Tampa Banker Turns Author, Unveils Financial Thriller ‘Bluebird’
Tampa, Florida – Chris Kneer, the First Senior Vice President and Director of SBA and Business Banking at Valley National Bank, has launched his first novel, Bluebird, a financial thriller that delves into the shadowy corners of the banking industry. This intriguing book tells the story of Jason Miles, a bank security expert, who uncovers a significant tax fraud scheme linked to top management.
Who is Chris Kneer?
Kneer, who has spent a substantial part of his career in banking, has always been fascinated by the diverse personalities and situations that the industry presents. He explained, “Banking is a fascinating industry. You meet so many different people, different personalities… And you also meet some kind of shady folks.” This background has provided Kneer with rich material for his writing, blending real elements of banking into his thrilling narrative.
What is ‘Bluebird’ About?
The novel revolves around the character Jason Miles, whose past in bank security includes an undercover operation in Israel. Now based in Tampa, Miles is happily married to a fellow agent, but their peaceful life is disrupted when they discover evidence of large-scale fraud. “The main tax scheme in the book is based on real-world events,” Kneer noted, underscoring that there have been significant fraud cases in different locations over time.
Where and When Was the Book Set?
The setting of Tampa and its historic Ybor City plays a crucial role in the story, with Kneer incorporating local landmarks and culture. By doing this, he hopes to captivate readers with both a thrilling plot and a vivid sense of place. “Tampa’s just an awesome backdrop for a thriller,” he said. “There’s so many cool things here… I love the gritty feel of it.”
Why Write a Thriller?
Kneer’s transition from banking to writing stems from a long-standing passion for storytelling. He sees writing as an opportunity to share his experiences and insights from the financial world in a compelling format. “Every day we’re fed information about things to watch out for, different schemes,” he said, remarking on how the evolving technological landscape of banking, including AI, has been invaluable for his inspiration.
The Future of ‘Bluebird’
With a hopeful outlook, Kneer expresses that he envisions Miles as the protagonist of a series of novels. The tagline “A Cigar City Thriller” suggests that there will be more to come. He stated that he is currently working on the second installment, estimating it to be about 20 percent complete, indicating his enthusiasm for further developing this narrative universe.
A Dream of Full-Time Writing
As he approaches his 55th birthday, Kneer considers the possibility of dedicating more time to writing. “I enjoy my career, and it’s been good to me, but… I’d love if it took off – I could spend every day writing,” he shared, hinting at the dream many writers harbor of turning their passion into a full-time pursuit.
Availability of ‘Bluebird’
Bluebird is currently available for purchase on Amazon, as well as through Kneer’s personal website, introducing readers to a fast-paced and gripping tale that reflects the complexities of the banking world.
