I Just Launched My First Thriller — Here’s Why It Means So Much to Me | Books By Tony Mudd

We I’m incredibly excited to announce the release of my newest book, The Locksmith: Behind Every Door Lies a Nightmare. This isn’t just a story — it’s a reflection of a very real fear that changed the way I look at safety, trust, and even the places we call home.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWLNPD4X

Why I Wrote The Locksmith?

Every book I’ve ever written has come from a personal place. This one was no different. A while back, my family and I found ourselves locked out of our own house. It was such a simple inconvenience, but the moment a stranger — a locksmith — showed up to help, my mind started racing.

What if this person knew too much about our home? What if they had access to more than just the door? What if they were hiding secrets of their own?

That small spark turned into a fire. I couldn’t let the idea go. I started imagining a story where the person who’s supposed to rescue you actually becomes your biggest threat. The Locksmith was born from that unsettling thought.

What Inspired Me?

This book is inspired by every parent’s fear — the fear that the people we invite into our lives (even briefly) might have intentions we could never predict. It’s inspired by every family’s trust, the kind we give away every time we open our doors to a stranger. And it’s inspired by my own personal journey — facing fear, learning to trust my instincts, and turning anxiety into action.

But more than that, this book is a tribute to storytelling itself. I’ve always believed that stories can do more than entertain — they can make you think, make you question, and make you feel. That’s exactly what I hope this thriller does.

What I Hope You Get From This Book

I hope The Locksmith does more than just keep you turning pages. I hope it makes you pause and think about the small moments we take for granted — the service calls, the quick fixes, the people who slip into our lives unnoticed. I hope it reminds you that even in fear, there’s power. The power to be aware, to ask questions, to trust your gut.

And most of all, I hope you see a little of yourself in this story. Whether you’re a parent, a spouse, or just someone who’s ever wondered if your safety was really in your own hands — I wrote this for you.

Q&A With the Author (That’s Me)

Here are a few questions I’ve been asking myself — and the answers I think you deserve to hear.

Q: This is your first thriller. What made you step into this genre?
A: I’ve always written about personal growth, leadership, and even children’s stories — but fear is a powerful teacher. Writing a thriller allowed me to explore fear from a completely different angle. It’s a new creative challenge, but it also feels deeply personal. I wanted to show how fear can twist reality, but also how courage can fight back.

Q: What was the hardest part about writing The Locksmith?
A: Honestly, it was balancing fear and reality. I wanted this story to feel possible, like something that could happen to anyone. That’s what makes it chilling. At the same time, I wanted the characters to have depth — to show the cracks in their armor, their doubts, and their messy, human moments. That’s what makes it real.

Q: Who did you write this book for?
A: I wrote this for every parent who’s ever double-checked the locks before bed. For every homeowner who’s felt uneasy after letting a stranger into their house. For anyone who’s ever wondered if they really know the people around them. And for every reader who loves a story that makes your heart race and your mind spin long after you’ve turned the last page.

Q: What’s one thing you want readers to know before they open the book?
A: Pay attention to the small details. In thrillers, nothing is ever just background noise. Every crack in the story leads somewhere — sometimes to safety, sometimes to danger. And in The Locksmith, even the doors have secrets.

This book is the start of a new creative chapter for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. If you love suspenseful stories, unexpected twists, and characters you’ll feel for (even when you’re scared for them), I think you’re going to love this one.

📖 Order your copy today:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWLNPD4X

And if you read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your reviews, messages, and even the conversations we have about fear and trust mean the world to me.

Thank you for being part of this journey — and for always showing up for every story I have to tell.

- Tony Mudd

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