Maine-based mystery/thriller author Al Boudreau has traveled the globe in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the various locales and cultures his fictional characters encounter. Boudreau feels this lends an authenticity to his stories unattainable by simple research. He also maintains a keen eye on geopolitical events, pushing the envelope to make his novels come alive. His fiction is based on the real world and the hidden truths buried just beneath the surface.