The Bluegrass Devils of Detroit received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Chuck Snearly.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The name of my book is The Bluegrass Devils of Detroit, it was published in January 2025.
What’s the book’s first line?
The first line is, “Who’s down for some Motown murder and mayhem?”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
A short summary of The Bluegrass Devils of Detroit:
When a gravely injured stranger barges into his college classroom asking for help solving a ninety-year-old mystery, Professor Andrew Pickens doesn’t want to get involved. But as a former investigative reporter with detailed scholarly knowledge of Detroit’s violent past, Andrew is perfect for the job. He is gradually drawn into assisting the stranger—Murphy, a private detective with a checkered reputation—and Baxter Fineman, who is trying to prove his grandfather was murdered in 1931 by the Black Legion, a white supremacist hate group. Evidence mounts that the Black Legion is once again active in Detroit. Between teaching history classes and jamming with the elderly members of his late father’s bluegrass band, Andrew gathers clues from the past that lead them closer to the truth—and to a long-lost artifact once owned by Henry Ford that the Black Legion wants at any cost. As the violence from the Black Legion escalates, Andrew finds himself in danger of being killed. Finally, on Devil’s Night, during a huge masquerade party in the world’s largest Masonic Temple, Andrew confronts the modern-day face of a legacy of evil— a trained killer he must defeat to stay alive and right a decades-old injustice.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I wanted to write a book where the protagonist was chasing clues to find a lost artifact, i.e. The Maltese Falcon or The Da Vinci Code, but set in Detroit. I also wanted it to be set in the present but have strong ties to the past. What pulled it all together and inspired me to start writing was a non-fiction book called Terror In The City Of Champions by Tom Stanton. It tells the story of the Black Legion, a white supremacist group, against the background of Detroit sports teams winning championships in the mid-1930s. The Black Legion became the key to connecting the past to the present in my story.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The main purpose of a mystery or crime novel is to entertain the reader. Having said that, I think this book also will give readers a great look at the fascinating history of the city and the people of Detroit. It also shines a light on the sins of the past that are still manifesting themselves in the present, and the courage and commitment it takes to not just recognize injustice, but to fight it.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The main character, Andrew Pickens, is someone who recognizes and despises injustice, but is reluctant to do anything about it. He’s endured a family tragedy – his father was killed defending a woman in a bar – and he has a son of his own to consider. His internal struggle is whether or not to get involved in the external struggle he is confronted with. The character isn’t based on any one person, but I think he personifies what a lot of people are going through these days, trying to decide what they should do about the injustice they see in the world.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I grew up reading every book I could get my hands on and from the earliest moment knew I wanted to write novels. I earned a living as a reporter, public relations executive, speech writer and communications consultant. Once I had a financial safety net in place – I didn’t want to be a starving artist – I returned to my childhood dream of being an author.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
I’ve written four books. The first was non-fiction How-To book about speechwriting call Speech Right. My first novel was The Guardian of Detritus, the second was Far Out Man. Those two books are part of a series – Motor City Murder Mysteries. The Bluegrass Devils Of Detroit is the third book in the series, but all three can also be read as stand-alone novels.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
My day job is speechwriting, but I am slowly turning into a full-time novelist.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
When I get seriously into working on a book I try to write every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time. During the day I mostly review and rewrite, I tend to be more productive at night. If I’m on a roll I’ll keep going until well past midnight.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an independent author is not having to deal with corporations and bureaucracy. The hardest part is doing the marketing and sales on your own, which is a totally difference talent and passion than writing.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Nothing else is as essential or important as perseverance. Rejection and indifference come with the territory.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I’m not as concerned about that as I once was. It would be nice to have the recognition and validation of a third-party valuing your book. And it would be great to have professional support for marketing, sales, promotion, etc. But these days I’m enjoying the process of writing and the growth I’ve experienced as a writer. It’s getting better and I’m getting better.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Like most people I would enjoy having money and fame, but it’s more important to me to touch people’s lives, make them think and perhaps brighter their day a bit. There is nothing in the world that makes you feel better than making other people’s lives better.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
For me it’s a tie between Mark Twain and Kurt Vonnegut. Their writing is brilliant, with a pessimistic view of humanity that is salvaged by humor.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I am happy I wrote The Bluegrass Devils Of Detroit.