At 81, Tom Denham might be a bit older than most first-time authors.

But the former fighter pilot isn’t letting his age stop him from writing a story he finds very gratifying.

His book, “PIOT,” published in June, follows the adventures of Scott Wilson, a depressed pilot living in the Bahamas after his wife died of cancer.

“PIOT,” which stands for Peace In Our Time, is a novel with action, adventure, geopolitical intrigue and American exceptionalism — all aspects Denham likes in the books he reads.

“Why I started to write it is I would sit and watch the news in the morning,” Denham said. “It was so frustrating to see this great country of ours take these slaps across the face and not do anything about it.”

So Denham’s characters, including mysterious entrepreneur Mr. R, resolve to take things into their own hands.

Mr. R and his secretive corporation have designed a prototype fighter, a saucer-shaped plane with which PIOT will operate an independent air force. Denham’s plot centers around taking down terrorists and the countries supporting terrorists.

Part of this includes inciting incidents between China and North Korea and backing Iran back from the brink.

Denham first started writing the book in 2008, and as events unfolded around the world, he inserted more facets and problems for the protagonists.

According to the author, the response to the book has been fantastic.

“I’ve got some reviews on Amazon already saying good things,” he said. “How can you not be encouraged when people are already asking about a sequel?”

Raised in Michigan, Denham went to college at Miami University and joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating.

He was a pilot with Strategic Air Command, flying a B-47 Stratojet carrying atomic weapons in case of a Soviet attack. This gave him much of his experience for piloting that is reflected in the novel, along with a lifelong distrust of communism.

He and his wife, Betty, moved to the Flathead Valley more than 25 years ago. When he’s not writing, Denham spends most of his time caring for his ailing wife.

“PIOT” is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble for around $17 and for Kindle and Nook for $4. Denham took hard copies of the novel to booksellers around the Flathead to pique interest. He hopes to stock his book with local sellers.

“I will admit, it is not an intellectually stimulating novel,” Denham said. “But as a reader told me, it sure is fun to read.”

He said he has already written “two whole pages” of a sequel to “PIOT.”

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.