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Introduction

Some time in April, Susan sent me an email asking me if I'd publish a review she'd written. I took some time to reply because, at the time, my little dachshund had passed away. When I told her what had happened, she was very lovely and told me something I'll never forget: with time the pain will become less, but the bond lasts forever. Since then, we've been keeping in touch and I asked if she'd agree to be interviewed. I was glad she did and here's her story.

Aneeta: Susan, thank you for agreeing to this interview.

Susan: You’re welcome Aneeta, thank you for asking me.

Aneeta: Let’s start with something about you. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now and what do you do for a living?

Susan: I was born in a little village called Little Waltham in Essex, U.K. I spent most of my childhood in Hatfield Peverel in Essex where my parents still live. Now, however, I live between Le Mans and Tours in the northwest of France. I am a writer and I review and promote books for authors worldwide.

Aneeta: No doubt, we both love dogs. So, please tell me a story that come to mind about one of your pets.

Susan: One funny incident will actually be in the sequel to Toby’s Tails, which I am writing at the present. Toby was only about 9 months old, it was spring and we went to a lovely picnic area, in the forests, which surrounds us. There is a large lake there, with the picnic area side edged in concrete. Toby had been there before, but was running around and forgot the lake because it was covered in Duckweed, [which made it appear as green as the new seasons grass]. He ran straight into the lake, he didn’t falter he just swam in a circle and swam back towards me, I helped him out over the concrete edge and he covered us both in the bright green Duckweed.

Aneeta: I understand you’ve written a few books. Can you please describe each one for me?

Susan: Toby’s Tails was my first book published in paperback. Quintessentially, it is a story about Toby our Border Collie’s life and adventures starting on the farm where he was born and continuing here on our smallholding. However, it is full of information about wildlife, dogs , farm animals and how they think, French traditions, and our local region. Originally, I wrote it for older children but I have found adults love it too.

Billy & Daisy’s Big Adventure is the first in my Fantasy Farm Tales series on Kindle. Billy and Daisy are goat kids, one day they escape but the adventure isn’t quite as much fun as they imagined… Will Toby be able to find them?

The second in the series is The Chicken Patrol, is about a hen who loses her chick, a fox might be about the flock decide – it’s Toby to the rescue…

All three books have many photographs in them of our animals here.

Aneeta: I see, also, that you offer to write reviews about books. Can you please tell me how this works?

Susan: Well Aneeta, I have always loved reading books and on a wide range of subjects. I had been writing reviews before I started my reviews and promotions site. However, after Toby’s Tails was published I realised how, as an author, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start when it comes to getting your book noticed. Therefore, I decided to offer a review service, which not gives an honest review but also posts that review on the books selling sites, book lovers’ sites such as Goodreads, places where publishers and buyers would look for new talent and I also submit them to subject related magazines if appropriate. Now I am very happy working for authors across the globe reviewing their books and  promoting them worldwide.

Aneeta: As you know, this website caters to storytellers. What advice would you give to those who would like to venture into storytelling?

Susan: It’s nothing new I’m afraid Aneeta, simply write about what you know, have experienced or am passionate about. For example, I have a lifelong love of animals. I can remember spending hours with my granddad around the fields, with our dog, being shown the local wildlife. Therefore, it is very important to me that my books, I hope, transport the reader into another world where the natural world around us is exciting, and that they understand that animals are not toys they are living, feeling and they do have souls.

Aneeta: Susan, this is all I have to ask. Is there anything you’d like to add?

Susan: Yes, I would just like to say that in my humble opinion if a writer enjoys writing that should be paramount. Toby’s Tails and the books, which follow, I have thoroughly enjoyed writing, whether they become bestsellers is not important, indeed I did not sit down to write them they just happened. In my books there survives pieces of me and those I love, both animal and human being able to put them down on paper, I feel, is a wonderful privilege and one I know you will understand.

Aneeta: Thank you, Susan.

This piece may NOT be freely reprinted. Please contact editor @ howtotellagreatstory.com for reprint rights. Click here to return to the index of interviews on 'Blow Your Own Trumpet!'

About Gerald Patrick:

Coming of age in tumultious times, Gerald Patrick has mixed life's experiences with an imagination and actuality to spin a tale of intrigue fullfilling a challenge to himself.

Conscripted into the United States Army in 1969, Gerald relates trials of being an infantry soldier from the jungles of Vietnam, to the post war street drugs that continue to plague our society today.

Raised by a single parent in Detroit, he credits the never quit attitude of the working class to move himself through life and strive to always do more.

