Ep53: “Original Sound,” award-winning actor and director Greg Jbara’s new film, will be in theaters April 24. Learn all about the movie, and Greg’s superstar career, on today’s interview with our host, award-winning novelist Jeffrey James Higgins

Dr. Stephen Cook brings us “Daniel: An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary”

Meet the Author: Dr. Stephen L. Cook serves as the Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest of the accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church (founded in 1823). He and his wife, Catherine, a psychotherapist, live on the seminary campus in Alexandria, Virginia, with their daughter from China, Rebecca. Prior to joining the VTS faculty in 1996, Stephen served on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in New York City for four years. He did his doctoral training in Old Testament at Yale University after having completed the M.Div. degree at Yale’s Divinity School, where he also served as an instructor and fellow. His undergraduate work was at Trinity College, Connecticut, where he graduated with honors as a religion major in 1984. Stephen is the author of several books, including an Anchor Yale Bible on Ezekiel; Reading Deuteronomy: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Smyth & Helwys, 2015); The Apocalyptic Literature (Abingdon, 2003); The Social Roots of Biblical Yahwism (Society of Biblical Literature, 2004); and Prophecy and Apocalypticism (Fortress, 1995); Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah (Morehouse, 2008), and “The Season of Epiphany” in New Proclamation Year B, 2008-2009, Advent through Holy Week (Fortress, 2008). Most recently, he has written a Anchor Yale Bible Commentary on the final visions of the prophet Ezekiel. His other publications include journal articles, introductions and annotations to biblical books for both the New Oxford Annotated Bible and the Harper Collins Study Bible, and several entries for The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. The New Interpreter’s One Volume Bible Commentary contains his commentaries on three biblical books. He maintains a fascinating Bible Blog on the web. Stephen has served in several capacities as an officer of the Society of Biblical Literature, including as a Regional Coordinator and Regional President for the guild. He is also the Corporation Representative for Virginia Seminary to the American Schools of Oriental Research and a member of such other professional societies as the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars and the Catholic Biblical Association. He is in high demand around the country as a lecturer, seminar speaker, and workshop leader. Learn more here: drstephenlcook.com [https://drstephenlcook.com/] “Daniel,” by Dr. Stephen Cook About the Book: Highly regarded Old Testament scholar Stephen Cook offers a substantive and useful commentary on the book of Daniel and explores the contemporary significance of this prophetic book. This groundbreaking commentary departs from common rationalist approaches in order to engage Daniel’s visionary content on its own terms, introducing innovative interpretive frameworks that emphasize the cosmic scope of this biblical book and its revelations of heavenly reality. Integrating insights from fields such as analytical psychology, comparative literature, and cosmology, Cook’s approach allows the disorienting imagery of Daniel to resonate fully, offering readers fresh insights into its apocalyptic dreams and transcendent symbolism. Cook also addresses the political and theological implications of apocalyptic literature in modern spiritual and geopolitical contexts. In addition to paragraph-level commentary, all volumes of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series feature: * A fresh translation of the Hebrew text * Incisive comments based on the author’s translation * Linguistic, historical, and canonical insights * Concluding reflections * Footnotes addressing technical matters Pastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find here an accessible commentary that will serve as an excellent resource for their study. This volume, like each in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series, is grounded in rigorous scholarship but is useful for those who preach and teach. Daniel is the third volume on the prophetic books, following Hosea-Micah by John Goldingay and Isaiah by J. Gordon McConville. Series editors are Mark J. Boda, McMaster Divinity College, and J. Gordon McConville, University of Gloucestershire. Click here to buy Daniel [https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Baker-Commentary-Old-Testament/dp/080103079X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=312EEUTZ0TJOM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JoTBDj_6r3EXJ9CdmcrkdrvHqAlDPluk8n3jxM18WJo372Sdp9ev5MsGGP3UFWVlYzxkeyJmwpOIEGDb7oxtAnCedL6jaFMnQV9De4_CZkgNGX0wVMFDnVnbmakQtrzWGoM3MzWO99IWxQENBZMeARhbcNPr9kfqjDl9rkr-wQvDx5c33nZLRrb29HA_FLy5GGWaq1vXf6B5P5YjjZjxwGHcN9L9g5fdvjUE2DuhSJU.HkMJYHQA5HOYiH9_O3w3xZr7lNc6KdHxe9Y3fPW4Vtc&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephen+cook+daniel&qid=1778873818&sprefix=stephen+cook+daniel%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1]. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

