In a world hungry for powerful female protagonists, Death by Design, the first installment in the Tracker Series, delivers a riveting narrative that will captivate strong women of all ages. With its unique blend of action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, this book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the eyes of Tracker, a fierce and determined heroine. As the author of five books and with three more in the works, John, the creative mind behind the series, shares his experiences and inspirations in crafting this thrilling and enthralling tale. Brace yourself for an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. 

John’s inspiration for Death by Design stems from his encounters with eco-terrorist groups such as Earth First and Extinction Now. Challenging the notion of environmentalism as a religion, John weaves a narrative that presents humanity as a force that nurtures and cares for the Earth as it becomes more prosperous. With his firsthand experiences as an adventure traveler, John infuses the story with authenticity, drawing upon his expeditions across vast oceans and challenging terrains. 

Crafting a compelling ending proved to be the most challenging aspect of writing Death by Design. Determined to engage readers in the story’s resolution, John devised two endings, allowing readers to choose their preferred outcome. The characters themselves; Dr. Sharon Blake, world renowned epidemiologist, mother of Sally Blake who follows in her mother’s footsteps as physician researcher, Major Soliz, as adept at horror as Tracker, yet working night and day against her, Mantis, enigmatic Chinese equal to Tracker who ultimately finds her beneath the streets of Istanbul, provided an unexpected joy during the writing process. Their voices seemed to take on a life of their own, dictating their dialogue and propelling the story forward. This organic development allowed John to capture the essence of his characters and create an engaging narrative that resonates with readers. 

Death by Design appeals to strong women who crave stories featuring powerful female leads. Tracker is the epitome of evil, personified as a woman, embodies the strength and resilience of these readers. Her journey from a young woman enduring unimaginable trials to an ordained killer showcases her unwavering determination and will to survive. Through Tracker’s eyes, readers are transported to a world where danger lurks at every turn, evoking a sense of empowerment and inspiration. This is expressed in the plot that led to Tracker becoming the ordained killer ‘She drank the blood of scorpions to survive in the desert for 40 days (about 1 and a half months).’ 

For John, the most crucial elements of good writing lie in readability and story flow. By maintaining a gripping narrative and seamless transitions between chapters, he ensures that readers remain engrossed in the plot, eagerly anticipating the next turn of events. Death by Design successfully balances thrilling action sequences with moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. 

 Death by Design leaves an indelible mark on its readers. John’s firsthand experiences as an adventure traveler and his encounters with eco-terrorist groups shaped the foundation of this thrilling narrative. Tracker, the enigmatic protagonist, brings to life the ideals of resilience and empowerment, resonating with the book’s target audience. With its thought-provoking themes and engaging storytelling, Death by Design sets the stage for an enthralling series that promises to captivate readers from start to finish. 

About John Grave 

John has been an adventure traveler all his life. He has sailed across the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean seas. He has climbed the Andes, the Rockies and the Tien Shen. He has crossed the Ruhb al Khali, Gobi, Taklamakan, Death Valley and the Namib deserts. He speaks traveler’s Spanish, French and Italian. 

He enjoys cooking, fine wines and entertaining. He is an avid swimmer and sailor. He has written independently for Barron’s, the Wall St. Journal, the Oil Journal and the Bakken Times. He is a member of the Independent Writers Guild. In his day job, his independent advisory firm manages more than $100M for clients across the US.