Privatized into leaving a 28 year career as a public school maintenance woker, he began this personal endeavor while relocating to rebound from a career change.

As with true life's events, Gerald takes us through harrowing times of his characters and proves love and work combine to overcome the worst of times living presents.

About the book: 

Inside the unforgiving jungles of the Amazon rain forest a Bolivian drug lord and human trafficker, Eduardo Enrique, adds the daughter of a United States Congressman to his "collection" of women. Major Dominic Lopez, is tasked to lead a unique squad of Special Forces into the the mercenary protected jungle to extract the women from his clutches and end the tyranny perpetrated on the souls of innocent lives. Even when it appears the forces of nature turn against the commander, he finds the means necessary to assure the mission's success.

The book opens with Captain Lopez, U.S. Special Forces hiding deep in the Amazon jungle, watching - the object of his observations is Eduardo Enrique, Bolivian drug lord and human trafficker.

Eduardo is a self-made man, a man who has learnt his lessons in the school of life and hard knocks. Having built up his empire with the help of his lifelong friend Benito, he is now rich, living the life of a playboy feeling secure in the knowledge that he’s surrounded by loyal staff and mercenaries, after all, is there anything money can’t buy?

With the scars of his life visible for all to see, and never having been a handsome man, he learns the hard way that women will use him, take advantage of his money, but in the end, they leave. However, a man with his extensive resources at his fingertips is not going to let this interfere with his fun, there are ways round everything, you just have to apply your mind and eventually a solution becomes apparent.

Then a U.S. Representatives daughter, celebrating her graduation with friends goes missing on holiday in Cancun, Mexico, her disappearance draws the attention of those in high places and her name is added to an existing list of missing women.

Politics is a clever game, politicians are always looking for opportunities, never missing the chance to shine as a hero to the American people, to stand out and be remembered for doing good. This is one such occasion, and combined with the added accolade of being seen to make a stand against the world of drug smuggling, its importance cannot be missed. Soon those who are in charge are making plans and the newly promoted Major Lopez, a man who is already up to speed with the subject, is given the task of handpicking a team of top Special Forces operatives to join him in this mission.

Soon the team find themselves deep in the heart of Bolivia, far into the Amazon rainforest, their mission underway, aware that they will be facing danger, both from nature and the powerful drug lord whose domain they are about to enter...

Written by an ex soldier, the military detail in this book is extensive and fascinating. I found myself transported deep into this dangerous world by the author’s highly descriptive writing and absorbing storyline in this action packed exciting epic novel.

Review by Susan Keefe

(26 September 2013)

The newest addition to the “Chronicles of Elantra” series by Michelle Sagara is Cast in Sorrow. Since the previous book, Cast in Peril, was a giant cliffhanger and left many fans frustrated, I was pleased to discover that the beginning of Cast in Sorrow was very “in the moment.” It did not waste several pages on review, but rather jumped right into the thick of things. If readers had previously grown weary of Elantra (although I am hard-pressed to see how), this latest installment will intrigue and entertain with its unexplored territory. The entire book was action-packed and only once did I grow impatient at a slightly prolonged description.

In Cast in Sorrow, Kaylin continues her journey to the West March, accompanied by a mixture of friends, allies, and enemies. They reach their destination fairly quickly, although of course their arrival is nothing like Kaylin expected. The West March introduces several new characters into the storyline—some of whom fall under the ally heading, and others definitely not—and lays a number of new and interesting difficulties at Kaylin’s feet. Through these events, we learn much about the diversity in culture between the West March and the High Halls in Elantra. These differences prompt Kaylin to further examine her part in the greater scheme of things, to consider the roles of others, and take on new perspectives. From the beginning of the series, readers have watched Kaylin grow into an adult; in the previous book one caught glimpses of her newfound—and hard-earned—maturity , but in Cast in Sorrow there is a sense that she has stepped fully into adulthood. Of course, being mortal, this brings its own set of problems, which adds additional interest to the storyline.

Readers will be further pleased that Cast in Sorrow is not only interesting, it also does a great job of explaining and wrapping up plot threads from previous books (finally!). As the Regalia does not occur until near the end of the book, there is plenty of time for Kaylin to stumble into more trouble—and in the process make new discoveries about the Lost Barrani children and their connections to such characters as Teela and Nightshade. She also gains insight into the Consort’s uniqueness, Severn’s history with the Barrani, and exactly what that flying lizard is all about.

