Author Richard McMaster has announced that his bestselling thriller novel 'The Attic' will be available at no charge in ebook format on December 4 and 5, 2025. The book, which has achieved bestseller status in both contemporary fiction and psychological thriller categories, will be accessible through Amazon during this limited promotional period.
The importance of this announcement extends beyond a simple promotional offer. 'The Attic' represents significant literary work that tackles complex social and psychological themes through its narrative. The novel follows Byron Kelly, a man who becomes a whistleblower after discovering his CEO has embezzled over 26 million dollars from an international investment banking company. Facing assault charges and a lawsuit, Byron flees to Chicago, assumes a fake identity, and takes a low-level computer support job before ultimately hiding in the attic of a dying old man named Henry Steel.
What makes this story particularly noteworthy is its emotional depth and character development. One of the principal characters, Sybie, was fashioned after a real high school classmate of the author who suffered from a rare genetic disorder. Some students called her Tic Toc because of the way she walked with her brace. Years later she meets Byron, a former classmate, and they marry, but tragedy strikes before they can even enjoy a honeymoon. This representation of disability and its integration into a thriller narrative adds layers of authenticity and social relevance often missing from genre fiction.
The novel's impact on readers has been substantial, with one reviewer describing it as "emotional, unconventional, and thoughtful" while noting it contains "rare disease rep, ethical drama, and a wildly underrated whistleblower story wrapped in quiet literary suspense." Another reviewer commented, "Absolutely loved this book. I don't want to give anything away, but this was the best book I have read in a long time."
McMaster's broader literary significance has been recognized by critics. Dennis Keller of The Hudson Weekly noted that "Richard McMaster never falls into the trap of presenting his characters as simplistic archetypes or caricatures, instead allowing them to emerge as fully-formed individuals with their unique voices and perspectives." Keller further observed that while McMaster's writing is often described as "page-turning" or "gripping," it is "also imbued with a sense of thoughtfulness and depth that elevates his work beyond mere genre fiction."
The free availability of 'The Attic' provides broader public access to a work that exemplifies how thriller fiction can address serious social issues while maintaining suspenseful storytelling. The novel's exploration of whistleblowing ethics, identity transformation, and intergenerational relationships offers readers more than entertainment—it provides material for reflection on contemporary ethical dilemmas and human resilience.
McMaster's other works, including the bestselling historical fiction novel 'Aaron's War' and 'Voyage of Life,' demonstrate his range as an author who tackles diverse themes from World War II experiences to inspirational journeys through different life stages. More information about the author is available at his website https://richard-mcmaster.com/.
The limited-time free access to 'The Attic' represents an opportunity for readers to engage with a work that has been praised for its complex characterizations, ethical dimensions, and psychological depth. For those interested in thrillers that transcend conventional genre boundaries while addressing substantive social themes, this promotional period offers cost-free entry into McMaster's literary world.
