Bestselling author Richard McMaster announced that the ebook version of his novel 'The Attic' will be available at no charge on September 24 at Amazon. The novel has reached #2 in contemporary fiction and #6 in psychological thriller categories, indicating significant reader interest.
The novel follows Byron Kelly, who becomes a whistleblower after discovering his CEO embezzled over 26 million dollars. Fleeing from the FBI, he hides in the attic of a dying old man named Henry Steel, where he cares for the man while learning about family secrets that estranged Henry from his daughter. One of the principal characters, Sybie, was fashioned after a real high school classmate of the author who suffered from a rare genetic disorder.
Reviewers have praised the novel's emotional depth and complex characterizations. One reviewer described it as "emotional, unconventional, thoughtful" with "rare disease rep, ethical drama, and a wildly underrated whistleblower story wrapped in quiet literary suspense." Another said it was "the best book I have read in a long time" that kept them engaged for 24 hours straight.
Dennis Keller of The Hudson Weekly noted that McMaster's works "have been praised for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance" and that the author "never falls into the trap of presenting his characters as simplistic archetypes or caricatures." Keller added that McMaster is "a master of plot and pacing" whose writing is "often described as 'page-turning' or 'gripping'" while maintaining thoughtfulness that elevates it beyond genre fiction.
McMaster's other works include the bestselling historical fiction novel 'Aaron's War,' which explores a Jewish soldier's experience in WWII, dealing with themes of coming-of-age, antisemitism, forbidden marriage, PTSD, and substance abuse. USA Today bestselling author Holly Roberts called it "a coming of age story that grips your soul and takes you on a thought-provoking journey."
His novel 'Voyage of Life' explores overcoming obstacles through the lens of the Baby Boomer generation, using Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life paintings as a metaphor for the protagonist's life stages. McMaster considers this one of his signature works, with one reader noting "you will smile, you will hesitate thinking, oh no, and you will cry" while reading.
Another work, 'A Love Divided By Time,' is described as "one part The Notebook, one part suspenseful psychopath story, and one part Somewhere in Time," exploring themes of reincarnation and enduring love. All of McMaster's books are available at Amazon, and more information is available at his website.
The free availability of 'The Attic' represents an opportunity for readers to experience McMaster's storytelling without financial barrier, potentially introducing his work to new audiences who may then explore his other novels. For an author whose works have been recognized by organizations like the Arizona Authors' Association, this promotional strategy could expand his readership while providing access to a novel that combines psychological thriller elements with emotional depth and character complexity.