Although the Regalia takes place near the end of the book, and could easily wrap up the story, the author throws her fans a bone with the last few pages. They read like an epilogue, and while very much a part of the previous story, lead so much into the next that one almost expects it to continue. In classic Sagara style, one short conversation brings so many intriguing possibilities forth that readers will be itching for the next book—and discussing this one until it comes out.

Overall, I thought Cast in Sorrow accomplished what it set out to do. There is a lot of explanation and enlightenment about certain events in Kaylin’s world, but the tone of this book matches its predecessors. While the reading may be gentle enough in outward action to suit for a YA crowd, there is no timidity in dealing with real and complex matters of an internal variety. Issues of trust, hope, loss, duty, compassion, and the line between good and evil are all worked seamlessly into the storyline to engage the reader on multiple levels. The self-reflection and evaluation bring a real-life quality to a series based in another world, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Review by Ashley Esther

(Co-administrator for Fans of Michelle Sagara West - fansofmsw.com.)

(21 August 2013)

What Makes a Good Story?

Successful storytellers have a variety of opinions about what makes a good story. Keep in mind that not everyone will love, or even like, our story. Not everyone will love, or even like, us as storytellers. I will attempt, however, to discuss what I feel creates a good story that is strong and that most listeners do enjoy and remember — the true test.

A good story is one that touches people in some way. As storytellers, our mission is to involve the audience, make them interact with us and the story, even if it is just in their thoughts or core. A really good story has a sense of truth and resonates with some basic universal aspects of being human. It doesn’t have to be profound, but a good story should move the listener, make him/her laugh, think, and ponder it afterward.

A good story has to have substance. Storytellers often talk about the “bones” of a story. This is the basic outline or its skeleton. If the skeletal structure is strong and it fits snugly, chances are you have a good story. Sometimes the story has lots of pieces, but no deep truth running through it — no backbone or substance. Even young listeners want to hear a story with direction and purpose. (We, as storytellers, should never talk down to our listeners, no matter how old or young they are.)

A good story needs conflict and resolution. Stories are made up of people, places, and happenings. Strong stories usually have a well-defined main character — a he, a she, an animal, a machine, or whatever — that encounters some kind of trouble (conflict). There is something blocking our protagonist, whether it is nature, another person, or even the main character him or herself. The action taken signifies personal growth and change — possibly an “ah ha!” — and finally, some sort of redemption. It is the believable action moving the story from beginning to middle to end that keeps the audience entranced. They want to know what’s going to happen.

A good story creates vivid images. Through our knowing, as the storyteller, what vivid images the story creates for us, we will create images for our listeners. They may not see the same images we see and imagine, and that is the exciting part of storytelling. We want them to imagine their own images that relate to them and their experiences as the story unfolds. This is the part that makes interaction so important. If our stories help the listener to think of his/her own stories, we have succeeded in igniting a storytelling spark.

A good story is not “wimpy.” In the excellent book The Storyteller’s Guide by Bill Mooney and David Holt (one of our book picks), many well known storytellers give their views on what makes a “wimpy story.” Michael Parent says, “The difference between a good story and a wimpy story for me is the wimpy story gives too easy a solution.” Laura Simms says, “A wimpy story is one that points toward something very obvious, that doesn’t have resonance inside, that doesn’t provide an experience.” Jon Spelman says, “To me, the strongest mark of a good story well-told is its sincerity. I think there is something about a wimpy story that is insincere; it’s unauthentic. It’s not true to the person who is telling it.” Kathryn Windham adds, “When you find interesting people, you are going to find interesting stories. I think, if you open your senses and maybe even your heart to people, you will find an unending source of un-wimpy stories, good strong stories.”

A good story is the story that is perfect for your audience. I already touched on this briefly, and we will have many more articles in the future about listeners. One of our most important tasks as a storyteller is to prepare properly for our audience, but then read them as we tell. We must keep in tune with the listeners and change direction if we aren’t connecting. Storyteller Ed Stivender is a master of this when he asks for audience members to call out a name of a character, a name of a time and place, and a popular story. On the spot he pulls them all together and creates an improvisational story that the audience definitely feels is the “perfect” story for them.

A good story is a story that you love and love to tell. Never, never, never, tell a story you don’t like, even if a client has requested it. As a storyteller, we are never on the outside looking in as we tell the story. We are a part of the story. We have internalized that story and we truly care about it. We can’t do that, if we don’t like the story.

Keep on telling your good stories, and they will become better and stronger with each telling! No wimpy stories for us!

