In a world where the darkest corners of the human mind are often left unexplored, Michael Wegman emerges as a compelling voice in the crime thriller and psychological suspense genres. With his latest novel, Criminal Profiler, Wegman draws readers into a gripping narrative that intertwines the intricate threads of criminal psychology and the pursuit of truth.
As a former confinement facility commander and Navy officer, Wegman brings a unique perspective to his writing, blending real-life experiences with a deep fascination for the psychological dynamics at play in criminal investigations. In this interview, we delve into the inspirations behind Criminal Profiler, the challenges of writing a psychologically rich character, and the meticulous research that underpins his storytelling. Join us as we uncover the mind of a writer committed to delivering suspenseful and thought-provoking tales without relying on graphic content, proving that intensity can thrive on insight and observation.
But First, who is Michael Wegman?
Michael Wegman retired from the U.S. Navy as a Commander after thirty-six years of service, beginning as an enlisted submariner and SCUBA diver before earning his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer. His education includes undergraduate and graduate studies in political science and research, and he is graduate of the USAF Air Command and Staff College. His decades of world travels and experience in submarines, surface ships, and classroom instruction lend credibility to his thrillers. After retiring, he taught high school NJROTC before transitioning to full-time writing.
When he isn’t crafting psychological suspense or high-stakes military fiction, Michael enjoys time with his wife, Carolyn—his high-school sweetheart—and their growing family. He lives in Eastern North Carolina and also writes clean, wholesome military romance under the pen name Jefferson Cross.
- What first inspired you to write Criminal Profiler?
The initial spark came from a fascination with the psychology behind criminal behavior. That fascination started in 2007 when I was a confinement facility commander overseas. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea that patterns of thought, speech, and behavior can reveal truths that people are trying to hide. A criminal profiler operates in that space between evidence and psychology. I wanted to explore that process through a character who isn’t relying on brute force or action, but on observation and insight.
Another motivation was to prove something as a storyteller: a crime thriller can be intense, suspenseful, and emotionally gripping without relying on profanity or graphic violence. I wanted to create a novel driven by tension, character, and the slow uncovering of truth.
- What drew you to the crime thriller and psychological suspense genre?
It wasn’t a quantum leap for me from Action-Adventure, which had been my primary focus since 2004 when I wrote CAVEAT GAMES. But crime thrillers naturally lend themselves to exploring the human mind under pressure. Psychological suspense, in particular, allows a writer to examine motive, deception, and perception. Those elements are fascinating because they mirror real life—people are complicated, and truth is often buried beneath layers of behavior.
I also enjoy the puzzle aspect of thrillers. A well-constructed mystery invites readers to think alongside the protagonist, to weigh clues and possibilities, and to experience the tension of discovery.
- What did you find most interesting about writing a criminal profiler as your main character?
Usually I get asked WHY A WOMAN protagonist… but to answer this question, a criminal profiler’s greatest weapon isn’t a firearm or badge—it’s insight. That made the character extremely interesting to write. She studies behavior, listens carefully, and notices the things others overlook. VERY observant.
Writing from that perspective allowed me to explore how subtle cues—body language, word choice, emotional reactions—can reveal hidden truths. It also created an internal tension for the character, because someone who understands other people deeply often ends up confronting difficult truths about themselves as well.
- Did you do any specific research while writing this novel? If so, what was that process like?
Yes, research played an important role. I studied Chicago. Studied the fundamentals of behavioral profiling and the way investigators analyze patterns of crime and personality. I also reviewed case studies and interviews with profilers to better understand how they approach investigations.
My background as a Navy officer also shaped the research process. My last six years on active duty, I was often called upon to serve as an investigating officer in JAG cases. Military training instills a habit of careful observation and analytical thinking, and that mindset translated well to the investigative elements of the story.
- What was the most challenging part of writing this story?
Easily THE BIGGEST challenge was maintaining suspense while keeping the narrative fair to the reader. A psychological thriller has to balance revelation and concealment. You want readers to feel surprised when the truth emerges, but also able to look back and see that the clues were there all along.
That balance—between mystery and inevitability—is what makes the genre both difficult and rewarding to write.
- What part of Criminal Profiler was the most enjoyable for you to write?
On active duty, I served as a “Detective Hopkins” in many military investigations, so I had a great time thinking back on those years as I wrote his character. Also, the investigative moments where the protagonist begins connecting seemingly unrelated details were especially enjoyable. and those scenes allow tension to build as the pieces of the puzzle start forming a coherent picture.
I also enjoyed writing the psychological interactions between characters. Dialogue and subtle behavior often reveal more than direct action, and exploring that dynamic was one of the most satisfying aspects of the book.
- Did you always know how the story would unfold, or did some parts surprise you as you wrote?
Ha! Great question. Honest answer: I had NO CLUE. I started with a clear structural outline before I began writing. I’m a firm believer in planning the architecture of a story so the pacing, story revelations, and plot beats land exactly where they should.
That said, characters sometimes develop in ways you don’t initially expect. As the story progressed, certain moments of dialogue and character reaction evolved naturally during the writing process. Those discoveries are one of the joys of storytelling. I had fun trying to capture a bit of romance on the part of a love starved criminal profiler!
- What do you hope readers take away from Criminal Profiler after finishing it?
First and foremost, I hope readers are thoroughly ENTERTAINED! Reader entertainment remains my #1 priority as a writer, and the genre’ matters not! That said, I also hope they walk away with a sense of how complex the human mind really is. Behavior is rarely random, and the things people say—or avoid saying—can reveal more than we realize.
I also hope the novel demonstrates that a powerful thriller doesn’t require graphic content.
Suspense, tension, and emotional stakes can carry a story just as effectively. None of my novels include gratuitous sex, violence, or profanity, and so far, I’ve NEVER had a reviewer say, “Loved the novel, but they just didn’t cuss enough!”
- Are there any authors, books, or influences that helped shape your writing style for this novel?
My GO TO authors are James Patterson, Dan Brown, Paula Hawkins, Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Lisa Jewell, John Grisham, and others. I’ve always admired authors who build suspense through psychology and atmosphere rather than spectacle. Writers who focus on character and intellect tend to leave a lasting impression.
Beyond specific authors, my military career influenced my approach to storytelling. Discipline, structure, and attention to detail are valuable habits in both military service and writing.
- What’s next for you — are you working on another thriller or exploring something new?
Like an artist with multiple paintings going in various medium, I’m always working on multiple projects. Thrillers remain a major focus because I enjoy building intricate, high-stakes stories, and I’m working on one right now that is extra special because it harkens back to my years as a
public high school teacher.
At the same time, I also write in other genres under different pen names, including clean contemporary romance and character-driven fiction. Each genre allows me to explore different aspects of storytelling while maintaining the same commitment to strong characters and compelling narratives. My true goal/challenge is to cobble together a body of work to leave as a legacy to my family, that helps entertain them yet also serves as an example to them of what is possible if you work hard and focus, put in the time, and NEVER GIVE UP!
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