“The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven founders, nine documents, and the ideas that shaped America,” is the theme of the powerful new book by historian David O. Stewart

Meet the Author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David writes history and historical novels. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Independent Review of Books, was a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, and for 10 years wrote the monthly Supreme Court column for the American Bar Association Journal. He has also done on-air commentary for CNN, C-SPAN, Bloomberg News, and MSNBC. About his newest book, The Democracy We Must Keep: [https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Must-Keep-Documents-conceived-ebook/dp/B0FLKHMJ9R]Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and the Ideas That Shaped America What did America’s founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. “The Democracy We Must Keep,” by David O. Stewart In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry’s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy: That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. Accessible, engaging, and timely, this book is for anyone who wants to understand how American democracy started, and why it still matters. “George Washington,” by David O. Stewart More about David’s books: His narrative histories have won seven awards from historical and literary organizations, and include: * George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father [https://davidostewart.com/books/george-washington-the-political-rise-of-americas-founding-father/], which the Wall Street Journal, called “an outstanding biography” with “clear, often superlative” writing. * The Summer of 1787:  The Men Who Invented the Constitution [https://smile.amazon.com/Summer-1787-Invented-Constitution-Collection/dp/0743286936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470399833&sr=8-1&keywords=Summer+of+1787], focuses on the compromises that produced the U.S. Constitution, and the men who hammered them out. * Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy [https://smile.amazon.com/Impeached-President-Andrew-Johnson-Lincolns/dp/1416547509/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470400506&sr=1-1&keywords=Impeached]grows from my defense of a Senate impeachment trial. * American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America, [https://smile.amazon.com/American-Emperor-Challenge-Jeffersons-America/dp/1439157200/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470399996&sr=1-1&keywords=american+emperor]explores Aaron Burr’s Western expedition of 1806-07, which landed Burr on trial for treason. * Madison’s Gift:  Five Partnerships That Built America [https://smile.amazon.com/Madisons-Gift-Partnerships-Built-America/dp/1451688598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470399959&sr=8-1&keywords=Madison%27s+Gift]– examines James Madison’s talent for working with leaders of the Founding Era. My historical fiction includes two series: The Deception trilogy features the unlikely partnership of Dr. Jamie Fraser and ex-ballplayer Speed Cook. In The Lincoln Deception,  [http://www.amazon.com/The-Lincoln-Deception-David-Stewart/dp/0758290675] they explore the secrets behind the Lincoln assassination. The Paris Deception  [https://bookshop.org/books/the-paris-deception-a-fraser-and-cook-historical-mystery-book-2/9781644571699?aid=1839]places them at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and in The Babe Ruth Deception [https://smile.amazon.com/Babe-Ruth-Deception-Fraser-Mystery/dp/149670200X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470400044&sr=1-1&keywords=Babe+Ruth+Deception], they struggle to protect the slugger from gangland violence and the Black Sox scandal. The Overstreet saga begins with The New Land [https://davidostewart.com/books/the-new-land/], which follows a German family to the Maine coast in 1753, where they face hardship and war.  Book Two (The Burning Land [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Burning-Land/David-O-Stewart/The-Overstreet-Saga/9781637580820]) traces descendants through the Civil War era. Click here to buy David’s books. [https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Political-Americas-Founding/dp/B08B484H1N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FE2XY7T8OQT3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NAKDq_d5uPs8ua_YUwchf9ckdWphpC1xMiDLOcX8NFDPUmhPzSDAoP8zGCRoxDDCEyNndx4bePlsb5o616oHqr2p8Lpl1W9plNnWJFbcHvHgQoOnWNB_-v0_AtvP1_Jv0UsmCW_RjJCL0fdGfb-3kVcz38p5xWNJMxzDocADROYuw9_50X9jlkmAwuFdHer-IQqfobKXTkbstfp3fe6EB7JtZSsqbM2Pab-OjBs0Wcc.NSaVk8KDGuxwMMHfHELOSh3xmXCblRs1YSMacm8aPAs&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+o+stewart+george+washington&qid=1774887689&sprefix=david+o+stewart+george+washington%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1] (more…) [https://inkandescentradio.com/podcast/david-o-stewart-elainesliterarysalon/#more-5262]