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What Makes Storytelling Artistic

There are some ideas about storytelling that have concerned me for quite some time. Those ideas are “…the power of storytelling lies with the story itself, and not the storyteller, dramatics, or any of the trappings of theater” and “A good story is a work of art all by itself.”

Yes, “A good story is a work of art all by itself.” and I contend that work of art is writing, not storytelling. When the story can stand alone and loses absolutely nothing by standing alone, that is writing not storytelling. So what makes storytelling artistic?

Storytelling demands the intersection of story, teller, and audience Yes, the story must be a good story worthy of the time given to it by teller and listener, but what distinguishes storytelling from the writer and reader relationship?

For storytelling to be artistic something must be happening that would be lost without the presence of all three – story, teller, and listener. I believe the words should not be able to stand alone (as they do with the writer/reader relationship). The teller should be conveying something through body and/or voice and/or gesture and/or timing and/or facial expression that is not conveyed if one only had the words. Note, this does not require screeches and flinging oneself all over the stage “a gaudy framework” but it does require more than simply speaking the words. I think the story for telling should be constructed with sensitivity to the mode of delivery which, with storytelling, is more than the words alone, so there’s more to storytelling than “a good story.”

In storytelling the presence of the listener should impact the telling. Unlike reading, where the reader can slow down or even turn back and re-read a passage for increased clarity or begin skimming if a section seems to warrant a faster pace, the story listeners receive the story at a pace set by the teller. A good teller watches the listeners and makes changes during the telling to match how the specific group of listeners present see to need/want the story to come to them.

Unlike reading, where no matter how many times a reader returns to a story, the delivery will always be the same (the same words and same punctuation), storytelling is dynamic, not frozen. Each telling of a story should be a new event because the listeners are not exactly the same, the environment is not exactly the same, how the teller feels that day is not the same, the teller’s voice and body will not be exactly as they were in the previous telling of the story.

This relationship between teller, story, and listener is the heart of our art. Storytelling suffers when any one of the three is seen as over-riding the others. All three must be given importance in the act of storytelling. An excellent delivery cannot make up for a poor story. An excellent story cannot make up for a poor delivery. The presence of the listeners allows the story to be told in the first place; excellent story and excellent telling cannot make up for the absence of listeners (I’m not talking about size of audience; I’m referring to the presence of a listener.).

In fact, I think there is no way to duplicate what happens when story, teller and listener come together. Moreover, I believe we practice an ephemeral art. It’s here; then it’s over, and it’s gone. I’m not saying the telling of stories has no lasting impact; I’m just saying the art as a whole (story, teller, and listener together) cannot be duplicated. This has been the source of both great joy and great sadness for me over the years.

Recently, I was telling an Appalachian version of The Three Pigs. After the first pig was visited by the fox and died, when the later pigs heard a knock at the door and said, “Who is it?” the audience replied “Fox.” So I did not say “Fox” nor did I say, “And Fox replied, ‘It’s me, Fox.'” Instead I had pig respond by telling Fox to go away. If I were to record the story, I would not leave a blank space, assuming the listeners would call out “Fox” when the pig asks “Who is it?” nor did I specifically plan to tell the story that way. But when the audience calls out, as they did, I am going to go with the telling of the tale as it is spinning out(and the audience has indeed made an impact on how the story is told).

I contend the relationship of audience and teller to one another and to the story is at the heart of our art form. And I don’t mind one bit if others want to disagree with me. This has been a soap box I’ve been thinking about for quite some time now, and stayed silent about. However,now I’m talking, and I don’t mind the disagreement.

P.S. I do see the creation of recordings by storytellers as a different art form than storytelling. The story does become frozen and the listener is absent (even in a live recording, the listener listening to the recording is still absent and cannot impact the telling), so it becomes a different art. And no, I do not have a name for this other art form. And yes, I’ll still let folks know when I have the stories I tell available on recordings and will sell those recordings with no disclaimers stating “this isn’t really storytelling, but something else I have no name for” even though I quite firmly believe that is what my recordings are.

Mary Hamilton, from Frankfort, Kentucky, tells stories in her straight-forward “just talking” style, serving up an eclectic repertoire of Kentucky tales, world folktales, true stories, myths, tall tales, and original fiction. All ages listen, imagine, and create worlds. You may learn more about her by visiting http://www.maryhamilton.info or reach her at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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About the Author: I was born in 1935 and I grew up in Queens, New York. I started writing at the age of 75 hoping to raise money to send my grandchildren to better schools. In the past three years I've written 12 books and 6 short stories. Right now I'm working on The Starlight Club 5. After that I'm considering writing a sequel to the Lone Jack Kid which is a finalist in the 2013 Readers Favorite book contest. The Starlight Club won the silver in the 2012 eLit TRUE CRIME category, and is a finalist in the Readers Favorite 2013 book contest. My short story FIRE: Box 598 is also a finalist in the Readers Favorite short story category.

