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Date published: 4/18/2009
ANDREA NEALON
Local retired FBI agent John Wills has just published his first novel, "Chicago Warriors: Midnight Battles in the Windy City." This law enforcement novel, the first in a two-part series called "Chicago Warriors," chronicles the partnership of Pete Shannon and Marilyn Benson and their work hunting a serial rapist. However, this particular novel is a bit different from other cop dramas. It's written with a Christian perspective. "Midnight Battles in the Windy City" explores the dark underside of police work while illustrating the characters' moral values--all under the greater theme of good versus evil. "Although they don't wear their religion on their sleeves, some of the firmest believers in God you'll find are working in law enforcement," Wills said. "I characterize the police officers to reflect their strong moral and ethical values." After working with the Chicago police department for 12 years, Wills decided to become an agent with the FBI. He transferred to Virginia where he worked in Loudoun and Fauquier counties. It wasn't until Wills retired from the FBI in 2004 that he was able to pursue and hone the craft of writing. "At first I was skeptical about my ability to put together an entire novel," Wills said. "But I really felt like I had help from above. He was directing me to put the words on the page." Wills finished the book in four months. He said the constant exposure to danger, especially working in drugs, street crime and undercover investigations, helped him recognize his spirituality. And he transferred that faith to the people in his novels. "I paint the characters in a Christian light," he said. "In this way I'm able to demonstrate the caliber of people working in law enforcement." His second book in the series, "Chicago Warriors: Gripped by Fear," will be released this July. Wills said he develops the characters in both books with ambition, excitement and an ever-present sense of a higher power. "When they're going through trying times, and need some guidance, they often look to God, which makes them no different from you and me." Andrea Nealon: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Date published: 4/18/2009
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