Blog Archives
Unwind The Empire He Built
86 The Chef follows a celebrity chef cracking under the weight of ambition, exhaustion, and emotional disconnection, who seeks the help of his little brother to escape. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up during the heyday of Emeril Live and other seminal Food Network shows, and worked in some restaurants and catering kitchens. Ultimately, I pursued creative writing over culinary school, but cooking has always been an important part of my life. It just made sense that my first book would be rooted in that knowledge and passion.
The inspiration for this story came out of a single question- What would happen if one of the world’s most famous celebrity chefs needed to unwind the empire he built? I wanted to explore how one would go about that, and if those lengths would be funny or tragic, and if it could even be accomplished in the end. I can tell you that the book turned out completely differently than I thought when I first asked myself that question.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
I am the middle of three boys, so there is certainly some experience written into the ways the Chapman brothers interact. My favorite scenes are when they are all together, like at the unnamed bar or the big family dinner at the end of the book. The characters themselves are, in a way, thought experiments on what my future could have been if I had chosen to pursue a career in food or cooking somehow. Not that I would have even sniffed the success or celebrity of Trey, but I could imagine a life where I was a food critic. And although I don’t have the constitution for crime, it’s fun to wonder what a life traveling the world and smuggling delicacies would be like.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family was a major theme because it’s one of the reasons that drives the drastic moves Trey makes. But I also wanted to put a spotlight on ambition. There aren’t any checks on his ascent. Trey doesn’t pump the brakes at all when he’s building his empire, which is why he must go to such extraordinary lengths to get out of it. Jackson and Joey also tackle ambition, or lack of it. What do you want to do? Why is that important? What happens if it doesn’t work out? What happens if it does? Those are the questions they all eventually get around to asking themselves and answering.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I am in the process of writing a sequel to 86 The Chef. While some of the storylines are resolved, there is still a lot more to explore with the Chapman brothers. The biggest question being “What happens to Trey after he…” (I don’t want to spoil the ending of the original.) It will probably be available late summer or early fall. Fans can join the mailing list by emailing rooster@woosterstreetpublishing.com to be among the first to know.
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It Still Mesmerizes Me
Upon This Rock is a genre-bending mystery that follows a gay American couple in Italy, as their vacation unravels into a gripping chase through ancient secrets, Vatican conspiracies, and personal reckonings. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In 2014, my husband, Alfredo, and I went to Orvieto – sight unseen – having done a house-swap with a couple who had an apartment there. Alfredo and I had just lost our four best friends in less than 2 years. We were their caregivers, and were exhausted. We turned over our clients to a colleague for 4 months and took, what we thought, would be a sabbatical. On our first day in Orvieto, we were taken to dinner by an Orvietani who told us the true story of a young local deacon who had committed suicide after having been denied the priesthood on the rumor that he was gay. We arrived on the actual anniversary of his suicide, and the entire town, still, was talking about it. As someone who in my youth had seriously considered religious orders, I became both angry and obsessed by the story. At the same time, we heard of a local scandal involving a Catholic bishop who had granted use of one of Orvieto’s chuches to a woman Episcopal priest for her mainly expat congregation. When I found out that 500 years earlier Orvieto was where Medici Pope Clement VII fled following the Sack of Rome, and it was here that he received the emissaries from England’s King Henry VIII asking for a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, something “clicked” in my brain. The idea of a centuries-spanning mystery involving the Church came in an instant. I started writing like crazy – and doing a lot of research. The historical instances mentioned in the book – Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and WWII – are all accurate. Orvieto has seen a lot, and it still mesmerizes me. We visit annually now. Alfredo said to me once that actually “Orvieto itself is a character in your book.”
How did you approach balancing humor and grief in Lee’s character without losing emotional depth?
Grief is not linear, nor does any one person grieve the same way. Like all couples, Lee and Adriano share their own secret “language” and humor. So, it seemed natural to me, that even when speaking of serious subjects, they would still speak as they always did. Sometimes, humor entered in. Also, as a literary device, any story dealing with murder, political intrigue and suicide needs to have a bit of leavening. One of my favorite characters to write was “Lady Peg.” Just her appearance in any scene, I hoped, would induce a chuckle.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Ultimately, I think Upon This Rock is about redemption, and forgiveness. Without giving away the plot, every character in the book that is from Orvieto, feels guilt or responsibility for the apparent suicide of Andrea. Also, the protagonists have their own demons. Lee feels guilt over the loss of his family. Adriano feels guilt at the estrangement from his family. Every character in the book – including a couple of popes – has to face their own human frailty and ego. Everyone needs to forgive someone, and in turn, forgive themselves. Additionally, as someone who has friends who are suicide survivors, and also knows people who have taken their own lives, the idea of finding hope during despair is important. At one point in the novel, the number for a local suicide help line is given. It’s a real number – not a fiction.