Go figure. If I would have known I could write a good story, I would have started my writing career a half century ago.

About the book: Every firefighter has a treasure trove of interesting stories to tell and the stories more often than not are instructional as well as exciting. When I was a firefighter, I kept notes of the fires I responded to. Now that I am retired, I have reflected on my career as a firefighter and have written a book about the men alongside whom I worked, facing dangerous situations daily.

This book is a compilation of five FIRE short stories written between 1964 and 1972, from notes I wrote after returning from fires. FIRE: Box 598 tells the tragic story where 12 New York City firefighters lost their lives in a fire. The short book won the Readers Favorite 2013 award in the short story category. FIRE: Trapped on the Fourth Floor takes place in the mid 1960s and was written from notes I took after the fire. While the story was still fresh in my mind, I added a sub-story about a friend of mine who I worked with in the FDNY. While searching through boxes I hadn’t opened in decades, I came across notes about the day I drove my buddy Joe Black to the hospital and I decided to honor his memory by including a few words about what happened that day in this short story. FIRE: The Bouncing Lieutenant occurred at the Keneret Restaurant cellar fire on Jane Street in lower Manhattan and was taken from notes written by me almost a half century ago. As I wrote this story, the memories of that night came flooding back in vivid detail. I hope that I have successfully captured and conveyed the drama of the moment to the reader.

FIRE: The Broadway Central Hotel. FIRE: Mutual Aid

***

Best collection of fire fighting short stories ever!

This book is a collection of five short stories written by Joe Corso, a retired fire fighter from notes he compiled whilst in service.

Whether you want a glimpse into the true life of a fire fighter, or are just looking for a fantastic collection of stories, this is definitely the book for you!

The author has an amazing ability to bring his stories to life, his vivid descriptions of the locations, situations and emotions felt has you sitting on the edge of your seat, itching to turn the page to find the outcome and yet not wanting the story to end.

Each story is completely different, but all contain the crew of Engine 24 of the FDNY to whom the book is dedicated.

This is a compelling collection of short stories. I finished them feeling that I had been allowed a privileged insight not only into the very real dangerous world of a fire fighter, but also, that I had been able to feel the sense of the comradeship, dedication, duty and loyalty to fellow workers they share.

I hope the author continues to write more FIRE stories for his number one fan!

Review by Susan Keefe

(8 August 2013)

Brief bio: Carla J. Hanna is the author of the STARLET SERIES young adult romance. A former housewife of Santa Monica, marketing communications executive, and graduate of Colorado State University with a Master of Arts, she lives in Colorado with her family.

Can a teen actress and a Tim Tebow stand up to Hollywood's web of lies? A fast read with plot twists.

***

As soon as I started reading this book I realised it would appeal immensely to many girls in their teens and twenties.

Set in Hollywood it has all the glitz of a Jackie Collins novel but with a young adult storyline.

Marie Michael’s is a child star emerging into adulthood amidst the cutthroat cynical film industry, under the guidance of her very famous actor mother. A woman who has herself had to make hard choices and decisions in order to become successful, and make her career flourish in the spider’s web of Hollywood.

The story begins with Marie learning from her handsome heartthrob star boyfriend Evan that she has to accept the studio’s decision for them to endure a public break-up, for the sake of her career. Devastated, immediately we discover her vulnerability as she turns to her lifelong friend Manuel for comfort.

A child star and still a teenager, she has great support on set from her mother both emotionally and spiritually, fantastic prospects, and a great team behind her. However, Marie’s love lies elsewhere, away from Hollywood, forbidden and secret, safe in a world so different from her own.

Weaved into the pages of this exciting novel are glimpses of the show business world. We are treated to peeps on set, and an insight into what life is really like in Hollywood behind the glamorous facade, the strict training schedules, fitness and food routines and dedication it takes to be a star.

The story follows Marie as she discovers how to handle the emotional and physical demand of her acting career, the Hollywood scene, and the attentions of her handsome heartthrob co-stars who are used to adoration wherever they go. This is a false world, where emotions are for show, and the actors spend their whole life acting out their part, portraying the image, which is expected of them by their fans.

