Whirlwind mystery author spins a fascinating tale of World War II New Orleans espionage

Posted on | by Marissa DeCuir

San Diego, CA – The award-winning author of over 100 books returns with a high-speed new mystery exploring New Orleans’ history of deception and domestic terrorism during World War II. Introducing: Eva Shaw and The Seer (Torch Flame, September 14, 2021).

Historically accurate, The Seer is the culmination of extensive research into WWII in New Orleans. Shaw expertly combines meticulous research with a compulsive narrative that follows Thomas Ling, a Chinese-British scientist, and Beatrix Patterson, a magical psychic. Against his better judgment, Thomas agrees to be Beatrix’s bodyguard in return for, he hopes, psychic information that could stop the imminent bloodshed in his ancestral homeland of China. But can Beatrix really psychically find Nazi cells and saboteurs in New Orleans, a city of secrets? A perfect combination of heart-pounding mystery and extensive historical research, this captivating look into the Crescent City will have you on the edge of your seat as you become part of New Orleans history with the unlikely pair of psychic and scientist.

Can these two change the outcome of the war or will each, so focused on their own goals, cause even more harm with their deceptive mindsets?

“Today, we will make a difference. At least for a few. “

“The Seer”
Eva Shaw | Sept. 14, 2021 | Torch Flame | Mystery
Paperback | 978-I-61153-419-I | $14.99
eBook | 978-I-61153-420-7 | $6.99

EVA SHAW is one of the country’s premier ghostwriters and is the author of more than award-winning 100 books. Novels with her byline include these faith-based Amazon best sellers: Doubts of the Heart and Games of the Heart. Nonfiction best sellers include: Ghostwriting: The Complete Guide, Writeriffic 2: Creativity Training for Writers, Write Your Book in 20 Minutes, Garden Therapy: Nature’s Health Plan, and What to Do When A Loved One Dies. Visit Amazon, Good Reads and other sellers for reviews.

Eva teaches five university-level writing courses available online at 4000 colleges and universities worldwide. A breast cancer survivor, she’s an active volunteer with causes affecting women and children and with her church. She loves to travel, read, shop, garden, play the banjolele and paint, focusing on folk art and California landscapes. When not at her desk, she’s probably enjoying the beach village of Carlsbad, California with Coco Rose, a rambunctious 2-year-old Welsh terrier.

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In an interview, Eva Shaw can discuss:

  • Working with Days for Girls, and her plans to donate 50% of earnings
  • Her experience ghost writing over 100 books
  • Why she chose to explore New Orleans as the backdrop of this novel
  • Writing for somebody else versus writing for yourself
  • Why she chose to write with themes of trust and betrayal
  • How blending history with fiction increases the tension in the novel
  • How to make imperfect characters likeable
  • Why fiction writers “talk” to their imaginary characters
  • Why valid research when writing fiction is essential
  • The reason the book ends the way it does (specifically the sisters!)

An Interview with Eva Shaw

How did you first find inspiration for “The Seer”?

While I’ve lived most of my life in California, there’s something about the American South, specifically New Orleans that feeds my soul. I’ve been a student of history forever, especially that of WWII, and suddenly wondered what happened in the Crescent City then, knowing that Americans feared an enemy invasion via the Mississippi River. How did they react to constant acts of terrorism? How did they fear those who did not look like them?

Why do you feel that it’s important that the story of World War II New Orleans is shared with the world?

Philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” We cannot erase this dark time, but we can learn how individuals coped and dive into the lives of unsung heroes. New Orleans was a transportation powerhouse during WWII and it was the everyday hero working in the shipyards or building Higgins boats that should never be forgotten.

When writing a novel that combines fact with fiction, how do you approach balancing the history with the narrative?

I strive to include accurate history, but also make history support my storyline. That means, I’ve taken First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and turned her into a friend of Beatrix’s, as the fake psychic dispenses mystical advice. I’ve researched the POW camp and delved into the pulse of the nation that was facing the madness of war, but attempting to go about everyday lives.

Beatrix is a professional liar. What motivated you to write such a nuanced character?

I’m fascinated as to why people lie. White ones, big ones, little ones. Some lies, we believe, are to protect others, but really, are they? We all know people who do it well and those who don’t. For Beatrix it is a way to make money. For others in the book, it’s to protect themselves or avoid being embarrassed. She realizes that lying is a heavy burden and the pain it can bring when she becomes entangled with Thomas Ling and the plot to invade New Orleans.

You are an activist for young girls and women alike; tell us more about Days for Girls, and your plan to share 50% of your earnings with this nonprofit organization.

What if you had to miss school or work because you did not have proper menstrual supplies? What if no one ever taught you about menstruation, or worse: if menstrual taboos and myths made you feel ashamed of your body? This is the situation for more than 500 million women, girls and menstruators worldwide. It’s called Period Poverty. Days for Girls, International advances equity, health, dignity and opportunity for all as they shatter the stigma of menstruation worldwide. Proper menstrual health management is a universal human right, a critical component of gender equality and vital to women and girls reaching their full potential.