1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, Jed welcomes Michael Ignatius, Connecticut-based author of the new thriller Furtive Activity. Set in Bolton, Putnam, and the Boston College area, the novel follows Mickey Ryback, a respected Catholic elementary school principal, devoted husband and father of seven, and former Navy cyber intelligence specialist who secretly works as an analyst for the CIA. Michael shares how Mickey juggles his double life—school leader and covert operative—while quietly battling alcoholism and overwhelming guilt. As Mickey navigates cartel threats, Hezbollah connections, Boston safe houses, and sensitive cyber data, his drinking begins to erode every part of his life, from his covert missions to his family relationships. Michael also introduces Margaret Giangelino, Mickey’s tough, highly skilled CIA handler and Navy SEAL trainer, who adds both strength and heart to the story. Drawing on his own background in the Navy, technology, theology, teaching, school leadership, and youth ministry, Michael explains how much of the book is autobiographical fiction, grounded in real places and experiences. He and Jed talk about the subtle but powerful role of faith, redemption, and spiritual struggle in the novel, including Mickey’s connection with a bishop and his journey through AA. Michael also touches on the use of AI in the story and in his own life, and teases future projects, including a possible series featuring Margaret and a teen-focused spinoff about Mickey’s daughter. Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast https://sites.libsyn.com/558800 <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/42286565/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/204682250