Q&A: Ace Atkins, Author of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’

We chat with author Ace Atkins about Everybody Wants to Rule the World, which is a rollicking comedic thriller set in 1985, in which a suburban teen suspects his mom’s new boyfriend is the ultimate bad guy—a KGB agent.

Hi, Ace! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I’m a former crime reporter turned novelist. I’ve written more than 30 books including a few New York Times bestsellers. I live in Oxford, Mississippi and primarily write about the American South.  I love classic crime novels, ‘80s movies, and collect records and vintage movie posters.

Your latest novel, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Crazy. Teen. Eighties. Spy. Thriller.

What can readers expect?

A deep drive back in time to 1985. 14-year-old Peter Bennett believes his mom might be dating a KGB assassin.

Where did the inspiration for Everybody Wants to Rule the World come from?

From my childhood living in suburban Atlanta. I had a very Stranger Things existence, pretty much where that show is filmed. I wanted to return to the music, books, and movies of that time. Basically I wanted to write something that Spielberg might have produced in the ‘80s that you’d rent Saturday nights on VHS.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I loved writing for Peter because he and I were the same age in 1985. But I also had so much fun writing Dennis X. Hotchner, a washed-up pulp writer who works at a second-hand book shop in Atlanta. Meeting Peter and hearing his Soviet conspiracy theories might be Hotch’s big break back into publishing. If only he can put down his gin martinis for a moment.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently developing a TV show based on my previous novel, Don’t Let the Devil Ride. Cheo Hadari Coker – creator of Marvel’s Luke Cage – is the showrunner. I’m also starting a new contemporary crime series.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up in 2026?

I loved so many. Hard to name them all. But a few recent books include S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes, Robert Crais’ The Big Empty, Joe Landsdale’s Hatchet Girls, William Boyle’s Saint of The Narrows Street and Megan Abbott’s El Dorado Drive.

Will you be picking up Everybody Wants to Rule the World? Tell us in the comments below!