Tell us about The Tourist Trail.
The Tourist Trail is a literary thriller about endangered species in the world’s most remote areas, and those who put their lives on the line to protect them.

The novel weaves together three storylines: A penguin researcher in Patagonia and the man who washes upon her shore one day, an FBI agent on the hunt of an anti-whaling “terrorist,” and a computer geek in search of the girl who got away.

It’s a literary thriller?
It’s an environmental thriller. It’s rather unique in that regard, which is why I ultimately self-published the book and, eventually, co-founded a press largely devoted to eco-literature. This is a field of fiction that desperately needs more attention these days and I’ve been thrilled to discover many writers who believe that fiction has a role to play in raising awareness of environmental and animal rights issues — and creating positive changes.

That’s noble, but what kind of reader does this genre attract?
Mainstream adult readers.

Since the book has a message, I take it you want to leave those readers feeling…?
Sadly optimistic.

Complete this sentence for us: if you like _________________, you’ll love my book.
learning about Patagonia, penguins, and the battle to save the whales in the waters off Antarctica.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I wrote The Tourist Trail several years ago after having spent time in Patagonia with penguin researchers. I wanted to write a novel that tackled overfishing. I was fortunate to find an agent but, because this book crossed genres, she was unable to find a home.

I self-published and was glad I did it. And I’ve since co-founded a small press devoted in large part to eco-fiction. It’s called Ashland Creek Press and is located at www.ashlandcreekpress.com.

Where else can we keep up with you online?
www.TheTouristTrail.com
@johnyunker

What’s next?
I’m working on the sequel, albeit very slowly.