Policy expert and political operative Matthew Lavoie brings us his debut thriller novel, “Main Street Fringe”

Meet the Author: A policy expert and political operative for some of Washington’s most influential power brokers, Matthew Lavoie has spent his career evaluating the how and why of American political and cultural movements and observing some of the biggest shifts in American and geopolitical history. Main Street Fringe is his debut novel. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. Learn more: MatthewPLavoie.com. In our interview with Elaine’s Literary Salon host Jeffrey James Higgins, you’ll learn: How Lavoie’s background as a political insider and observer of American political movements informed his novel’s plotlines How the normalization of fringe movements and radicalization in American communities and politics How he upends the undercover agent genre, creating a character who uses his own identity to infiltrate a conspiracy cabal, with an impact that radiates from Main Street to the power centers of DC And you’ll understand Lavoie’s reasoning behind his main character—a “regular guy” whose experiences place him firmly in the mindset of those he’s tasked with taking down About Main Street Fringe: After a government vendetta destroys his career, a police detective goes undercover as himself, infiltrating a world of paranoia and radicalization — with no protection for the ones he loves most. What critics are saying:  “Main Street Fringe is a deep and thrilling dive into the dark heart of the current political climate — made all the more terrifying by Matthew Lavoie’s experience in Washington. This guy knows what he’s talking about. He knows where the bodies are buried, and that makes this a must-read.” — Rob Hart, USA Today bestselling author of “The Warehouse and the Assassins Anonymous” series. “Matthew Lavoie’s writing carries an authentic, eye-witness feel for the movements and mindsets shaking the core of American life. Main Street Fringe is a phenomenal read.” — NYT bestsellling author Martha Grimes About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.