Supreme Betrayal follows a woman who was assaulted and years later finds out that her attacker is nominated for the Supreme Court, and is determined to stop him. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling novel?

The novel was, obviously, inspired by the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and other similar high-powered sexual assault cases. Literary Titan has reviewed my past work and reviewers know that I like to begin my novels with action sequences. Supreme Betrayal is no different. I researched dozens of actual sexual assault cases and testimony in those cases, especially those involving men or power and influence. The “party scene” at the beginning of the book is a compilation of those real cases, including the events testified to in the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

Hayley is a strong woman and represents young woman who often get caught in a bad situation. What were some obstacles you felt defined her character in your story?

Hayley’s “obstacles” are the same as any ordinary young woman who faces off against well-financed, politically placed, entitled, white men. She feels powerless against the rich and powerful and a criminal justice system that looks the other way for those in power. She, like the real women her character is based on, feels guilt and shame—”How could I be so stupid? How could I put myself in this situation?” Victims of sexual assault often blame themselves rather than their predators. For Hayley, “looking the other way” became a way to cope and move on, even though the events of her youth effected her relationships, even her marriage. The possible elevation of her assaulter, this sexual predator, is a bridge too far, and she decides to tackle the issue head on.

What were some challenges you set for yourself as a writer for this book?

I like to think I am a fair-minded, politically neutral writer. I am a staunch advocate of social justice causes. The challenge is to present important social justice issues, depict how the criminal and civil justice systems might handle these issues, try to present multiple perspectives, including political ramifications, and try not to display bias. What happened to Hayley could have happened to anyone.

When and where will this book be available?

Supreme Betrayal will be available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all online booksellers, as well as on my website at http://www.markmbello.com

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Teenagers in various state of inebriation and consciousness packed the Walnut Lakefront home in West Bloomfield.

Hayley Larson wasn’t a bad girl; she wasn’t even a party girl. However, she was tired of always doing everything her parents ordered. They certainly would not approve of her being at this party.

Exiting an upstairs bathroom, Hayley was startled to see Oliver Wilkinson and Shane Marbury standing on the other side of the door. Barely coherent, seriously drunk, high, or stoned, the young men blocked her.

Over the next twenty years, Hayley told no one what happened behind closed doors that night. That is until now.

Oliver Wilkinson is the President’s nominee for a vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Hayley Larson can’t let that happen.

But Wilkinson will stop at nothing for a seat on the court . . . NOTHING!