Ep59: Elaine’s Literary Salon show — “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom” shares author, mom of 3 and cancer survivor Elizabeth Hodges

Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive. Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing executive who worked with Fortune 500 companies like Ogilvy & Mather and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). After her experience with these life-changing diseases, she shifted her focus to nonprofit work in the arts, global public health, and education. Now, she’s an advocate, writer, and storyteller, using her experiences to inspire other mothers navigating cancer’s tough road. Her debut book, “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom”, is an honest and heartfelt account of using motherhood as a source of strength, courage, and finding clarity in the face of adversity. Elizabeth is the proud mother of three adult daughters, each in their 20s. She and her husband split their time between England and Florida, where she continues to write and share her story. About the Book, Elizabeth explains: [https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N1QGOdoOPwtfrLSWEdF0p8fVxvL8xO4g1osFDFI5hj3vYRR9au0f1GkeRMsPQgJu6vyT5g2KAWXfYmT4xeO4xJlevAtYpf7JCzvKI9XYAI-lGVp8cYIouht-Niad4GRj77qn8BQJsauSJhN27lPLZtiO2FAND85DSO7nC3sIsGnG7TeeNe_256Zw2hs5Hm-3f_xD-HmVooDdd3zSqlIgP9ktuuPKI1utH4C-Q9rGA3o.VUpK6oNHcFpJ3xd_-7S1xBo3k-t8I1wWewEFyMbTtLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=elizabeth+hodges&qid=1738968098&sprefix=elizabeth+hodges%2Caps%2C563&sr=8-1]Being a mother is challenging enough—facing cancer at the same time can feel impossible. But as Elizabeth Hodges learned, survival isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about showing up every day for the ones who need you most, including yourself. Diagnosed with leukemia at 38—and adult cystic fibrosis just weeks later—Elizabeth was determined to fight for her life while still being the mother her three young daughters deserved. Over 18 years, she discovered that motherhood isn’t just a challenge during cancer; it’s one of the strongest motivations to survive. “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom [https://www.elizabethhodges.com/my-book] is an educational memoir in which Elizabeth shares hard-earned insights and practical advice for navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, and reclaiming control of your life while being present for your family. This book is a lifeline for any mother facing cancer, offering fresh hope, guidance, and the reminder that even on the hardest days, just making it to the carpool lane is a victory. Click here to buy the book! [https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N1QGOdoOPwtfrLSWEdF0p8fVxvL8xO4g1osFDFI5hj3vYRR9au0f1GkeRMsPQgJu6vyT5g2KAWXfYmT4xeO4xJlevAtYpf7JCzvKI9XYAI-lGVp8cYIouht-Niad4GRj77qn8BQJsauSJhN27lPLZtiO2FAND85DSO7nC3sIsGnG7TeeNe_256Zw2hs5Hm-3f_xD-HmVooDdd3zSqlIgP9ktuuPKI1utH4C-Q9rGA3o.VUpK6oNHcFpJ3xd_-7S1xBo3k-t8I1wWewEFyMbTtLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=elizabeth+hodges&qid=1738968098&sprefix=elizabeth+hodges%2Caps%2C563&sr=8-1] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

QuinTango is coming to Elaine’s on June 3! Join us for “The Stories Tango Tells” — an intimate interview with the group’s founder Joan Singer and composers Ali Cook and Emmanuel Trifilio

