Every writer has that spark that ignites a new world. For me, that spark didn’t come from something I saw, but something I heard: The Charlie Daniels Band’s The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
I know, you’re probably thinking, “Wait, what does a country-rock classic have to do with a gritty supernatural crime noire series?” Bear with me.
One late night out with friends, as the iconic tune played in the background, a question popped into my head that wouldn’t leave: If you truly knew the Devil was real – a tangible, deal-making fallen angel – why would anyone risk their immortal soul for something as fleeting as a fiddle of gold?
Johnny (the song’s protagonist) took that gamble for bragging rights and a golden fiddle. And while it makes for a fantastic song, I always thought Johnny was an idiot. Risking your immortal soul for gold? Insane.
We debated it for hours. Which brought a new question: what would cause you to risk your soul? What could possibly drive a person to make that ultimate, terrifying wager? I would never risk my soul for gold, for fame, or even for power. I’d only risk it to save the soul of a loved one.
That single thought was the genesis of the Victor McCain and Samantha Tyler thrillers.
The world of angels, demons, and the desperate deals made in between snapped into focus. It wasn’t about an overconfident fiddle player; it was about the profound, often painful, sacrifices we make for those we cherish most. What would you do if the soul of your child, your spouse, your best friend was on the line, or in Victor’s case, his brother. What darkness would you stare down? What infernal bargain would you strike?
Victor McCain and Samantha Tyler are not your average heroes. They operate in the shadows of a world where ancient evils are very real, and the stakes are higher than life or death. Their journey is a relentless exploration of love, loss, faith, and the terrifying line between good and evil, all fueled by that one simple, yet monumental question born from a classic song.
Each book in the series delves into the desperate choices made when souls hang in the balance. It’s about characters who grapple with impossible decisions, who understand the chilling reality of damnation, and who are willing to face it head-on for the people they love.
So, the next time The Devil Went Down to Georgia comes on, listen closely. And perhaps, like me, you’ll start to wonder: What would you sacrifice?
Join Victor and Samantha as they navigate this perilous world. Start your journey with book one, The Hand of God, today, or The Witching Hour, the latest in the Samantha Tyler series. You might just find that some tunes inspire more than just a tap of the foot – they inspire a whole new universe of thrills.