REVIEWS
“Michael Lucker delivers a high-octane thriller with RULE ONE, seamlessly blending explosive action, relentless pacing, and profound emotional depth. In a world where nothing is ever black or white, Lucker paints a landscape of moral grey, where the path forward is carved by purely gut instinct. He surrounds us with an unforgettable cast of characters—all flawed, relatable, and painfully vulnerable—making every twist and turn of this wild ride hit that much harder. This is an unexpected and gripping thriller that stays with you long after the final page.”
—Christopher Dawson, Producer, CNN
"Michael Lucker has crafted a wickedly clever thriller that's equal parts grit and wit. His distinctive voice shines through every page of RULE ONE, delivering a perfect blend of dark humor and pulse-racing action.”
—Trace Conger, Author of the Mr. Finn and Connor Harding thriller series.
"Michael Lucker’s lively writing propels RULE ONE along like a crash-boom Hollywood car chase. The protagonist—a bottom-of-the-barrel FBI profiler—takes off on a cross-country chase in pursuit of a brutal serial killer who’s leaving a gruesome trail of victims. Stuffed with colorful characters, the high-speed odyssey will keep you flipping pages faster than you can grab your next breath... if you’re able."
—H. W. “Buzz” Bernard, Author of the multi-award winning When Heroes Flew series
“A witty, pulse-pounding thriller filled with shocking twists and relentless suspense. RULE ONE will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.”
—Dana Ridenour, Author of the award-winning Lexie Montgomery FBI Undercover series
"RULE ONE is a rollicking high-tech whodunnit that is sure to please thriller fans and readers of hardboiled crime alike. This is a strong debut from author Michael Lucker. Well done!"
—Baron Birtcher, Award-winning author of the best-selling Knife River and Roadhouse Blues
“RULE ONE is a heart-pounding page turner. From the start, Lucker puts the pedal to the metal and takes his readers on a wild ride full of twists, turns, and surprises. The characters are interesting, flawed, compassionate, and maddening all at the same time. Dent McCreary is a classic crime thriller hero in the vein of Alex Cross. What a great first novel. Bravo! I can't wait for RULE TWO!"
—Peter M. Green, Executive Producer & Partner, ShoulderHill Entertainment
"Michael Lucker’s RULE ONE is a fast-paced novel of gruff realism and noir fiction reminiscent of Elmore Leonard’s Get Shorty and Rum Punch. Packed with witty dialogue and memorable characters, Lucker’s novel reads like a literary film script. This is an impressive debut."
—William Walsh, Author of Lakewood and Haircuts for the Dead
"Brilliant Hollywood screenwriters know exactly what it takes to suck you into a story, and Lucker is a master. In his heart-pounding thriller, RULE ONE, you’ll feel the danger as an FBI agent races to find a serial killer. He's picked out his next victim, and time is running out."
—Nathan Goodman, Author of the Special Agent Jana Baker Spy Thriller series
“From the decorated screenwriter who wrote the book ‘Crash! Boom! Bang! How to Write Action Movies’ comes a bold debut novel that reads and moves like a thrilling whodunit you’d see on the big screen. Lucker’s dynamic characters, crafty prose, and twisty plot make RULE ONE an engaging page-turner.”
—Dr. Aaron Levy, Author of Blood Don’t Lie
"RULE ONE breaks the rules: A thriller where you find yourself pulling for both sides of this adrenaline-filled, funny, and daring mystery. Lucker’s vivid, visual style plays like a movie in your mind."
—John Coveny, Executive Producer & Writer: Longmire, The Closer
“RULE ONE masterfully blends modern socio-political action with visceral true-detective crime. Lucker tickles all your darkest fantasies and leaves you second-guessing until the very end.”
—Sergeant First-Class, Hayden Brandon, U.S. Army, Alpha Company, 1-121, Host of Entertain This! Podcast
“Personal, perceptive, provocative, pleasurable to peruse, and those are just the P’s! Michael Lucker’s Crash! Boom! Bang! is an authentic contribution to the expanding body of screenwriting literature. Designed in particular for writers of action/adventure fare, there are keen insights here and tons of worthy advice also for writers of dramatic narratives in any genre.”
—Prof. Richard Walter, UCLA Screenwriting Chairman
“You don’t have to be a writer of action films to benefit from Michael Lucker’s rock-solid screenwriting advice, but if you are an action writer… it is essential.”
—John Baldecchi, Producer: Point Break, The Mexican, Conan the Barbarian
“The knowledge Michael Lucker shares in this book is not that of an outsider looking in, but rather an insider reaching out to all those who are interested in learning and giving them insightful and practical information.”
—Andy Fickman, Director, Writer, Producer: The Game Plan, Parental Guidance, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
“With Crash! Boom! Bang! Michael Lucker brings together his vast life experience, insuppressible passion for teaching, and mastery of the screenwriting craft. This powerhouse of a book is an absolute pleasure to read. Here, Michael entertains, he teaches, and he beckons both novice and expert alike to excel at the craft and business of screenwriting.”
—Michael Norton, Nine-time Emmy Award–winning Producer for The Amazing Race
“Crash! Boom! Bang! is an indispensable how-to book peppered with the author’s personal experience going from wide-eyed wannabe to successful scribe. Screenwriters of all stripes should read this.”
—Carter Blanchard, Screenwriter: DreamWorks, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, New Line Cinema, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, and Paramount Pictures
“No one explains story structure better than Michael Lucker. In Crash! Boom! Bang!, Lucker draws on his own screenwriting experiences as well as classic action films to illustrate how to write a winning script. Lucker combines witty, fun-to-read examples with step-by-step instructions that lay out the basics for beginners while giving old hands some exciting new strategies.”
—Dr. Donna Little, Professor and Director, MFA in Creative Writing, Reinhardt University
“With his unique experience and keen understanding of his craft, Michael Lucker reveals step-by-step how action-packed tales are intelligently and skillfully woven. His passion is real, his integrity genuine, and his guidance witty and warm, as if from the pen of a caring mentor. If you are serious about writing an action movie… Crash! Boom! Bang! is a must.”
—Maj. Thomas A. Ross, U.S. Army Special Forces, Retired; Author of Privileges of War
“When it comes to action films, Michael Lucker has literally written the book on them! Whether you’ve had a hit movie, made a big spec sale, or have yet to type “Fade In:” This book will teach you something you didn’t know, or teach you a better way of doing something you thought you knew.”
—Jim Wedaa, Producer: The Boy, Unstoppable, Big Trouble, Mission to Mars, Black Dog
“Straightforward, witty, smart, and informative. Michael Lucker’s Crash! Boom! Bang! offers writers of action movies a hands-on manual for not only delivering on the promises of the genre, but elevating them.”
—Mireille Soria, Producer: Madagascar I, II & III, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, Home, Sinbad: Legend of the High Seas, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Ever After
“With its appropriate mix of encouragement and realism, this book reads so effortlessly you’ll fly through it—and yet, Lucker’s insights into the craft take root and stay with you. You’ll be inspired to go write and put the lessons into action.”
—Dr. Jeff Marker, Chair of the School of Communication, Film & Theater, University of North Georgia
“Michael Lucker’s screenwriting guide reads like an action-movie script. This fun and lively page-turner is full of verve, drive, wit, insight, and inspiration. I recommend it highly!”
—Dr. Matthew H. Bernstein, Goodrich C. White Professor, Chair of the Department of Film and Media Studies, Emory University