Independence Day is the perfect day for this Fact or Fiction article in honor of Brian Perri, a veteran who was dedicated to protecting our country’s freedoms. We are in the midst of the 5-year anniversary of that fateful day when Brian went missing. This special Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction article will explore what is fact and what is fiction behind the character Brett Powers, who was inspired by Brian.
The Five-Year Anniversary
In Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Missing , we saw that the last selfie taken by Brian Perri was June 30 on Mt. Meeker’s summit, but no one knew he was missing until he failed to show up for J.C.’s graduate school defense on July 5. Hence, we are in the midst of the anniversary period. The specific facts surrounding his failure to show up are found in this article. However, we will delve deeper into the character.
The Scientist’s Backstory
The backstory surrounding Brett Powers for the most part belongs to Brian, from his background working at a nuclear power plant back east, to his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Radiation Health Physics and being one of the rare scientists who has earned both Health Physics certifications. He was a nuclear “genius.” As a novelist, I do confess to taking liberties since this story, although inspired by real-life, is classified as fiction.
A Deeper Dive
Brian went through SERE training with Kimo as noted in the last Fact or Fiction article, Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – SRI’s Chief Operating Officer. As described within the novel, Brian passed SERE at the top of his class and did in fact stay out the maximum number of days before they had to bring him back in.
As noted in the last article, he was a member of Special Operations as a paratrooper rather than Special Forces. Like the character Brett, he was fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian.
The graduate school ties between J.C. and Brian are fact. Since Brian’s family was back east, he joined our family for most if not all of the holidays during his graduate school tenure. This gave me the opportunity to get to know this amazing man.
The End
The search ended when a body was found on Mt. Meeker. This was fact. The description of the body and how it was handled as noted in the book, are facts. But is the happy ending fact or fiction? What transpired after the funeral in Search Beyond Lies, is fiction, however the glasses … Check out the story behind the glasses in Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Clues: Part 2.
When you look at the fact that Brian was a former member of Special Operations, a nuclear genius fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian, and then add the glasses… Rather than a tragic ending, could there actually be a happy ending? Let me know what you think.
© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer
A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story
of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?
As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.
The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.
Karen, It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Brian disappeared and his body was tragically found on Mt. Meeker. I know you all have missed him very much and would rather have him alive and enjoying life in the here and now. However, what a tribute to him and his memory you’ve been able to give to him and his family through your book and blog. My thoughts reach out to you for all of you’ve done to keep his memory alive through them. My prayers for you and Brian’s family this week.
Thank you, Donna, for your support and prayers.
Five years ago. I vividly remember learning of Brian’s disappearance. We were traveling cross country and had one weekend to find and purchase a new home. I was stressed since retirement and moving had already been scheduled, and I was heartsick for you. Even though I was wrestling with the changes in my life, I knew it was nothing compared to the situation you were in. When Brian’s body was found, deep grief swept in. Your book is a lovely tribute to Brian, your son, and the many volunteers who searched and stepped in to help. We can’t understand why accidents happen, but you faced the pain and didn’t let it destroy you. Not all endings are happy, but I do believe a sovereign and loving God knows the details of our lives, and nothing can separate us from His love.
Gretchen, thank you for your support and prayers.