Dr. Brad M. Meslin’s The Moldavian Gambit is a gripping geopolitical thriller that blends real historical events with high-stakes espionage, nuclear blackmail, and political deception. Talking To Authors sat down with Dr. Meslin to discuss the inspiration behind the novel, the meticulous research that shaped its authenticity, and the challenges of writing in the thriller genre.
The Birth of a Thriller
Talking To Authors: The Moldavian Gambit is inspired by real events. What sparked the idea for this gripping geopolitical thriller?
Dr. Brad M. Meslin: Every generation or so, ‘hinges in history’ define the world for decades to come. These are precarious moments where the outcome is not inevitable—things could go either way. One such moment was the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In late August of that year, after a failed coup in Russia, events were accelerating toward an uncertain future. That seven-day period presented the perfect setting for an authentic geopolitical thriller—one that could have actually happened. But it was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with its echoes of past attempts to preserve the Soviet empire, that inspired me to complete a manuscript I had begun years before. Buy Now on Amazon
Balancing Fact with Fiction
Talking To Authors: How did you balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling to craft the plot?
Dr. Meslin: My goal was to make the book feel truly authentic. That meant extensive research—countless hours spent studying locations, historical events, U.S. and foreign government agencies, military capabilities, and nuclear strategy.
Though the novel is a work of fiction, it is ‘inspired by actual events.’ A Soviet nuclear weapons storage facility losing control, an attempted coup against a liberalizing Soviet government, and an uprising in a pro-Soviet region of Moldavia—all of these events really happened. Weaving them into a suspenseful story added realism and credibility to The Moldavian Gambit.
Themes and Relevance
Talking To Authors: The book explores themes of nuclear blackmail and international conspiracy. What message do you hope readers take away from these themes?
Dr. Meslin: First and foremost, a good techno-thriller should entertain with a fast-paced, suspenseful, and plausible story. But I also wanted readers to learn something new about national security and geopolitical threats.
With its connections to current global conflicts, The Moldavian Gambit also serves as a warning. One reviewer put it best: “Every U.S. citizen would be wise to read this compelling story as a reminder of how close we are to nuclear catastrophe.”
Crafting Complex Characters
Talking To Authors: The novel features high-stakes espionage and complex characters. Which character’s journey was the most challenging to write?
Dr. Meslin: The book unfolds over a seven-day period across three continents, with more than 25 key characters. The three main protagonists—a legendary Israeli Mossad agent, a young KGB lieutenant colonel, and an American nuclear physicist leading the Nuclear Emergency Search Team—each had their own unique challenges.
However, writing Lt. Col. Sergei Rostov, the KGB investigator, was particularly difficult. Rostov is torn between his loyalty to the Soviet state, mounting evidence of internal corruption, and his growing cynicism toward the collapsing Soviet Union. His internal conflict and the guidance he seeks from his retired KGB general father made his character one of the most intricate to develop. Buy Now on Amazon
A Cinematic Writing Style
Talking To Authors: Your writing has been described as cinematic. Was this an intentional style choice?
Dr. Meslin: Absolutely. I was influenced by Tom Clancy and the techno-thriller genre he pioneered in the 1980s and ‘90s. His novels featured fast pacing, frequent scene changes, exciting locations, and plenty of action.
I approached The Moldavian Gambit like a movie, capturing vivid scenes, detailed action, and natural dialogue. I often felt more like a stenographer than an author—watching scenes unfold in my mind and trying to type fast enough to capture them.
The Research Process
Talking To Authors: Research was clearly a key part of this novel. What were some of the most interesting discoveries you made?
Dr. Meslin: One fascinating discovery was the World War II history of Transnistria, the breakaway region of Moldavia that plays a crucial role in the novel. Many of its significant events occurred in late August 1941—nearly 50 years to the day before the uprising in The Moldavian Gambit.
I also drew on my 35-year career advising investors on aerospace and defense acquisitions. That experience gave me insight into military and intelligence operations, which I incorporated into the story.
Challenges in Writing
Talking To Authors: What was the most difficult scene to write?
Dr. Meslin: There’s a particular sex scene in the book that felt somewhat uncomfortable to write due to its deeper implications in the plot. Readers will understand why when they get to that point in the novel.
Another challenge was maintaining authenticity while keeping the story engaging. Real-world defense and intelligence communities rely on acronyms, which can be overwhelming for readers. I solved this by integrating explanations into the dialogue and including a glossary at the front of the book.
Influences and Aspirations
Talking To Authors: Who are your literary influences?
Dr. Meslin: Tom Clancy, Frederick Forsyth (The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File), Richard Condon (The Manchurian Candidate), and Seven Days in May, which explores an attempted U.S. military coup.
The Future of the Genre
Talking To Authors: What challenges do authors in the geopolitical thriller genre face today?
Dr. Meslin: Competition and authenticity. Many people write in this genre, but not all thrillers pass the “smell test” with national security professionals.
I set The Moldavian Gambit apart by featuring multiple protagonists, a multidimensional plot, and a realistic depiction of how a geopolitical crisis unfolds—from ground-level action to superpower diplomacy.
Looking Ahead
Talking To Authors: Are you working on another book?
Dr. Meslin: Yes! I’m developing another geopolitical thriller—not a sequel, but another ‘Gambit’. It will take place in a more recent setting with new technology, locations, and a suspenseful plot that I hope readers will find just as authentic.
Fun and Personal
Talking To Authors: If The Moldavian Gambit were adapted into a film, who would you cast?
Dr. Meslin: That’s a great question, and I hope I’ll have the chance to find out! But I’ll leave casting decisions up to a future director.
Talking To Authors: If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would it be?
Dr. Meslin: Maria Colline, the Soviet sleeper agent. She’s intelligent, mysterious, and a crucial figure in the story. Readers will understand why—especially if they check out pages 106 to 109!
Dr. Brad M. Meslin’s The Moldavian Gambit is a must-read for fans of fast-paced, intelligent thrillers. Blending history, espionage, and nail-biting suspense, it’s a novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Keep an eye out for his next ‘Gambit’—it promises to be just as thrilling!
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