Behind the Scenes of NCIS Star Mark Harmon’s New Book Ghost of Panama

Fans of NCIS have long been captivated by the show's depiction of the dedicated work of special agents. Now, the stars of the series are bringing real-life stories to life through their book series, starting with Ghost of Honolulu and their latest release, Ghost of Panama. In an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview, the creators discuss the journey of transitioning from television to writing and the unique aspects of their latest book.

From NCIS to the Page: A Seamless Transition

For 18 years Mark Harmon played Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the hit show NCIS. During that time Leon Carroll Jr. served as the show’s technical director. For the pair, transitioning from working together on-screen to collaborating as authors has felt natural. The pair discussed how their on-screen dynamic translated smoothly into their book-writing process, as they continued to explore real-life cases.

Their bond as colleagues on NCIS helped form a solid foundation for their new creative endeavor. As they venture into storytelling through books, their goal is to bring real, impactful experiences to a wider audience.

Ghost of Panama vs. Ghost of Honolulu: What’s New?

Building on the success of Ghost of Honolulu, their second book, Ghost of Panama, takes the storytelling to a more contemporary setting, featuring real agents who were involved in Panama. Unlike their first book, which relied heavily on extensive research, the second book benefits from the firsthand experience of one of the authors, who was there during the events.

The authors also discussed how they were able to include stories from families of agents in this new book. While the first book focused solely on the agents themselves, Ghost of Panama takes a more rounded approach by adding family dynamics and perspectives, making the story even more compelling and human.

The Impact of NCIS on Public Awareness of Real-Life Agents

When asked how it feels to bring these real-life stories to a broader audience, the authors reflected on how much public awareness has changed since the beginning of NCIS.

The success of the NCIS show has done more than entertain—it has significantly boosted morale within the agency, giving public recognition to the hard work and dedication of the real-life special agents who perform this vital work behind the scenes. However, they emphasize that while the TV series has brought attention to the agency, it is still important to remember that real NCIS agents are quiet professionals who rarely make headlines.

This new book series serves as a way to shed light on the stories that might otherwise go untold, giving a voice to individuals who are often overlooked by the public.

A New Chapter in Storytelling

Harmon and Carroll Jr. are already planning for more books to continue sharing real-life stories of NCIS agents. For now, Ghosts of Panama offers readers a fascinating and emotional journey through the lives of those who work tirelessly to protect and serve.

Whether you’re a long-time NCIS fan or someone curious about the true stories behind the show, this book series offers a rare glimpse into the real-life heroes behind the badge.