He thought it was a routine surveillance job. They thought he was an ordinary citizen. Neither could have been more wrong. Propelled by the discovery of a set of mind-bending diaries written by Adolf Hitler's unwilling lover, a deadly pursuit ensues across Europe. Chased is Gage Hartline, a former special operations soldier. Stalking him are the French mob, a rogue DGSE agent, and his former employer, the United States Army. But when the one he loves is ripped from him, Gage turns the tables and becomes the hunter.A tale of suspense, with strong elements of history and revenge, The Diaries is a modern example of the classic European espionage thriller. "The book's execution is highly competent...Even more impressive is the novel's pacing, which rarely lingers...An engaging, enjoyable thriller." - Kirkus Reviews "It's hard to believe this is Mr. Driskell's first book. From the opening scene on an airplane, where Gage has to subdue an unruly passenger...the author creates life-like characters, constant tension and unpredictability...Driskell does an excellent job bringing everything together in a satisfying climax." - IndieReader " The Diaries is a riveting, superbly written debut novel by a promising young author. Having spent much of my professional career studying and writing about Adolf Hitler, I found myself absorbed by Driskell's creepy portrayal of the evil dictator. The author keeps the novel moving at breakneck speed by weaving the Hitler-involved diary entries into the present-day fabric of Gage Hartline's fast-paced escapade. The Diaries kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning." - Professor Donald M. McKale, Author of Nazis after Hitler and Hitler's Shadow War "Driskell's deliciously volatile mix of crime, history, and old-fashioned spy games is a winner. He advances the spy novel into new, exciting territory, making The Diaries a genre-changer." - Laura Benedict, award-winning author of Isabella Moon and The Devil's Oven The Diaries is the second "true" novel I penned.  It's a nod to classic spy thrillers and introduced my readers' favorite protagonist, Gage Hartline.  The book is a mix of crime, suspense, history and espionage.  With provocative diary entries, French mafia, rogue DGSE agents, alluring women, special ops soldiers and plenty of memorable European settings, I hope this book satisfies your craving for a good read.  -  Best, Chuck Driskell     The youngest of five children, Chuck spent his childhood Sunday afternoons at the public library--it was pleasurable and, best of all, free. He credits The Shining, by Stephen King, as being the first novel he ever read.  Following high school, Chuck joined the Army after finding little inspiration (or money) for college. For two raucous years he served as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg; but it was Chuck's two-and-a-half years stationed in Germany that forged many of the memories that fuel his interest today.  Post-Army, Chuck embarked on a career in advertising. In 2001 he co-founded B2B Media, Inc., a company that would go on to be named the second fastest-growing company in South Carolina.  While his career was progressing nicely, Chuck, an active skydiver, suffered an accident while BASE jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. It was the accident, and his resulting physical limitations, that would later become the seed for his need to write.  As his career churned on, Chuck married in 2003. Fulfilled personally and professionally, something began to tug at his mind. Before his accident he'd been able to satisfy his inner desires, first with the adrenaline of a soldier's life, and later as a risk-taking skydiver. When he could no longer be either, he realized something was missing.   So Chuck began to write. After starting with short stories, he eventually began to pen novel-length tales. Over time he learned to blend flawed characters with extraordinary situations, creating a hybrid of the classic spy/suspense novel. Chuck's passion for travel--especially in Europe--helps lend genuine background and texture to his writing.  Now, every day, Chuck awakens before the dawn and writes. He claims his writing is at its best when his mind is a blank slate. Plus, by writing early, he doesn't miss time with his wife, his daughter, or his son. They live in South Carolina.