Tampa Banker Debuts Exciting Financial Thriller ‘Bluebird’

Tampa Banker Turns Author with Financial Thriller

In Tampa, Florida, the world of banking is about to collide with fiction as Chris Kneer, a seasoned banker, releases his first novel titled Bluebird. Kneer, who works as the First Senior Vice President and Director of SBA and Business Banking at Valley National Bank, has combined his professional experience with his passion for storytelling to craft a financial thriller that promises to engage readers.

What is the Book About?

Bluebird follows the journey of Jason Miles, a bank security expert living in Tampa. The plot revolves around Miles uncovering a massive tax fraud scheme that reaches the upper echelons of management. This fast-paced narrative offers insights into the darker side of the banking industry while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

How Did This Idea Come About?

Setting and Inspirations

Kneer has chosen to set the novel in Tampa and nearby Ybor City, integrating local culture, history, and hotspots into the storyline. “I think Tampa’s just an awesome backdrop for a thriller. There’s so much to explore here, and it’s fun to mix the vibrant elements of Tampa into the story,” he explains. The protagonist, Miles, is affiliated with Ye Mystic Krewe, a notable local organization known for its role in the annual Gasparilla invasion.

Insights into the Narrative

In his narrative, Miles has a background in security work from a bank in Israel, where he was recruited for an undercover mission by Israeli intelligence. Years later, settled in Tampa with his wife, also an agent, they find themselves drawn back into the life they thought they left behind as they uncover a serious crime within their bank.

Reflecting on Real-World Events

Kneer emphasizes the legitimacy of the tax schemes depicted in the book, stating, “The main tax scheme in the book is based on real incidents that have happened in various parts of the world.” He explains that fiction allows him to take these real circumstances and enhance them creatively without losing the reader’s interest. “You have to find a balance; you can stretch reality but also keep it relatable,” he says.

Future Aspirations

As for his writing journey, Kneer aims to develop Jason Miles into a series character. “I love series, and I admire authors who manage to weave characters from previous books into new plots. That’s my goal,” he says. Kneer is already about 20 percent into his second thriller and looks forward to building on his initial success.

A Dream to Pursue

At almost 55, Kneer reflects on the potential of turning his writing into a full-time career. “I enjoy my career in banking, but every writer secretly dreams of doing this full-time,” he admits. As he takes this leap into the literary world, Kneer hopes that with the release of Bluebird, he can continue to engage readers through exciting storytelling.

Bluebird is now available for purchase on Amazon and through Chris Kneer’s personal website, marking a new chapter in both his career and the financial thriller genre.