Jeffrey S. Stephens is no stranger to high-stakes storytelling. Best known for his adrenaline-fueled Jordan Sandor espionage thrillers and the Nicholas Reagan series, Stephens has spent years mastering the art of the page-turner. With his latest novel, Illusions of Trust, he shifts his gaze from global spy games to the high-pressure world of New York City law. Drawing on his own decades of experience as a practicing attorney , Stephens introduces readers to Russell Palmer, a Manhattan lawyer who finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of high-society divorce, corporate corruption, and murder. We sat down with the author to discuss this new direction, the real-life inspirations behind his characters, and the craft of building suspense.
Hello Jeffrey S. Stephens, welcome to Blackbird News! After writing six espionage thrillers and a murder mystery, what inspired you to pivot to a legal drama and create this new set of characters for Illusions of Trust?
I decided to call upon my decades of experience as an attorney to create a new set of characters. I moved from New York City to Connecticut long ago, and it was interesting to recall my early days in Manhattan as I recreated some of those adventures in a modern story.
The setting of New York City plays a significant role in the book, from the “demi-monde” to the world of the ultra-rich. How did your personal history living and practicing law in Manhattan influence the atmosphere and authenticity of the story?
In my view, there is simply no other city that provides the diverse settings and characters we find in New York. The bars and restaurants, the parks and theatres and museums, just fabulous and as varied as the population. From the working class to the wealthy, the people in New York provide a special study in human nature. I had such fun and learned so much practicing law in New York, both good and bad, but almost always fascinating.
The relationship between the protagonist, Russell Palmer, and his mentor, private detective Robbie Whyte, is central to the narrative. Are these characters based on specific people you encountered during your legal career?
Very much so. Robbie Whyte is loosely based on a retired NYPD officer. At first I represented him, and then we became close friends., He was a guiding force as I went into practice for myself, and he understood New York as only a street cop can. He was a funny, cynical and loyal man. As for Russell Palmer, there is always a part of me in my main characters, so I leave that to the readers.
The plot touches on some intense real-world themes, including a federal investigation into a major pharmaceutical company. What motivated you to include this specific type of corporate intrigue as a backdrop for the novel?
True stories of corruption have unfortunately become all too common, as you suggest. It seemed worthy exploring the personalities that engage in those acts of selfishness and evil. In thrillers and mysteries, I believe it is critical that the villains be three-dimensional—interesting characters with real texture. As I wrote ILLUSIONS OF TRUST, I tried to create more than one intriguing villain, to keep the story moving and the twists and turns believable.
When crafting a mystery with so many “layers of deceit” and twists, do you meticulously outline the plot beforehand, or do you allow the story to evolve organically as you write?
Plotting in advance and creating a detailed outline is my protection against what people call writer’s block, but what I consider a thoroughly avoidable situation. I remember reading about Alfred Hitchcock and how he created a storyboard for every scene in his movies. By the time he got to filming, he had already envisioned all of what was to come. Although I create a careful road map for myself, since I do not have to pay actors and cameramen, I have the luxury of taking major detours along the way.
You have often cited the late George V. Higgins as an influence. What is the most valuable piece of advice you would offer to aspiring writers who want to follow in your footsteps?
First, make sure you have a paying job. Second, as Higgins said, “Writers write”. Don’t make excuses, don’t procrastinate, just write, even if tomorrow you trash what you wrote today. Finally, don’t get caught up in trying to make your first draft perfect. As Hemingway cautioned, you are going to have to rewrite again and again anyway. Just keep writing, and miracles can occur.
Illusions of Trust promises to be a gripping addition to Stephens’ body of work, blending the pacing of a thriller with the insider authenticity of a legal procedural. Readers can expect to be kept guessing as Palmer and Whyte peel back the layers of corruption to ensure justice prevails. To learn more about the book and Jeffrey S. Stephens’ other works, you can visit his website or find Illusions of Trust on Amazon.
