I’ll admit it. I always get a little nervous when I try something new.
For years, you’ve known me as the author of crime thrillers, conspiracies, and suspense. Whether it’s Mirror Estate or KC & Orlando Prime, my stories usually begin with a crime and follow investigators as they work toward the truth.
Black Gold Secret is a little different.
It’s still filled with mystery, hidden secrets, and plenty of danger, but this time the adventure takes center stage. Instead of chasing a suspect, my characters are following clues, uncovering long-buried secrets, and trying to stay ahead of people who would do almost anything to keep the truth hidden.
I’ve always loved adventure stories. Growing up, I enjoyed the Indiana Jones movies, and more recently I became a fan of the TV series Blood & Treasure. I was disappointed when it was canceled because I felt there were still so many adventures left to tell.
That got me thinking…
What if I wrote the kind of action-adventure story I’d love to read?
That’s how The Mercer Files was born.
I’ll admit there’s a little excitement, and yes, a few butterflies, as I prepare to share this series with you. Any time an author steps into a slightly different corner of storytelling, there’s always that question in the back of your mind: Will readers enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it?
I certainly hope so.
At its heart, this is still an S.F. Baumgartner story. There are mysteries to solve, secrets to uncover, and characters determined to find the truth. The biggest difference is that this journey leans more toward globe-trotting adventure than police investigations.
If that sounds like your kind of story, I’d love for you to join Luke Mercer and Gemma Klein when Black Gold Secret releases on September 8, 2026.
And if you haven’t already, you can get a taste of the series by reading the free prequel, The Last Shift.
Sometimes the best adventures begin with taking a chance.
Black Gold Secret is now available for preorder! If action-adventure stories filled with hidden clues, dangerous secrets, and relentless suspense sound like your kind of read, I’d love to have you along for the journey.