!

“McMullin’s writing is sharp and visual, clearly influenced by his skilled background in photography. Each scene is richly detailed, with the atmosphere and tension building in every chapter. The characters are complex and deeply human—no easy villains or heroes here. Ethan is a flawed, believable protagonist who faces impossible choices as he becomes more deeply involved in the story he’s trying to document.”

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

New Zealand, I think. My daughter and son-in-law went there and their photographs blew me away. I can imagine my series taking Ethan there as he works on a story about a religious cult whose founder lives in a remote location on the southern island.

Who designed the book cover for the book you are touring?

Lisa Kyle Clark of NewLeaf Creative. Lisa is a great designer who worked at Rolling Stone Magazine, Harvard University Press, and other firms before going out on her own.

Read an Excerpt

Someone outside began pounding on the truck in time to the chant and within moments it sounded like everyone who could reach the sides was pounding too:

“BOOM BOOM BOOM! BOOM BOOM BOOM!

“KKK! GO AWAY! KKK! GO AWAY!”

It was deafening, like being inside a giant bass drum. The thin metal walls of the truck amplified the beating and Ethan could
feel the horrible reverberation in his chest. Everyone moved toward the center of the bed as if the walls could come crashing in on them at any second. The two holding the rear gate down were fighting the door as people outside tried to raise it.

Suddenly the pounding stopped and Ethan felt the truck moving. The crowd was so loud he hadn’t heard the engine start. But how could they get through that mob without running anyone over? Maybe if Kevin went slowly enough, they’d let the truck pass. Surely the police would be able to get there and see to their safety. Then he realized it wasn’t forward motion he felt. The truck was swaying side to side. The chanting changed too. “O-VER! O-VER! O-VER!” They were trying to turn the truck on its side. Ethan didn’t think it could be done, but with this many people it was impossible to know for sure.

Everyone inside moved away from the center and put their hands against the sides to steady themselves. It was like trying to stand in a boat on choppy seas. Back and forth, back and forth the truck rocked, gaining momentum every time. Ethan saw the men holding the door down lose their balance and fall. The door rose and blinded them with brilliant sunlight.

About the Author:

Forest McMullin is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Earlier in his career, he was a photojournalist who specialized in photographing fringe social groups. Today he writes both long and short form fiction, Shooting at Shadows is his first novel.

Website: http://forest-mcmullin.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/forestmcm
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/forest.mcmullin
Substack: https://substack.com/forestmcmullin
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/forestmcm.bsky.social

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Shadows-Crime-Thriller-McGuire/dp/B0FC2VR1KS/ref=sr_1_1