Starting as a sizzling romantic Hollywood novel, full of heartthrobs and glitz, this enthralling story evolves in a surprising way, when Marie makes a startling discovery, the repercussions of which are unforeseen. With the love and support of those around her, she evaluates her life, and through her strong sense of family and her faith in God, finds the ability to face the future, and go forward with her life.

This is a very appealing young adult novel with a great storyline, strong characters and a good plot; I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Review by Susan Keefe

(8 August 2013)

An old undersea cemetery, a secret love, mystery and intrigue await you in PELICAN BAY. Jesse Giles Christiansen has written a well-crafted story of suspense that will keep you turning pages!

Part suspense novel, part literary mystery, Pelican Bay is an original story set in a small, forlorn beach town in South Carolina.

The tale begins with our young protagonist, Ethan Hodges, discovering a sunken cemetery just off the beach that could very well be four centuries old. Compelled to find answers, he begins to ask questions to an old, quirky fisherman named Captain Shelby, a man thought crazy by the town. However, it soon becomes clear that the old grandfatherly figure wants the past to remain buried, and he doesn’t waste time in making that clear to Ethan.

Of course, Ethan doesn’t listen, in spite of the fact that “the old man guards that spot like a great secret — a secret perhaps he’d kill to protect.”

Morgan Olinsworth, a beautiful girl Ethan has loved ever since he can remember, joins in the investigation, and soon the young couple begin to unearth secrets, secrets that are better left hidden under the sea…

Then, Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, and it isn’t long before unsettling discoveries are made, discoveries that shock Pelican Bay.

The South Carolina coast comes to life in this well-written, well-crafted story by Jesse Giles Christiansen. I was engrossed from the start by the sense of mystery, as well as by the magical, eerie sound of the sea. Ethan and Morgan are sympathetic characters and I loved the eccentric wisdom and quirkiness of Captain Shelby. The author did an excellent job with the old fisherman’s mannerisms and use of dialect.

The tone and atmosphere gave me a haunting feeling about old secrets better left untouched. If you’re looking for a different mystery, give this one a try. Recommended.

Review by Mayra Calvani

(July 2013)

About Gabriel Valjan:

Ronan Bennett short-listed Gabriel Valjan for the 2010 Fish Short Story Prize for his Boston noir, ‘Back in the Day.’ Gabriel’s short stories and some of his poetry continue to appear in literary journals and online magazines. He recently won first prize in ZOUCH Magazine’s inaugural Lit Bits Contest. He lives in New England. He is the author of the Roma Series, Book 1: Roma, Underground, Book 2: Wasp's Nest, and Book 3: Threading the Needle, available from his publisher, Winter Goose Publishing, and in paperback or digital format from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Gabriel can be contacted through his publicist, Rachel Anderson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Wasp's Nest:

In the highly anticipated sequel to Roma, Underground, Bianca returns to the U.S. for her former employer, the covert organization Rendition, to investigate Cyril Sargent and Nasonia Pharmaceutical. Although ambivalent about the assignment and uneasy about her online "friend," Loki, she is enticed into researching what Sargent is doing with insect genetics that might upset the world of cancer research and treatment. Old friends Farrugia and Gennaro uncover a twisted conspiracy from their past and join Bianca in Boston where they will experience conflicted loyalties, question allies, and confront uncertain enemies, as they're drawn into the wasp's nest.

In this, the second book in the Roma Series, the story opens with Alabaster Black (alias Bianca Nerini) returning from Rome to Boston, Massachusetts, leaving behind her lover, Dante, and friends in Rome, Italy.

Rendition, her employer, a covert U.S. agency, has persuaded her to infiltrate Nasonia Pharmaceuticals, a drug manufacturing company owned by Cyril Sargent. Nasonia, is working on a revolutionary new drug using insect-based genetics to develop a new cancer-cure and Rendition want to know more.

Then, when Farrugia and Gennaro, her friends from the Rome, arrive in Boston for another reason, she discovers that leaving the past behind is not as simple as just getting on a plane; they bring some disturbing news for her, ghosts from the past have resurfaced...

I found Wasp's Nest a compelling reading, action-packed and with intriguing characters. The plot had plenty of twists and turns, some surprising secrets, and it kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing until the very end.

Gabriel Valjan includes a tantalising glimpse into Book 3 of the Roma Series, Threading the Needle which I had read first, but I realized that the author created each volume independent of each other.

Review by Susan Keefe

(28 October 2013)