James J. Kaufman and his latest novel.

The 74-year-old former attorney, judge and, chief executive of the charitable “Imaging The World” foundation has called book two of his trilogy, “The Concealers.”

It is a positive and morally-uplifting story about discovering how to trust and rely on others, transcend limitations and gain a sense of personal empowerment.

Leading the Amazon list of suggested Mystery, Thriller and Suspense books is Kaufman’s “The Concealers” followed by “The Collectibles.” Kaufman’s is in good company with fellow authors such as Wilbur Smith, David Eggers, Linda Farstein and Scott Turow.

“The Concealers” skyrocketed onto the Amazon Legal Thriller 100 best seller list and received 16 out of 16 Five Star reviews. At the same time, The Collectibles, with a 4.3 rating and 188 Five Star reviews, reached #42 on the Amazon Legal Thriller 100 best seller list.

“The author…deftly manages the large cast of characters, so it’s easy to keep track of who’s who. Readers who like their fiction with a strong dose of inspiration and morality will like this outing,” says Kirkus Reviews.

While truth and trust may seem like old-fashioned themes for a contemporary novel, you only need to read or watch the news to see how hungry Americans have become for a story of trust and faith and values, says the Amazon bestselling author.

Kaufman sat down with TheImproper to talk about his two books and the characters he’s created.

TheImproper: Tell us a bit about “The Concealers” and how some of the characters from your previous book, “The Collectibles,” enter into the book?

Kaufman: “The Collectibles” story continues. Katherine Kelly, a young investigative journalist, searches for the father she never knew as she pursues a big bank fraud story. It’s all about “The lies we tell, the truth we seek.”

IM: You’ve experienced so much in your life; did it all factor into your writing?

Kaufman: In my writing, I draw heavily from my interactions with people from widely diverse backgrounds. I feel more comfortable writing about the things I know and have experienced.

IM: Tell us a bit about your time as a lawyer; what was the one thing you learned from that experience?

Kaufman: The importance of listening carefully to achieve depth and clarity of understanding.

IM: Tell us a bit about Imaging The World?

Kaufman: ITW is changing global medicine through a revolutionary concept, integrating technology, training and community, to bring medical expertise and high quality health care to remote and under-served areas worldwide.

IM: It does seem that honesty is a trait that is in short supply. You’ve conducted your life with a profound sense of integrity.

Kaufman:Relationships matter, and trust, self-reliance, credibility and integrity are the most important assets.

IM: It seems our politicians have let us down in the integrity department; any comment on that?

Kaufman: We have only to read the papers today to see the extent of deceit and despair. Does the truth still matter? It should!

IM: What do you feel is the most significant crisis facing kids growing up today?

Kaufman: The absence of role models to instill them with passion and enhance their education and from whom they can learn self-reliance, credibility and integrity.

IM: Tell us who your favorite writers are and why?

Kaufman: David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin for their historical dimension and depth. Jeff Shaara and Sara Gruen for wonderful portraits of character and setting the scene. Elmore Leonard and Robert Parker for economy of words; Leonard was a particular favorite. It was such a shame we lost him.

IM: “The Concealers” is the second book in your trilogy … does the third have a name yet?

Kaufman: Yes, but I’d like it to be a surprise.

IM: The whole series could well be a movie; have your thought about casting yet?

Kaufman: Not yet.