What kind of research did you do to weave historical papal intrigue into a modern-day thriller?
The short answer is – a lot. I love history, all history, and I have a mind for remembering dates and characters. I spent countless hours reading, digging through Orvieto’s library; taking the train to Rome to go through the Vatican museum, and frankly, just talking to lots of people – historians, other writers, locals who remembered Orvieto’s WWII history – that was, and is, the most fun. It’s also the greatest challenge: stopping research and actually getting down to writing. There was a good deal of history that got left on the cutting room floor. If I’m totally honest with myself, some of the book is over-written because I just wanted to paint as accurate a picture of each period I described as possible. My new book, “Thorns of the 15 Roses”, is likewise inspired by a real event: a massacre during the early days of the Spanish Civil War in the small Andalusian town of Grazalema. It takes place exactly ten years following the events in “Upon This Rock”, and once again finds Lee and Adriano – now in his home country, Spain – dealing with a centuries-spanning mystery, and a current day crime.
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“An elegant, twisty thriller in which a gay couple investigates a mysterious suicide in a scenic Italian hill town. It’s not hard to imagine that this book could do for Orvieto what Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil did for Savannah.” (Armistead Maupin, author of the internationally acclaimed Tales of the City)
An American couple in Italy investigate the suicide of a cleric in the picturesque Italian city of Orvieto—and find themselves plunged into a conspiracy that may destroy the Catholic Church. In the stunning thriller Upon This Rock, San Francisco business executive Lee Maury and his husband Adriano come to Orvieto to soak in the city’s beauty and rich history, but Lee becomes fascinated with a local tragedy, the suicide one year earlier of Deacon Andrea, a much-loved candidate for the priesthood.
Growing obsessed with learning the truth behind Andrea’s death, Lee and Adriano stumble upon a conspiracy of terrorism, human trafficking, and a plot to destroy one of the Church’s most sacred shrines—all somehow linked across 500 years to Renaissance Pope Clement VII, who escaped to Orvieto after the sack of Rome in 1527. Before they know it, Lee and Adriano’s dream vacation becomes a race to save innocent lives—and not get killed in the process.
Whispers of the Forgotten – Chasing Shadows
Whispers of the Forgotten is a blend of mystery, adventure, and slow-burning suspense, wrapped in a heartfelt narrative about legacy, danger, and hidden truths. The story kicks off in a cozy bookstore and quickly spins into something much bigger: secret societies, ancient cities, and a mysterious artifact called the Heart of the Ancients. When Evelyn inherits the shop from her grandmother, she doesn’t expect to find a hidden letter that flips her world upside down. But she does. And from there, she’s pulled into a quest involving a forgotten city called Elara, a shadowy group called the Circle of the Serpent, and secrets buried deep in her family’s past.
I really loved how the book opened. The atmosphere of the bookstore, dusty, warm, and quiet, immediately hooked me. That first chapter was magic. It had this gentle sadness that lingered. The letter from Evelyn’s grandmother was deeply affecting, so intimate and emotionally charged that it sent a chill through me when she read the line, “You are the only one I trust…” In that moment, it became clear the story wasn’t merely about solving riddles or uncovering secrets; it was a poignant exploration of grief and the weight of inheritance. The scene with Demetri, the cat, silently observing from the shadows, added a subtle yet chilling layer of unease. It was an expertly executed moment that signaled something was wrong without resorting to melodrama.
Evelyn is compelling, smart, and emotionally grounded. Her reactions felt real. She’s not some fearless heroine out of the gate; she’s scared but curious, which I related to. Dr. Magnus, on the other hand, I had mixed feelings about. Dr. Magnus is a fascinating character; reserved, enigmatic, and intentionally complex. His composed demeanor and precise language create an air of mystery that adds tension and intrigue to every scene he’s in. When he offers Evelyn $2,000 to examine a set of documents, it’s a striking moment that underscores the urgency and significance of the quest ahead. The ambiguity surrounding his motives is skillfully crafted, inviting readers to remain engaged and curious about his true intentions. Michael and Julia, by contrast, bring warmth and groundedness to the narrative, and the introductions of Mei Ling and Mark hold great promise. Evelyn’s descriptions of them suggest they will add both emotional depth and essential skills to the team’s dynamic.
