Big Books of 2026

Ask the Author: John A. Heldt

“Southern California in the early 1960s. I love almost everything about the time and place.” John A. Heldt

Answered Questions (8)

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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
John A. Heldt What an excellent question! I confess I don't have a great answer. Thirty years ago, as an adult adoptee, I searched for my biological roots. The process was not fodder for a book, but it was interesting and illuminating.
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Finally reading The Lane Betrayal. I was hesitant to start a new series after finishing the Carson Chronicles. ( Camp Lake review coming soon) I got so attached to the family I felt like I was betraying them but I was hooked from the first chapter and enjoying getting to know this new family. Do you know when you start how a series will pan out or does it develop as you write?
John A. Heldt Hi, Pam. The short answer is yes. When I begin a series, I generally know how it will develop. I definitely know how it will end. I work out the conclusion in advance to avoid painting myself into a corner. Then I exercise as much creativity as possible in getting from Point A to Point B.
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Not a question, just gushing praise! As a fan of the time travel genre, whenever I start one of your book series, I can't put it down - I'm literally out of the world around me until I've finished. I'm currently reading Camp Lake. I feel as though I can't read fast enough, and get frustrated with The Carsons every time they miss an opportunity to reunite with their family. I so hope they do by the end of the book?
John A. Heldt Hi, Jacqueline. Thanks for the comments. You are not the only reader who is frustrated by the Carsons' failure to reunite in the early books. I hear that a lot :-) But I think you will be pleased with the ending of Camp Lake. I hope you enjoy that book and any others you take on.
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I just finish the first three time box books Please tell me there a book 4 or will be I need to know what happen to the lanes?
John A. Heldt Hi, Suzanne. Book four of the five-book series will be out by July 15. Thanks for asking!
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I love your books! Are we able to get signed bookplates?
John A. Heldt Hi, Mandy. Thanks for the kind words. I confess that I have no experience with bookplates, but I will look into using/offering them. Thanks for the idea!
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
John A. Heldt Hi, Suzanne. I am pleased to tell you that book three, Sea Spray, is out. It was published on December 20. I am currently working on The Refuge, book four, which I hope to release by August.
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What books are on your summer reading list this year?
John A. Heldt I intend to read at least a few non-fiction books on the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, in preparation for my next novel, set in the same venue. I will also re-read "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. The novel is arguably the best recent work on the fair and the serial killer H.H. Holmes.
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I have just devoured your latest book, The Land Betrayal. As with all of your books, I loved it! So now I have to know, is the next in this new series on the way? If so, when? I'm a big fan of your work, your books are always awesome! Bobbie
John A. Heldt Hi, Bobbie. Thanks for the kind words. I am working on the second Time Box novel now. I hope to publish the book -- set mostly in Chicago and Virginia City, Nevada, in 1893 -- by Labor Day.
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