Local author of ‘The Night Agent’ releases new thriller
The bestselling thriller writer met fans at Dove Library to discuss Netflix’s hit series, his writing process, and the screen‑optioned launch of “The Method.”
CARLSBAD — A runaway hit TV show and, now, a new book optioned for the screen has been a whirlwind for one San Diego author.
Matthew Quirk, whose bestselling book “The Night Agent” was adapted into a show by Sony and has been a hit for Netflix, appeared at the Dove Library in Carlsbad on Saturday for a book signing to discuss the show and his new book, “The Method,” which was released on Jan. 20 and has also been optioned.
About 50 people attended the event, organized by Adventures by the Book, to watch the first episode of season three of “The Night Agent” and to listen to Quirk discuss his career, the show, his writing process, the inspiration for “The Method,” and take part in a question-and-answer session.
Quirk’s latest novel was inspired by his time on the set of “The Night Agent” and focuses on a female lead character. Typically, Quirk, who lives in Ocean Beach, has co-leads in his novels, but this time around, he went with a new angle.
The book follows the fearless and tough Hollywood actress Anna Vaughn, whose best friend goes missing. Vaughn uses her acting skills to investigate her friend’s disappearance and links up with an FBI agent with a new role — going undercover to save her friend.
“I was fortunate enough to hang out on ‘The Night Agent’ set and see things from behind the scenes,” he explained. “It just got my imagination going. In particular, seeing all the incredible training the actors do. The first time I was on set, they shot a big fight scene that took nine hours and was 30 seconds long (in the show).”
Quirk said the title is a play on words, since method acting is a form in which an actor embodies their character for the duration of production, though Vaughn is not a method actor. However, she must become method to complete her mission.
