To have a movie made from a book is every author’s dream come true. To have that movie garner rave reviews, receive prestigious awards, and make a heck-of-a-lot of money is heaven.
Every writer knows a good/great movie = a bestseller.
Those who enjoyed the movie may in turn seek out the original source material. This is a win-win situation for the author. Not only does he get to see his work on the big screen he also gets to sell many more copies.
With that in mind, I will indulge myself by picking the actors that I would enjoy seeing play my characters on the big screen.
A series of brutal murders lead Chicago Homicide Detective Karl Whaler on the strangest and most dangerous investigation of his career.
How could the death of a promising young man be related to a tragic event during the Vietnam War decades earlier? And why do a plumber, an electrician, a caretaker, a locksmith and a butcher meet secretly in a downtown room?
Karl Whaler (Detective)
I would love for Brendan Gleeson to play him. Gleeson was excellent in the movie In Bruges. Whaler is quiet, soft-spoken, and shy, this would fit Gleeson perfectly. Plus, Gleeson has Whaler’s body-type.
Michael Lantern (Plumber)
When I was writing the book years ago I actually had Clint Eastwood in mind but he would be too old now—the character in the book is in his early fifties. Lantern is a man of few words and he is very reserved. I think Liam Neeson would capture who he is.
Barry Tarkovsky (Butcher) 
This one, without a doubt, should be played by Alfred Molina. I actually had Molina in mind while writing the book. I loved Molina in the movie The Man Who Knew Too Little with Bill Murray. Tarkovsky is physically strong but has a soft heart.
Vince Crouch (Electrician)
This part should be played by Chris Cooper. Crouch is angry, hot-headed, and stubborn. Cooper looks like he is filled with p*ss and vineger, perfect for playing Crouch.
Sam Patroni (Locksmith) 
I think George Clooney should be Patroni. Patroni is handsome, charming and funny. Even at his age Patroni is capable of attracting beautiful women. Clooney has no problem in that category.
Al Shorley (Caretaker)
I think Kevin Spacey would be the right person to play Shorley. Shorley is introverted, quiet, and physically weak. I loved Spacey in the movie The Usual Suspects.
For further indulgence I would love for Ridley Scott (American Gangster, Body of Lies) to direct it. Ridley Scott is one of the finest directors around. I’m a huge fan of his and have seen all his movies.
Like many authors I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the movie version. Who knows, maybe one day that dream may turn into reality.