Where do stories really begin?

Is it with the first sentence... or years before an author ever sits down to write?

In this deeply personal episode of Between the Pages, Bradford Press Managing Partner Brad Hanson steps away from the novels themselves to share the remarkable journey behind them. From the quiet influence of World War II radar operator Charlie Stainer, to unforgettable summers at Many Point Scout Reservation and canoe trips through Minnesota's Boundary Waters, to a simple question that eventually inspired The Miami Connection, Brad reflects on how ordinary moments quietly became extraordinary stories.

More importantly, he explores something many of us discover only by looking backward—that life's seemingly unrelated experiences often reveal a purpose we couldn't see at the time.

Whether you're a reader, a writer, or simply someone wondering how the experiences of your own life fit together, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider that the people you've met, the places you've loved, and the questions that won't leave you alone may be preparing you for a story you haven't yet imagined.

• The real-life inspiration behind The Secret Eye

Visit BradfordPress.net to discover our books, explore the Between the Pages podcast, and learn more about Bradford Press.

Join the conversation and receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content through the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, and continue these reflections throughout the week on Substack.

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Every great hero has someone standing just outside the spotlight.

They're rarely the ones history remembers. Their names may never appear on the cover of the book. Yet without them, the hero's journey might never reach its destination.

In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson explores one of storytelling's most enduring relationships—the companion. Through three unforgettable characters from historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and thrillers, he reveals how the people beside the hero often shape the story just as profoundly as the hero themselves.

Lilly Hope gives Charlie Brand a reason to believe in a future beyond the war in The Secret Eye.

Lady Grey, the beloved British Shorthair of Tumblebrook, quietly guides Amelia Farnsworth toward truths others fail to notice.

Ed Harper works behind the scenes in The Miami Connection, providing the wisdom, strategy, and steady leadership that allow Max Larkin to pursue the truth.

Through exclusive readings from each novel and reflections on the writing process, Brad explores a simple but powerful truth:

Great heroes may stand in the spotlight, but someone standing just outside the light helped them get there.

This episode is a celebration of the companions who give us hope, perspective, clarity, and courage—and an invitation to reflect on the people who have quietly shaped our own lives.

As you listen, consider this question:

If someone wrote the story of your life, who would be standing beside you?

After you finish listening, take a moment to thank someone who's been the companion in your own story. They may never realize how much they've shaped your life—but chances are, your story wouldn't be the same without them.

What makes someone a hero?

Is it courage? Duty? Compassion? The willingness to tell the truth when it would be easier to remain silent?

In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson steps beyond genre to explore one of storytelling's most enduring questions. Through three very different characters from three very different novels, he examines how heroism often appears in the quiet choices ordinary people make every day.

Charlie Brand, the young radar operator from The Secret Eye, never commands a ship or flies a fighter aircraft. Yet his competence empowers everyone around him to make life-saving decisions.

Amelia Farnsworth, the innkeeper from The Roses Remember, doesn't wear a badge or carry a weapon. Her greatest strength is the compassion she extends to others, standing beside those who need hope when their world begins to fall apart.

Max Larkin, the investigative journalist from The Miami Connection, discovers that pursuing the truth comes at an unimaginable personal cost. His conviction reminds us that integrity often demands sacrifice.

Through exclusive readings from each novel and reflections on the writing process, Brad explores a simple but profound idea:

The greatest heroes don't seek power—they empower others.

Whether through competence, compassion, or conviction, each leaves the people around them stronger than they found them.

This episode is a celebration of the quiet heroes whose stories often go unnoticed and an invitation to consider the ordinary choices that define extraordinary lives.

If you've ever wondered why certain fictional heroes stay with you long after you've finished the last page, this conversation is for you.

Continue the conversation by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, following Brad's writing on Substack at bradfordpress.substack.com, or visiting bradfordpress.net to discover the books, podcast, and the stories behind the stories.

How do you convince readers that a fictional world is real?

In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson takes listeners behind the scenes of The Secret Eye to explore one of the greatest challenges in historical fiction: earning a reader's trust.

