Sam Brannick's Blog

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to drop in and share a few thoughts as I dive back into writing Vaunted. (Nope, it’s not a new installment of the Detective Ross Sager series — this one’s a whole new psychological thriller I’m really excited about.)

I have to say, you all have truly lifted me up. As a debut author who’s done very little advertising, seeing well over a hundred ratings and reviews come in between Goodreads and Amazon has been incredibly encouraging.

I want to give a special shout‑out to folks like L.T., Adam, Leigh‑Ann, and Rachel, whose reviews have genuinely put a big smile on my face. And to Vicky R., who shared how much she connected with Ross Sager — his flaws, his compassion, and the way the story wove itself into a conclusion that felt honest and satisfying.

Your feedback means the world to me. It’s the kind of fuel that keeps me typing away.

I’m still looking for ways to break through to a larger market, but I know that word of mouth — your posts on Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and everywhere readers gather — is what really encourages new readers to give The Darkness They See a try.

I also thought I’d finally share a little about myself. I’m a retired 32‑year police officer who spent many of those years as a homicide, sex assault, and child abuse detective. That experience helped shape TDTS. I really tried to make Ross human, because in all my years I never met the kind of “hero cop” you usually see on TV. I’m grateful that, despite everything I saw, I never suffered from PTSD or the mental‑health struggles and addictions that affected so many of my colleagues.

I’m extremely proud of my career and feel fulfilled knowing there were moments where I was able to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I also taught part‑time for seven years at a local college — courses like Abnormal Psychology, Conflict Management, and Ethics in Policing — and I loved it. I’m proud to have watched many of those students go on to become excellent officers themselves.

Thanks for being such an amazing group of readers. I can’t wait to share more about what’s next!

Sam

Well, it's been two full months that The Darkness They See was was published.

I'm really grateful for the ratings and reviews I've received so far. Especially since I don't have an advertising budget and am very much relying on word mouth and readers that have gone on social media (Instagram, FB, Reddit) to tout the book.

I'm currently working on a second novel unrelated to TDTS. It's called Vaunted and I really like the premise and the characters. Unlike, the TDTS, I have completely mapped out Vaunted in mind before starting (not that I'm still not not pantsing it as I go!) But at least I've got the structure figured out. I wrote 12 chapters on a recent Mexico vacation so quickly because I can completely see and feel the characters.

I would love to hear back from people if they have any comments about TDTS or advice about getting the book out there.

Hope you are all well, and that winter doesn't have you down! Sam

First of all, if you are reading this page you have heard about my debut novel, The Darkness They See.

If you have read it, thank you with all of my heart. It was a work of passion.

If you haven't read it and are considering it, I thank you as well. That is all an author can ask for.

I was about 80% through writing and still struggling on what title to give it. The writing gods must have been listening because I happened across an interview of Michael Connelly (a major influence of mine) who was speaking about the novels he writes. He said that he liked depict realistically portrayed detectives and "the darkness they see."

I knew I had my title the second I heard his words.

The title is about more than just the criminality that police see and the people who commit the crimes.

It is also very much about the darkness that sometimes shrouds police officers who are embedded in horrific investigations like sex assault, child abuse, and homicides.

When a major crime occurs, there is a tsunami of grief, anger and a myriad of difficult emotions that directly impact the family, friends and loved ones of the victims.

But after the tsunami settles, the ripples of those waves continue long afterwards. It touches the lives of those responsible for seeking justice.

Again and again.

My goal is to write novels that when the reader is done they say something like:

"I can relate to these people. Maybe not the situation or the crime. But they feel like people I know. Friends I have. Family I love."

They feel like me.