Blog Archives
Don’t Ever Give Up
The Elusive Price of Justice follows the Nelson family’s turbulent journey through corruption, loss, and redemption as they confront their past and fight for a future where justice might finally prevail. What were some sources that informed this novels development?
For several years, I was employed by a real estate development firm, not unlike Mesquite Development Company. I observed firsthand the extent to which some developers would go to procure IRS Sec 42 tax credits which were awarded competitively and readily turned into equity cash for their projects. Having worked in commercial real estate for many years I have always been fascinated by real estate developers who are the ultimate entrepreneurs, willing to gamble everything on an uncertain end outcome. Quite often, they adopt a lifestyle as if every project is a roaring success, even before it gets off the ground. I dealt with several such people over the years.
What inspired you to intertwine the high-stakes world of crime with the deeply personal struggles of the Nelson family?
Honestly, I thought it would make a good story. Sadly, our local governments often leave themselves open to corruption, with after the fact monitoring non-existent. Travis Nelson easily thrived in that world; confident he could always talk himself out of any predicament. Matt was of a completely different ilk. He was very bright and insisted on doing things the right way. Conflict with his father was inevitable despite a son’s absolute love for his dad.
Thematically, the story delves into justice and accountability. How do you define “justice” in the context of this novel?
I suppose there are two lines of thought. There is justice as handed out by our legal system (i.e. following the laws and accepting the statutory consequences if you don’t.) The other is that those who have done things the right way succeed in the end and those who don’t experience dire consequences. As mentioned above many real estate developers seem to believe they are accountable only to themselves or to the system up to the point where they will get caught. Matt Nelson was imbued with a credo of always doing the right thing even if no one was watching.
Diane’s evolution from a neglected wife to a resilient businesswoman is inspiring—what message did you hope to convey through her journey?
From the outside most people might have assumed she had a idyllic life, with a handsome successful husband, adoring children, magnificent home, and lacking for nothing that money could buy. We see in the novel that this was hardly the case. She was depressed on well on the way to alcoholism, when Travis disappeared. Ironically, those circumstances opened up a whole new world for her in which she blossomed. Clearly, don’t ever give up, a new and much brighter world may be just around the corner.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Matt and brother John are hired by a family patriarch to root out the nefarious swindler. Their wild pursuit takes them from singles bars in Brooklyn to the ski slopes of Vermont to mountains of Utah. Their success will be rewarded by a special favor only the patriarch can grant.
Matt’s trial is imminent. Will he cop a plea or face the whims of a fickle jury? Can anything save him at the eleventh hour?
The Elusive Price of Justice
Robert John DeLuca’s The Elusive Price of Justice is an engaging and dramatic tale centered on the troubled Nelson family, weaving through a labyrinth of corruption, betrayal, and redemption. The story begins with Travis Nelson, a high-flying real estate developer entangled in a fatal deal with a Mexican drug cartel. His apparent death leaves his family reeling and struggling to rebuild amidst scandal and loss. As the story unfolds, we follow his son Matt, a man weighed down by his father’s legacy, and Pam, a fiery and often impulsive sister who finds herself caught in a harrowing domestic violence episode. Their lives spiral through suspenseful twists that unveil moral dilemmas, complex family bonds, and the elusive quest for justice.
DeLuca’s writing style is captivating and often shines in its vividly detailed character interactions, such as Pam’s perilous encounter with Dr. Sam Alphonso. These moments are raw and gripping, pulling readers into the emotional intensity of the story. At times, the dialogue leans toward being explanatory, which can momentarily disrupt the story’s flow.
Thematically, the novel excels at exploring the complexities of familial loyalty and moral accountability. Matt’s journey from being a tarnished heir to carving his own path is heartfelt, especially as he wrestles with the shadow of his father’s misdeeds. The scene where Matt, soaked and bruised, tries to call the police after an ill-fated stealth attempt speaks volumes about his determination despite constant setbacks. DeLuca does well to balance moments of tension with introspection, allowing readers to empathize with the characters’ struggles.
Travis Nelson’s covert survival and unexpected reunion with his family, while undeniably dramatic, adds a surprising twist that shifts the narrative into new territory. This revelation introduces a blend of family drama and high-stakes thriller elements, which creates an ambitious and unique tone for the story. DeLuca’s commitment to tying these threads back to the family’s emotional core redeems the narrative. His portrayal of Diane Nelson, in particular, adds depth to the story. Her transformation from a neglected wife to a resilient businesswoman is inspiring and grounded in relatable struggles.
The Elusive Price of Justice is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with suspenseful turns and heartfelt character arcs. It is a compelling read for fans of family sagas and crime dramas. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy tales of redemption and resilience, particularly those who appreciate morally complex characters navigating turbulent circumstances.
Pages: 258 | ASIN: B0DMP18BXL
LITERARY TITAN 