The Whispering Bookworm: On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club: The Deserter (A Tale of the Foreign Legion) by Wayne Turmel

The Deserter

(A Tale of the Foreign Legion)

By Wayne Turmel

Algeria 1908.

Gil Vincente is a Boer War veteran, broken and adrift on the rough streets of Marseille. Desperate, he seeks discipline and renewed purpose in the unforgiving ranks of the French Foreign Legion. At first, he finds it, but not for long. When a treacherous soldier frames him for murder, it forces the new legionnaire to run for his life.

Now Gil must fight to clear his name while pursuing the real killer through the rugged Atlas Mountains. With the Legion on his heels and time running out, will he find justice or be forever branded a coward and deserter?

Publication Date: January 15th, 2026
Publisher: Achis Press
Pages: 295
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Adventure

An interview with Wayne Turmel

What inspired you to start writing?

Even as a kid I would read books then think about stories that spun out of them, think early fanfic (can you do Perry Mason Fanfiction?) The bug never really left me.

When I graduated school, I did standup comedy for a long time, and made an attempt at screenwriting. When I ran away and joined the real world I wrote nonfiction and business for work, and finally decided at 50 that I’d never be a “real writer” until I tackled a novel. That was my first novel, The Count of the Sahara. Now I’m on my seventh, The Deserter, and see no reason to stop.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Given my background, most of my books have a lot of humor (or humour, I guess depending on where you live) in them. The fact is, The Deserter is my darkest work.ohhh There is some levit in there… there’s always something funny in even the worst situations, but it’s definitely different from my other work, especially my urban fantasy series. I mean war in the desert is a far cry from a werewolf detective in Chicago.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

I think my main character, Gil, is special to me. I have written many characters who possess the tools to succeed but can’t get out of their own way, but he is that in spades. He is neurodivergent- OCD, although in 1908, they’d have just called him an “odd duck.” He’s desperate for some order in his chaotic life. While many people have found the structure they need in the military (my own father joined the Canadian Navy under the “go to the navy or go to jail,” plan) I suspect Gil won’t be so lucky.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

Oh, fantasy casting. How fun! When I was writing the book, I thought about Charlie Hunnam, but alas like all of us he’s now too old. Jack Lowden from Slow Horses would be amazing in the role but I don’t want to prejudice readers…. Everyone has their own mental image. In fact, when you’ve read the book, let me know who you think would be right.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I have tried to revive a genre that was once a big part of pop culture but has gone out of vogue. I hope they find it engrossing, a fun read, and heaven forfend they actually learn something. Whatever they experience please let me know. (And as always, if you don’t tell me, tell Amazon. Indie authors need the reviews.)

Thank you so much for letting me play in your sandbox!

Praise

'The Deserter evokes classic blood-and-sand adventures like Under Two Flags and Beau Geste. With meticulous research and compelling characters, Turmel has brought the desert saga back to thrilling life.'

Frank Thompson, author of The Compleate Beau Geste

'A two-fisted historical adventure that weaves visceral action, rugged landscapes, and raw emotional depth into a haunting tale of honor, betrayal, and the elusive hope of redemption.'

David Buzan, bestselling author of In the Lair of Legends

Buy this Book

Amazon US Paperback

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Wayne Turmel

Wayne Turmel is a Canadian ex-pat now living and writing in Las Vegas. He’s the author of seven novels, the latest is The Deserter- a Tale of the Foreign Legion. His short stories have earned critical acclaim, including nominations for the prestigious Pushcart Prize. Turmel's longer works delve into the rich tapestries of history and the thrilling depths of urban fantasy, inviting readers into meticulously crafted worlds. At times humorous, sometimes dark but always with a careful eye for dialogue and detail. He lives with his wife, The Duchess, and Mad Max, most manly of poodles.

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