Experience QuinTango: Alexandria-based music group QuinTango made its splashy debut on the world stage in 1999 at the Clinton White House State Dinner for the president of Argentina.  Robert Duvall danced, and global news networks covered the event.  The following morning, QuinTango received an invitation to perform at an international music festival in Costa Rica, and they were off and running.  Twenty-eight years later, QuinTango is in its seventh iteration, still evolving and still excited to create and connect. Learn more: quintango.com [https://www.quintango.com/] Ali Cook, QuinTango About Ali Cook, bass: Ali’s dream of earning a spot in the double-bass section of a major orchestra ground to a halt when she was seized by a painful syndrome that rendered her arms useless at times. Forced to confront this fork in the road, Ali emerged from the experience healed, and in the process, discovered a trove of music and poetry within her waiting to be shared with the world. She moved to Austin TX, started her Americana group “Ali and the Wild Geese,” and released her first vocal album. Ali is now back in Alexandria, on the faculty of Opal Music Studio (bass, piano, voice and composition) and enjoys appearing with the National, Baltimore, and Detroit Symphonies when her schedule permits. Emmanuel Trifilio, QuinTango About Emmanuel Trifilio, bandoneon: “La vida es loca,” proclaims Emmanuel, sipping his mate tea, contemplating Amado Nervo’s poetry, and considering his life. A career-ending injury on the soccer field in his native Argentina allowed him to pick up his guitar and lose himself in music. Before long, the discovery of a bandoneon in a second-hand shop piqued his interest in tango and set him on the path to the United States. With the right instrument at the right time, Emmanuel has taken to the world stage as an acclaimed composer/arranger, and charismatic performer and member of QuinTango. Joan Singer, founder, QuinTango About Joan Singer, violin: QuinTango’s founder and director wakes up every morning knowing there’ll be fires to put out and glorious tangos to play. Thanks to a chance meeting with a Dutch tango musician some twenty-plus years ago, Joan combines a love of music with her Scotch-Irish story-telling talents, Quaker-based desire for global connections, and her weakness for glitz. She’s made hundreds of friends and enriched thousands of lives in the process. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

Policy expert and political operative Matthew Lavoie brings us his debut thriller novel, “Main Street Fringe”

When: Wednesday, September 02, 2026 from 6-9pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/] Get your free ticket: MatthewLavoie.eventbrite.com [https://matthewlavoie.eventbrite.com/] We welcome debut novelist Matthew Lavoie to Elaine’s Literary Salon to share his debut novel, “Main Street Fringe.” [http://www.matthewplavoie.com/] Our agenda for tonight’s event: * 6pm: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/menus/] * 7pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series [http://www.elainesliterarysalon.tv/] * 8pm: Guests talk with the author, buy the book, and get it signed! “Main Street Fringe,” by Matthew Lavoie Meet the Author: A policy expert and political operative for some of Washington’s most influential power brokers, Matthew Lavoie has spent his career evaluating the how and why of American political and cultural movements and observing some of the biggest shifts in American and geopolitical history. Main Street Fringe is his debut novel. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. Learn more: MatthewPLavoie.com. [https://matthewplavoie.com/] In tonight’s interview, you’ll learn: * How Lavoie’s background as a political insider and observer of American political movements informed his novel’s plotlines * How the normalization of fringe movements and radicalization in American communities and politics * How he upends the undercover agent genre, creating a character who uses his own identity to infiltrate a conspiracy cabal, with an impact that radiates from Main Street to the power centers of DC * And you’ll understand Lavoie’s reasoning behind his main character—a “regular guy” whose experiences place him firmly in the mindset of those he’s tasked with taking down About Main Street Fringe: After a government vendetta destroys his career, a police detective goes undercover, as himself, infiltrating a world of paranoia and radicalization — with no protection for the ones he loves most. What critics are saying:  “Main Street Fringe is a deep and thrilling dive into the dark heart of the current political climate — made all the more terrifying by Matthew Lavoie’s experience in Washington. This guy knows what he’s talking about. He knows where the bodies are buried, and that makes this a must-read.” — Rob Hart, USA Today bestselling author of “The Warehouse and the Assassins Anonymous” series. [https://robwhart.com/] “Matthew Lavoie’s writing carries an authentic, eye-witness feel for the movements and mindsets shaking the core of American life. Main Street Fringe is a phenomenal read.” — NYT bestsellling author Martha Grimes [https://www.marthagrimes.com/] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]