Charlie Brand never existed.

Neither did Hadaki Yamatsumi, Lilly, or Gil.

Yet the world they inhabit is built upon years of historical research, declassified military documents, after-action reports, firsthand conversations, and one remarkable invention that quietly helped change the course of World War II.

Brad shares how discovering the actual Navy radar training manuals used during the war transformed the way he wrote Charlie Brand's journey. He explores the extraordinary radar training facility built inside a San Diego aircraft hangar using painted concentric circles, wire, and even modified tricycles to simulate aerial combat. What sounds almost unbelievable turns out to be one of the most fascinating examples of wartime innovation.

You'll also step inside the famous Tizard Mission as Britain introduces the cavity magnetron to American scientists—a meeting that truly happened, though the conversations had to be imagined. Brad discusses the balance between historical fact and creative interpretation, how he studied Franklin Roosevelt's speeches to capture the rhythm and cadence of his voice, and why authenticity sometimes means preserving the spirit of a person rather than every spoken word.

This episode is an invitation into the research, decisions, and invisible craftsmanship that allow historical fiction to feel authentic without ever pretending to replace history.

If you've ever wondered how history becomes fiction—or why some stories feel so real you forget the characters never lived—this episode is for you.

Continue the conversation by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, reading behind-the-scenes essays on Substack, or visiting BradfordPress.net to discover more stories.

You can find The Secret Eye on Amazon: The Secret Eye

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Why tell a World War II story from both the American and Japanese perspective?

In this episode of Between the Pages, Bradford Press founder Brad Hanson takes listeners behind one of the most important creative decisions in writing The Secret Eye. Rather than telling the story through the eyes of only one nation, Brad explores why he chose to follow two young men—Charlie Brand, an American radar operator, and Hadaki Yamatsumi, a Japanese pilot—whose lives are forever changed by the same war.

Discover how Charlie Brand was inspired by the quiet service of real WWII radar operator Charlie Stainer, and why Hadaki was never written as "the enemy," but as another son, another brother, and another young man answering what he believed was his calling.

Brad discusses the research behind the novel, the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction, and why childhood memories, family traditions, faith, love, and grief were just as important to the story as aircraft carriers and radar.

Through readings from The Secret Eye, you'll discover how historical fiction allows us to see beyond battles and military strategy to the human lives forever shaped by war.

Because before history remembered them as enemies...

They were simply two sons.

Two nations.

One war that changed them forever.

If you enjoy today's episode, please follow Between the Pages, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who loves books, history, or the writing process.

Go beyond the last page by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, reading behind-the-scenes essays on Substack, or visiting BradfordPress.net to discover more stories.

You can find The Secret Eye on Amazon: The Secret Eye

Between the Pages is the official podcast of Bradford Press, where we explore the stories behind the stories—and discover why stories still matter.

Historical Fiction • World War II • Radar • USS Lexington • Pacific War • Radar Operators • MIT Radiation Laboratory • Charlie Brand • WWII History • Writing Process • Historical Research • Authors • Independent Publishing • Between the Pages • Bradford Press

Every story has an origin.

Sometimes it begins with a character.

Sometimes with a forgotten moment in history.

And sometimes it begins with a person who quietly changes your life.

Season Two of Between the Pages opens with the deeply personal story behind The Secret Eye, Bradford Press's World War II historical novel honoring the radar operators whose contributions helped change the course of the Pacific War.

For the first time, Brad Hanson steps behind the microphone to share why this novel became much more than historical fiction. Long before Charlie Brand became the fictional "best radar operator in the fleet," there was a real Charlie Brand—a World War II radar operator aboard the USS Lexington, Brad's stepfather, Scoutmaster, mentor, and lifelong friend.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why Brad chose radar operators as the heroes of The Secret Eye

• The remarkable story of the real Charlie Brand and the influence he had on Brad's life

• How an unforgettable visit aboard the USS Lexington inspired the novel

• Why Charlie never knew this book was being written

• How declassified Navy radar training manuals helped recreate Charlie's wartime training

• Why the story begins in England years before Charlie ever touched a radar console

You'll also hear a reading from the novel depicting the early British radar experiments that paved the way for one of history's greatest technological breakthroughs—the cavity magnetron—and ultimately the radar systems that helped Allied sailors survive the war.

