Craig R. Hastings is an Air Force veteran, technologist, and novelist whose life journey mirrors the stories he writes: gripping, heartfelt, and driven by unshakable resilience. Born in Muncie, Indiana, he spent more than 30 years serving the U.S. military and intelligence community, developing cutting-edge communications and security systems across Europe and the United States before settling in Oklahoma City as a senior engineer for a major aircraft manufacturer.
Hastings’ novels fuse high-stakes intrigue with emotional depth. His Moose Ridge series explores faith, healing, and second chances, while his CIA thrillers, beginning with Unmasking Bonaparte, track two elite operatives through pulse-pounding missions inspired by his real-world experience in global operations.
A man whose personal story includes profound loss, extraordinary service, and enduring faith, Hastings writes emotionally resonant stories about resilience, second chances, and finding purpose against all odds.
This one-on-one interview shares Craig’s background and experience writing UNMASKING BONAPARTE.
Tell us about UNMASKING BONAPARTE.
A legendary assassin. A scar that never healed. A past that refuses to stay buried.
Ten years ago, CIA operative Robert Cord narrowly survived a gunfight in Paris that should have ended Bonaparte, the world’s most elusive assassin. The bullets Robert fired left marks he’s carried ever since…but it didn’t stop the ghost who vanished into the night. Now, a mysterious Russian transmission confirms Robert’s worst fear: Bonaparte is alive and hunting again.
But this time, Robert isn’t alone.
His partner, Samantha Williams, is everything Bonaparte doesn’t expect: brilliant, unpredictable, and unshakably loyal. Fresh off a dangerous mission that nearly cost her life, Samantha joins Robert in a high-stakes chase through Manhattan to stop an assassin hidden among eight million people. Their only clue is a cryptic message, and the knowledge that Bonaparte knows Robert’s mind as well as his own.
As the CIA pulls them into an undercover FBI operation, the pair are thrust into a tightening web of Russian espionage, double agents, and long-buried secrets. Every revelation raises the stakes. Every step brings them closer to the truth, one that is far more explosive than a single assassination.
Racing against time and an enemy who always seems one move ahead, Samantha and Robert must risk their identities, their careers, and their lives to stop an operation engineered to stop a sprawling conspiracy, threatening to engulf the world in chaos. UNMASKING BONAPARTE is an electrifying espionage adventure that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.
What inspired you to write UNMASKING BONAPARTE?
I grew up devouring Bond films and the pulse-pounding worlds of Ludlum and Clancy, so writing espionage thrillers felt like a natural evolution.
Unmasking Bonaparte was born from a desire to craft my own brand of intrigue, where the danger is real, the twists are unexpected, and the characters reveal themselves as you’re writing, in surprising, sometimes relentless ways as the plot unfolds.
How did your background and experience influence your writing?
After more than thirty years serving in the military and supporting DoD missions across multiple countries, I found myself surrounded by real-world intrigue—high-stakes operations, complex personalities, and moments of tension that felt straight out of a thriller. Those experiences naturally became the foundation for my stories, giving me a deep well of authentic plotlines and richly textured adventures that were simply waiting to be told.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
The world, like the people in it, is layered, unpredictable, and full of hidden truths. I hope readers come away remembering that appearances can mislead, the unexpected is always possible, and relying on stereotypes closes us off from reality. Stay curious, look deeper, and don’t assume you’ve seen the whole story.
Purchasing the Book
UNMASKING BONAPARTE has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Book Excellence writes, “A masterclass in modern spy fiction, author Craig R. Hastings weaves a deadly duel of wits that spans continents and identities. The tension builds with clockwork precision, delivering unexpected twists and turns that will leave readers breathless.” In addition, Amazon reviewer Anita D. writes, “The best spy/thriller/who-dunnit I’ve read in a long time…I give UNMASKING BONAPARTE five stars.”
The book is available for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-Bonaparte-Craig-R-Hastings/dp/1968251014
To connect with Craig and learn more about his work, visit: https://authorcraighastings.com/. You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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