Arthur McMaster talks suspense, secrets, and romance in his new historical spy thriller - In the Orchards of Shadow and Light

5/15/2026

IngramElliott’s newest author, Arthur McMaster, has done it all—playwright, novelist, teacher, and poet. Remarkably, writing is his second career. His first took him into the world of foreign intelligence, serving in military intelligence and the CIA. After retiring from government service, Arthur turned his talents to teaching and to writing fiction and poetry.

This summer, IngramElliott Publishing is excited to launch Arthur’s thrilling new Shadow Series with the first book in the trilogy, In the Orchards of Shadow and Light. Drawing on his eclectic background and masterful storytelling, the series blends historical fiction, espionage, romance, suspense, and high-stakes intrigue into one unforgettable read.

Available June 2 - Pre-Order Today

In the French Resistance, trust is the difference between life and death. In love, it means everything.

Northern France has never been hotter for one wartime romance between two undercover operatives until both their lives are at risk. A daring OSS agent and French Resistance leader navigate war-torn Europe, risking everything for love and freedom.

Exclusive Interview - Arthur McMaster

We caught up with the author ahead of the release of his new romantic spy thriller, In the Orchards of Shadow and Light.

Author Arthur McMaster

Please tell us something about your book that is not in the summary.
This all began with a curiosity about my mom’s older sister, Clare. Named for County Clare, in Ireland, by the way. She married a Frenchman named Berlangier. That intrigued me. She died quite young, a few years after WWII. Well, being a guy from the American intel community, with a big imagination, I decided to make my Claire (small spelling change) an OSS operative, stationed in England. Her clandestine partner would be Jacques Berlangier – French Resistance leader. Naturally, they fall in love. And a story is born! Secret stuff, suspense, and romance. I am also interested in sibling relationships. That aspect carries the second half of the book and sets up the sequel.

What do you hope will be the reaction of readers to your book?
I would want readers to see and accept that so much that matters to us happens by chance. We plan, yes, but when the right doorway opens, and anything is possible, we must allow ourselves to be open to walking through that door, as Claire and Jacques do, against all odds. The war going on around them, they persevere. They become more than they could ever be alone and apart.

Do you plot your stories, or do you just get an idea and off you go?
I love this question, because as a guy that has been teaching creative writing for years (my second career), and emphasizing that manner of writing often called upmarket fiction, I emphasize that characters are more important to good story-telling than is plot. So, yes, I get an idea, I chose a good setting—time, place, and social environment—and give the main character a challenge. Inner directed challenges are sharper than outer. But both help propel the journey. Detail is crucial. I do a lot of research as I write, to deepen and sharpen the work. Here, the reader is traveling with the protagonist toward an end that may not be clear until the Volta, an Italian word for the Turn. I also like “cliff hangers,” urging the reader to want more.

What genre do you generally write and have you considered others?
I started writing short fiction in high school. I was also writing poems, but I had not yet realized that one must read poetry, get immersed in it, in order to begin to truly write well. I have published a lot of poetry, including three volumes of “verse.” Also, several pieces of short fiction. I owe it to one professor I took in my undergrad years who helped me to get in any way competent. The gateway for me was James Wright (volume, The Branch Will Not Break). So, years later, having wrapped up my career in intel ops and special operations, I trooped off to Florida for an MFA in Creative Writing. I have also written a bunch of stage plays, about half of them have been produced. And now, in my third career, I write novels!

"...A story is born! Secret stuff, suspense, and romance."

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