When Twin Cities writer Vince Flynn died of prostate cancer in 2013, he was hard at work on "The Survivor," his 14th Mitch Rapp novel. He'd finished, oh, three entire pages of it.
Flynn, one of the state's most successful writers, grew up in St. Paul and graduated from St. Thomas Academy and the University of St. Thomas. In order to overcome his dyslexia, he began reading thrillers and mysteries as a young man. And then he started writing them. His thrillers about political espionage sold more than 15 million copies, and his Mitch Rapp character — an undercover CIA agent fighting terrorism around the world — was a fan favorite.
After Flynn's death at age 47, his publisher was determined to keep the series going. Enter Kyle Mills. Mills is the author of 11 thrillers of his own and two that continue the late Robert Ludlum's Covert-One series.
He finished writing the Flynn book last November, and he will be in the Twin Cities Oct. 6-7 for the book launch and a fundraiser for St. Thomas Academy.
We talked with Mills about his trepidation at the assignment, how he got Flynn's voice in his head, and what's next.
Q: How did it feel, taking on the unfinished project of someone who was so admired?
A: A lot of things ran through my head. Mostly sadness at Vince's death, excitement at getting my hands on one of my favorite characters, and fear that I might not be able to capture the Mitch Rapp magic.
Q: Are you worried about filling some pretty big shoes — and some pretty beloved shoes, as well?