Roxanne Rhoads: Interview and Blitz Ruler of Demons: A Samuel Roberts Thriller by Scott A. Lerner

How did you come up with the title for your latest book?

"Ruler of Demons" is another name for the devil. Yet, it is also ambiguous. In the New Testament Jesus exorcised demons; thus he was also a ruler of demons. The book asks at some level what is the nature of good and evil. The answer--like the title of the book--can be taken in different ways. The novel asks the question, can someone do evil things to achieve "noble" ends? It seems to me that is a fundamental question when it relates to terrorism or human sacrifice. Can murder ever be justified by religion?

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?

The title came first.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, and no. It is about religion, but there is not a religious message. I don’t believe one religion in particular has it right. That does not mean one should not embrace their given faith. I do believe there are some messages in the book but I will let the reader take from the text what they wish.

Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?

I am a lawyer like Sam and do live in the same area of the country Sam does. Yet, I have never had to deal with demons or other paranormal creatures. I also have never had to save the world from a pending apocalypse. I consider this a good thing.

What book are you reading now?

Mike Tyson’s Undisputed Truth.

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

I’m working on a book tentatively titled the Fraternity of the Soul Eaters. It brings back the old gang and some new characters as well. There is a lot of murder and mayhem. There is some more action surrounding the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign than the other two books.

Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?

No, but travel is an important element in this book. I of course wanted the book to include Jerusalem. I have spent a lot of time in Jerusalem and it is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Any book on ancient religion should include a scene in the old city. A part of the book also takes place in Paris. I have been to Paris--but only for a few days. It is also a beautiful city. I had considered Rome as a location for human sacrifice. Yet, ultimately I decided the killer might prefer to distance himself farther from the Vatican.

Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?

The book does refer to music far more than Cocaine Zombies did. Sometimes it does so in an obvious way to reflect what is happening. When a New York City cab driver is driving like a bat out of hell the Meat Loaf song Bat Out of Hell is playing on the radio. At other times the music referenced has the opposite effect, e.g., happy music playing during moments of terror. The music in this book usually reflects something.

Ruler of Demons

A Samuel Roberts Thriller

Scott A. Lerner

Publisher: Camel Press

Release date: December 15, 2013

ISBN-10: 1603819053

ISBN-13: 978-1603819053

Paperback: 214 pages

Book Description:

Human sacrifice and an impending apocalypse sure can throw a wrench in the holiday season.

Only eleven shopping days till Christmas. And less than a week to save the world.

Three nuns--in Chicago, Paris, and Jerusalem--have been killed in a religious ritual. The choice of victims and the macabre details of their deaths indicate that someone is following a recipe provided on an ancient text--a recipe to unleash the forces of hell on earth. The final sacrifice must occur on the Winter Solstice.

Samuel Roberts, a small-town attorney in Urbana, Illinois, knows a bit about the supernatural, having triumphed at least once over the forces of evil. Thanks to a friend who is aware of Sam's little known previous efforts on behalf of mankind, Sam is hired by a big Chicago law firm to take on a sensitive case. His mission? Nothing less than halting the impending apocalypse.

Sam and his good buddy Bob travel first to Jerusalem then Paris in a desperate race to save mankind.

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About the Author

Author and attorney Scott A. Lerner resides in Champaign, Illinois. He obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign.

He is currently a sole practitioner in Champaign, Illinois. The majority of his law practice focuses on the fields of Criminal law and Family Law. Mr. Lerner lives with his wife, their two children, and their cat Fern.

Lerner collects unusual antiques and enjoys gardening, traveling, reading fiction and going to the movies. Scott's first novel featuring Samuel Roberts, Cocaine Zombies, won a Bronze 2012 IPPY Award.

You can find him online at www.scottlerner.camelpress.com

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