The First Witness - Paperback

by Todd Easterling (Author)

When a top Washington Post reporter discovers what he believes is an unauthorized CIA and military mission to destroy nuclear development sites, he finds himself caught in the middle of a global crisis, international intrigue, and a beautiful and exotic woman he desperately wants to trust. San Diego California author Todd Easterling, originally discovered by the Jay Garon-Brooke Literary Agency of John Grisham fame, weaves a well-written, character-rich, high concept/big story with cinematic potential and a balance of suspense and supporting romantic backdrop.

Shawn Coyne, as Senior Editor at Doubleday/Random House, said of Todd's writing, "This is certainly a thriller that builds to global dimensions and I liked the way Mr. Easterling tackled the plot by having his journalist piece together the clues. The final revelation is also believable and consistent with the pervading paranoia in DC."

The story follows Tom Lassiter in a fast-paced race to separate facts from propaganda, and ends in a heart-stopping glimpse of the new world we live in and threats posed by rogue states, or leaders, set on nuclear weapons development. Walking a razor-thin line between being seen as either a criminal, if he's wrong, or a hero if he's right, Lassiter takes matters into his own hands and stops at nothing to uncover the truth and try to stop a catastrophe of historic proportions.

The climax of the story is vividly written, quickly paced, and lends itself to motion picture-like uncertainty and twists, with the fate of millions of people on the line, if not the survival of the entire planet.

Author Biography

Todd Easterling is a San Diego, California novelist, originally discovered by the acclaimed Pinder Lane Garon-Brooke Literary Agency, of John Grisham fame. In addition to writing novels, Todd has worked with HBO, Disney, Time Warner, and other companies, a key highlight being reception of a group Emmy from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Todd's literary influences include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Nicholas Evans (The Horse Whisperer), Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham, and many others. In non-fiction, Todd admires Joel Osteen's motivational books. Todd recently completed his most recent novel, The Miracle Man (March 1st, 2014), which appeared on Best Seller lists the first day of publication. His previous novel, The First Witness (February, 2013), has been on 4 Best Seller lists for over a year and in the top 1% of a all/2.4 million Amazon books each month. Aside from his writing companion, a very tall Russian Wolfhound named Bentley, at home Todd is outnumbered by females 5 to 1. The Easterling family is packed with girls, including twins (10 years old), a 12 year old, and a 15 year old. They enjoy biking, surfing, and interrupting dad while he is writing. Todd is an avid advocate of international adoption. He encourages emails from readers, the press, and publishing industry professionals via ToddEasterling.com, whether it is business related or just to say hello.