Season Two marks a new direction for Between the Pages. Along with readings from Bradford Press novels, Brad now takes listeners behind the scenes of the writing process, sharing the research, challenges, discoveries, and personal stories that shaped each book.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, World War II history, or simply love learning how books are created, this episode offers a unique look at the story behind The Secret Eye.

Because some stories deserve more than to be read.

They deserve to be remembered.

You can find The Secret Eye on Amazon: The Secret Eye

New to Between the Pages? Season Two explores the stories behind Bradford Press novels—from the historical research and writing process to the real people and events that inspired them. New episodes blend author commentary, historical insight, and exclusive readings to take you beyond the printed page.

Historical Fiction • World War II • Radar • USS Lexington • Pacific War • Radar Operators • MIT Radiation Laboratory • Charlie Brand • WWII History • Writing Process • Historical Research • Authors • Independent Publishing • Between the Pages • Bradford Press

History tells us what happened. Historical fiction asks what it felt like to live through it.

In Episode 25 of Between the Pages, we complete our three-part exploration of genre by turning to The Heart of Historical Fiction. Through readings from The Secret Eye, we follow Charlie Brand from secret radar training and the laboratories of MIT to the deck of the USS Lexington, where new technology, personal courage, and the uncertainty of war converge.

We also step beyond the battlefield to consider the people waiting at home. Through Lilly’s letters, Charlie’s friendship with Gil, and the crew’s transformation into the legendary “Blue Ghost,” the story reveals how war is experienced not only through battles and strategy, but through separation, faith, friendship, fear, humor, and hope.

Finally, an older Charlie looks back on radar’s lasting influence and the people whose sacrifice made that future possible. His reflections remind us that history does not end when the fighting stops. It continues through memory, family, technology, and the choices carried into later generations.

Together, these readings explore three elements at the heart of historical fiction:

History places us there.

Story Question: Why do stories from the past still matter today?

Join host Brad Hanson for a thoughtful examination of how historical fiction restores uncertainty and humanity to events whose endings we already know—and why the past remains meaningful long after it becomes a chapter in a history book.

Discover The Secret Eye and the complete Bradford Press collection at BradfordPress.net.

Join the conversation on our Facebook Group, The Reading Room

Join us as we explore why every great story leaves its characters—and its readers—changed forever.

Readings: The Secret Eye

mystery storytelling, cozy mystery podcast, book podcast, storytelling podcast, mystery writing, literary podcast, story analysis, fiction podcast, thriller podcast, historical fiction podcast, reading podcast, cozy mystery stories, mystery clues in stories, how mysteries are written, detective storytelling, mystery story structure, story clues and suspense, fiction reading podcast

What keeps us turning just one more page?

Is it the danger? The chase? The conspiracy? Or is it something deeper?

In this episode of Between the Pages, we continue our exploration of literary genres by stepping into the high-stakes world of the thriller through three readings from The Miami Connection. Host Brad examines how the best thrillers are built—not simply on action and suspense—but on curiosity, pressure, and courage.

You’ll follow investigative journalist Max Larkin as an ordinary assignment becomes the beginning of a dangerous investigation, watch the growing pressure as the truth begins chasing those searching for it, and experience a tense rescue operation where courage becomes the only path forward.

Along the way, we’ll explore why great thrillers don’t begin with explosions—they begin with a single unanswered question. We’ll discuss how suspense grows through uncertainty, why emotional stakes matter as much as physical danger, and how the most memorable thrillers challenge their characters to choose between safety and doing what is right.

Whether you’re a fan of investigative journalism, crime fiction, political intrigue, or edge-of-your-seat suspense, this episode offers a deeper look at what makes thrillers impossible to put down.

