Deadly World of Top-Secret Espionage during Cold War

Enter the exhilarating life of enigmatic Superagent John Apparite in the gripping 1950’s Cold War spy thriller “Under Cloak of Darkness.” Non-stop adventures ensue in this enthralling and nostalgic escape into the deadly world of espionage.

Dubuque, IA (PRWEB) July 3, 2006 -- A young ex-FBI agent, John Apparite, is recruited by a ruthless, ultra-secret United States espionage agency run by a legendary and inscrutable man he knows only as the “Director.” The organization, known only to select U.S. Cabinet members, and whose creed is to “kill or be killed," engages Apparite in weeks of taxing and rigorous training before he is sent on his first covert mission to liquidate a traitorous rocket scientist. Assassinations, tricky escapes, battles for secret fuel formulas, deadly poisons, and the use of unique spy gear soon become everyday occurrences in the life of “Superagent” John Apparite.

With incredible attention to historical and technical detail, I. Michael Koontz raises the bar with his stunning debut novel “Under Cloak of Darkness” (ISBN 1594144311). Set in the summer of 1955, the current events of the Cold War fifties add to the real-life intrigue of “Under Cloak of Darkness.” J. Edgar Hoover’s purported blackmailing by the Mafia and the fight for ballistic missile secrets are but two of the historically-inspired events that backdrop the adventures of John Apparite. The very nature of this spy thriller is deceptive and suspenseful, and Koontz’s rigorous attention to historic detail leaves readers wondering what is real and what isn’t.

Influenced by the pioneers of the genre, including Ian Fleming’s Bond books, “Under Cloak of Darkness” exceeds the fast-moving, entertaining spy novels of the past. With an abiding passion for film, Koontz’s deeply cinematic writing style creates a tale ideal for the big screen with engaging dialogue, in-depth characters, and a dynamic, fast-paced storyline. “I deliberately tried to keep the story moving quickly, much as a movie would,” explains Koontz. “Some of the locations and scenes seem tailor-made for film; like the British Museum, or St. Paul’s, or the car chase through London. Personally, I think it would make a heck of a movie!”

I. Michael Koontz was born in 1963 and is a working medical professional living in the Midwest with his wife and two children. Koontz’s self-designed and impressive website is dedicated to the world of John Apparite, expanding on the story with detailed character bios, a book glossary, location photos, Cold War espionage facts, secret materials, and “top-secret” conversations with unknown sources, creating a larger spy mythology. “Under Cloak of Darkness” (ISBN 1594144311) is the first of what he plans to be many books based on the life of Superagent John Apparite, and can be purchased at online bookstores. For more information, visit www.imkoontz.com

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