The pacing is excellent, with creepy notes, mysterious figures outside the window, and family secrets unfolding like a thriller, but it started to slow down a bit once the full team assembled. The detailed expedition briefings and in-depth discussions between characters enrich the story’s sense of realism and complexity. These moments provide valuable insight into the stakes, personalities, and motivations of the team, allowing the reader to fully grasp the magnitude of their mission. The thorough exposition ensures that every piece of the puzzle is thoughtfully laid out, building a strong foundation for the unfolding adventure. I appreciated the journal entries and letters from Lydia. Those gave the story so much heart and mystery. I especially liked the one that warned Evelyn not to trust anyone, not even allies. That moment was especially impactful. It introduced a sense of unease that lingered throughout the narrative, prompting continual questions about trust and motive. It deepened the suspense, encouraging the reader to remain alert to the possibility of hidden agendas and shifting loyalties.
Whispers of the Forgotten is a book that sneaks up on you. It starts small, gets personal, then blooms into a big adventure. It’s not just a mystery about an ancient artifact; it’s about inheritance, grief, and stepping into a destiny you didn’t ask for. It’s perfect for readers who like their adventure with a side of introspection, and who don’t mind a little shadowy weirdness creeping around the edges.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0F4NG3CX9
Movies and Anime
Always Bet on Death: The Griffin Knight Rises follows a sharp new detective transferred from Chicago to Long Island, who is thrown into a tangled web of casino politics, shady business deals, and buried secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted Griffin Knight to investigate a case in a different location. While I was inspired to create a book in a casino after having been in one myself multiple times, Casino Royale was another motivator to create this book. Rather than use Texas Hold ‘Em, I chose blackjack.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing Griffin Knight?
Griffin Knight is a morally good person. As a detective, he plays by the book and wants justice to be served. He’s not emotionally perfect, but he improves and adapts as he progresses in his career.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
A lot of movies and anime inspired me (old and new), such as Dirty Harry, Sherlock Holmes, Ace Attorney, and Solo Leveling.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Tangled Fates: An Ellie Graves Arcane Mystery will be released May 31st, 2025.
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After a woman is killed at the controversial Golden Avian Casino & Hotel, Griffin is pulled into a world of glitz, glamor, lust, and lies. The veneer of money and success hides the fact that behind-the-scenes, there are secrets, cover-ups, and illegal actions at every turn. Luckily, he’s not working this case alone. At his side, helping him navigate through the treacherous waters is Detective Trenton Barnes. During the course of the investigation, Trenton steps into the role of Griffin’s mentor, initiating a friendship that will last a lifetime.
If they can’t solve this case soon, there will be even more victims left in the killer’s bloody wake.
While The Jury Waits
While The Jury Waits is a legal thriller with a pulsing heart and a flair for drama. It follows the story of Gio Rossi, a self-absorbed but magnetic defense attorney who gets tangled in the most personal case of his career, the murder trial of his lover, Nicoletta Bianchi. What starts as courtroom theatrics soon spirals into a deep web of secrets, manipulation, and unexpected twists that push Gio to the edge of both love and justice. Part courtroom drama, part psychological thriller, the story delves into the performance of law and the cost of wearing too many masks for too long.
What grabbed me right away was the voice of Gio Rossi. He’s unapologetically cocky, a peacock in a suit, strutting through the courtroom like it’s a runway. Chapter 1 sets the stage with cinematic flair, with his luxury car, his ego, the scent of his cologne filling up the office like he’s spraying his own myth into the air. It’s ridiculous, but it works. The writing here shines by leaning into Gio’s vanity without flinching. The books on his shelf? “Decorations.” The cases he handles? Mere “performances.” I was torn between wanting to punch him and cheer for him, which, to me, is the mark of a well-drawn character.
But it’s when his lover Nicky is arrested for murder that the tone shifts hard. Suddenly, the peacock becomes a hawk. Gio gets stripped down emotionally, and the writing reflects that. His overconfidence gives way to anxiety, even desperation. I appreciated this change because it gave depth to a character who could’ve stayed a caricature. Watching him unravel, especially in scenes where he second-guesses his own instincts or sits slumped in his office drinking whiskey, made him feel human. Messy, but human.
And then there’s the trial. The back-and-forth between Gio and the prosecution is absolutely electric. The courtroom scenes are paced fast and tight, with just enough flair to stay entertaining without losing the stakes. The moment when Gio brings in Agnes McAllister as a surprise witness is pure drama. I literally exhaled when she said, “I’ll testify, Mr. Rossi, but I have one condition.” I was leaning in. The gamble pays off, and the jury’s verdict feels earned. But even then, the book doesn’t let you relax. There’s a shadow of something darker still to come. The vibe shifts into an almost noir detective territory, complete with ominous symbols, late-night investigations, and masked stalkers.
Sometimes the writing leans a little heavy on the melodrama. People don’t just feel things, they feel them ferociously. There are a lot of poetic metaphors and long monologues that feel like stage lines more than thoughts. But I didn’t mind because it added to the theatrical energy that Gio thrives in. Readers seeking strict realism may find aspects of the narrative exaggerated, but those who approach it as a high-stakes legal drama infused with strong emotional depth will find it thoroughly compelling.