Because sometimes the greatest question in a thriller isn’t whether the hero will survive.

It’s whether they’ll keep moving forward when every reason tells them to stop.

Visit BradfordPress.net to discover our complete collection of thrillers, cozy mysteries, and historical fiction.

Join the conversation on our Facebook Group, The Reading Room

Join us as we explore why every great story leaves its characters—and its readers—changed forever.

Readings: The Miami Connection

mystery storytelling, cozy mystery podcast, book podcast, storytelling podcast, mystery writing, literary podcast, story analysis, fiction podcast, thriller podcast, historical fiction podcast, reading podcast, cozy mystery stories, mystery clues in stories, how mysteries are written, detective storytelling, mystery story structure, story clues and suspense, fiction reading podcast

Episode 23 – The Heart of a Cozy Mystery

What is it that keeps readers coming back to cozy mysteries long after the final page?

In this episode of Between the Pages, we explore what truly makes the cozy mystery genre so enduring. While every great cozy begins with an intriguing mystery, its lasting appeal comes from something deeper—a sense of comfort, memorable characters who feel like friends, and the promise that even after darkness enters a community, hope and restoration can prevail.

Through readings from Bradford Press cozy mysteries, we’ll look at how inviting settings, meaningful relationships, and satisfying resolutions create stories readers want to revisit again and again. Along the way, we’ll discuss why cozy mysteries offer more than clever puzzles—they provide a place to belong.

Whether you’re a longtime mystery reader, an aspiring author, or someone discovering the genre for the first time, this episode reveals why the heart of a cozy mystery isn’t simply finding the culprit—it’s finding your way home.

Visit BradfordPress.net to discover our books, explore past episodes, and learn more about the stories behind the stories.

Join the conversation on our Facebook Group, The Reading Room

Join us as we explore why every great story leaves its characters—and its readers—changed forever.

Readings: The Roses Remember Cinnamon, Lies, and Ledgers The Bookseller's Secret

mystery storytelling, cozy mystery podcast, book podcast, storytelling podcast, mystery writing, literary podcast, story analysis, fiction podcast, reading podcast, cozy mystery stories, mystery clues in stories, how mysteries are written, detective storytelling, mystery story structure, story clues and suspense, fiction reading podcast

Every unforgettable story eventually asks the same question:

What keeps us moving forward when every reason says we should quit?

In this episode of Between the Pages, we explore one of storytelling’s most enduring themes—hope. Not the easy optimism that ignores hardship, but the quiet resilience that emerges after loss, sacrifice, and uncertainty.

Our journey begins in Tumblebrook, where Amelia Farnsworth uncovers Eleanor’s long-hidden journals and discovers that the greatest legacy isn’t preserving the past—it’s building a better future.

From there we enter the world of The Miami Connection, where investigative journalist Max Larkin learns that exposing corruption isn’t the end of the story. Sometimes the greatest victories simply reveal the next challenge—and purpose becomes the light that keeps us moving.

Finally, we travel to the Pacific Theater of World War II in The Secret Eye, where Charlie Brand faces the devastating realities of war and discovers that true resilience often grows through loss, faith, and extraordinary leadership.

Together, these three stories reveal a simple but powerful truth:

Hope isn’t the absence of darkness. It’s the decision to keep walking toward the light.

In this episode you’ll discover:

If you’ve ever wondered how stories inspire courage long after the final page, this episode is for you.

Join the conversation on our Facebook Group, The Reading Room

Join us as we explore why every great story leaves its characters—and its readers—changed forever.

Readings: The Ink That Remains The Miami Connection The Secret Eye

Visit BradfordPress.net to discover more stories from Bradford Press.

mystery storytelling, cozy mystery podcast, book podcast, storytelling podcast, mystery writing, literary podcast, story analysis, fiction podcast, thriller podcast, historical fiction podcast, reading podcast, cozy mystery stories, mystery clues in stories, how mysteries are written, detective storytelling, mystery story structure, story clues and suspense, fiction reading podcast