While The Jury Waits is for readers who love character-driven drama, courtroom mind games, and stories where love, ambition, and justice crash into each other like runaway trains. If you’re into shows like The Good Wife, Suits, or even How to Get Away with Murder, this is your book. It’s bold, messy, stylish, and absolutely impossible to put down.
Pages: 213 | ASIN : B0F4RRXKBN
A Tribute to my Mother
The Secretary follows a British woman working for M16 who goes undercover in the British embassy in Moscow, where she starts an affair with a journalist also undercover while searching for a possible traitor. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Lois Vale is a fictionalised version of my late mother, Joy, and I wrote the novel as a tribute to her. My parents met in Moscow at the height of the Cold War, and my sister and I grew up with tales of their romance tailed by the KGB and how they would dig listening devices out of apartment walls. Her 1958 diary was a wonderful find; it was clear she had deliberately left it for us. In her 80s, she had finally admitted to me that she had worked for MI6, though I had long had my suspicions. The diary made sense of the stories she had shared and put them in context. She actually did have a German journalist boyfriend for a while in Moscow, and always spoke fondly of him. I based the structure of the novel broadly on events in the diary, from her initial train journey from Helsinki to Moscow on the night express, to her trips to Vienna and the Black Sea. Though the spy story in the novel is complete fiction, it is rooted in contemporaneous historical fact.
The characters in The Secretary are very complex. What is your process for creating such in-depth characters?
I tried to be as truthful as possible. I always had a lovely relationship with my mother and as I grew up we became close friends and confidantes. I knew, admired – wished I had – her qualities. Writing her character was a question of doing her justice. She was interesting to be with, always elegantly self-effacing and calm, with flashes of sharp humour, and conversations with her were memorable. I drew on years of remembered conversations to build the characters around her; though almost all of them are entirely imaginary, some spring from her observations of people she mixed with in Moscow and subsequently in embassies across the world, and others come from my own reading, fiction and non-fiction, about that era.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The unsung and underestimated role of women in intelligence in the 1950s is a crucial aspect of the novel. Also the question of loyalty and betrayal: how loyalty may not be reciprocated, and how there might even be a moral component of betrayal.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on the third novel in the fun French cozy mystery series I write with my husband Rob under the name Serena Kent. Death in Provence and Death in Avignon came out in 2018 and 2019, so this next episode has been a long time coming, interrupted by my determination to bring The Secretary to fruition. After all the delays, I don’t dare promise imminent publication!
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A tense Cold War spy story told from the perspective of a bright, young, working-class woman recruited to MI6 at a time when men were in charge of making history and women were expendable.
Deadly Secrets
Deadly Secrets is a high-stakes political thriller that drops readers straight into a near-future America fractured by extremism and secession. Centered around Annie Price, an investigative journalist still healing from a past ambush, the story unpacks the creation of a new state called Westcarolina—a theocratic breakaway backed by religious fanatics, corrupt politicians, and shadowy powerbrokers. As Annie chases leads through bombings, government secrets, and personal betrayals, the book balances political commentary with the pulse of a fast-paced mystery.
Let me just say it up front: I devoured this book. The writing has that brisk, no-nonsense cadence you want in a thriller—nothing bloated or overly poetic. Every sentence moves the story forward. Nancy Stancill doesn’t waste time. Her protagonist Annie is sharp without being snarky, tough without being cartoonish. And while the plot careens through explosions, shady politicians, and mounting paranoia, it never forgets the emotional toll all this takes. Annie’s moments of doubt and trauma hit hard. You don’t just watch her chase a story—you feel the cost.
Some characters lean toward caricature, especially the villains. Reverend Kingston Avery, the zealot who builds a “Christian state,” reads at times like a mashup of every televangelist villain trope. That said, his hypocrisy and ambition feel eerily relevant. What really surprised me, though, was how layered the story becomes—especially in the way it weaves Annie’s personal entanglements with broader questions about truth, faith, and power. The romantic subplot adds tension without slowing things down, and there’s this subtle ache in Annie’s longing for normalcy that sneaks up on you.
Deadly Secrets feels like a warning disguised as entertainment. It’s a propulsive, emotionally grounded novel that juggles political fiction, crime drama, and character study without dropping the ball. I’d recommend it to fans of investigative thrillers, political dramas, and anyone who likes their mysteries with a bite of real-world grit. If you’ve ever wondered how close fiction can creep to reality, this one might leave you a little uneasy, in all the right ways.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DHWFSXF4
LITERARY TITAN 