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Unrelenting Optimism
Stolen Lives follows a journalist who uses her intuitive gifts to draw a connection between endangered children during the Spanish Civil War and babies missing in present-day Spain. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
In 2019, I made my second trip to Spain to research settings and story ideas for Stolen Lives, the sequel to Zahara and the Lost Books of Light. I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to meet María Bueno, who at the time was President of SOS Bebés Robados (SOS Stolen Babies). María shared her personal story with me in the same openly emotional way that, in the book, Fabiana Carrasco tells Alienor about the kidnapping of her own baby. I admired María’s honesty and courage and promised her I would bring as much of the story of Spain’s stolen babies to light as I could in my next work of fiction.
Back in Seattle, I started to write while continuing to do background research—and that’s when found what I immediately recognized as an important story thread—the shipping of children by their parents to the USSR for “safe-keeping” during the Spanish Civil War. Hadn’t their lives been stolen too, when Stalin refused to let them return to Spain for more than twenty years? What if one of the Niños de Rusia was recruited by the KGB and had conflicting loyalties? Finally, I had enough “what ifs” to get down to serious storytelling.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I’d say that humankind is constantly evolving, moving forward into the unknown no matter how much we pretend to control our lives. Hence our fascination with history, our way of trying to cope with events that were overwhelming at the time they happened. This is one reason that Alienor, the protagonist of the Zahara Series, has the gift of second sight – Vijitas. She sees through the eyes of her female ancestors and this allows the reader to do the same—to feel and touch the past. Although a seasoned journalist, Ally also believes that if we preserve knowledge we just might start to learn from our mistakes. This unrelenting optimism is one of the things I find most interesting about the human condition.
The other human quality that fascinates me is the duality built into the human psyche. As a novelist, I am sworn to endowing each character I create with enough flaws and illusions to balance their occasional heroism or selfless acts. This constant tension from dueling energies serves to soften the clay, allowing me to populate the page with humans who readers can identify with and care about.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight in main character Alienor?
Alienor is an investigative reporter with lots of heart, which in her case means being willing to take sides when she can make a difference rather than merely observe, write, and email her copy to the Seattle Courier. In Zahara and the Lost Books of Light, she literally swears allegiance to the librarians who are guarding precious books saved from the Inquisition. In Stolen Lives, she is cunningly pulled into a decades-old struggle over ownership of a crate of stolen gold coins. Although she always emerges with words on paper, the stories she ends up writing are much more complex, exciting, and dangerous than expected. Her love affair with Mico also challenges her to learn how to compromise, a skill she’s never successfully practiced.
Can fans of the Zahara series look forward to a third installment? What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am enjoying playing simple classical guitar pieces as I let my subconscious cook up some ideas for Book Three.
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Stolen Lives begins during World War II on the Island of Rhodes and takes the reader on a suspense-filled journey through the decades to present day Spain.
Healthy Dose of Fiction and Fantasy
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs follows three friends from Manhattan in the 1950s who are contacted by Houdini through a set of handcuffs and asked to go on a mission to find his hidden journal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Perhaps oddly, the first inspiration for the novel came from our father’s obituary in the New York Times. Douglas Martin wrote about a third of a page about our family, its magic, and related interests as well as the connection to Houdini. Upon reading that, it was perhaps the first time I realized I grew up in an unusual family.
I began writing what was essentially a memoir. I was aware that my high school English teacher had gone on to become Editor-in-Chief at Random House (Daniel Menaker), I sent it off to him asking for his thoughts…even though I was now about 50 years old. He was kind enough to send it back with a critique, handwritten, on company letterhead. Ultimately with that, and having inherited from my father the last handcuffs to leave the brothers Houdini and Hardeen’s estate, my imagination began turning a memoir into a historical fiction. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs was born.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable drawing in readers of all ages. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Absolutely, as the characters are reflections of ourselves, events we were involved in, and family and family friends, we wanted our characters to be true to ourselves, even as we delved into areas of fiction wherein we wanted them to respond how we might have responded. Most of the events, places, and people are drawn from the crucible of our memories along with a healthy dose of fiction and fantasy.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
We both “lived” with the characters in our minds as we wrote about them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
We are in the process of writing a sequel. The expected release date is October 31, 2026, the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.
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While the adults attempt to reach Houdini in a Séance at his former residence, the children unknowingly call upon the great magician, not through the Ouija board or séance but via an enigmatic pair of handcuffs from their father’s magic collection.
Houdini, in dire need of their aid, reveals a hidden notebook filled with scientific formulas coveted by both benevolent and malevolent secret circles. This notebook is a puzzle, locked behind Houdini’s cryptic code.
The unexpected unfolds, setting off a thrilling chase, where the pursuit of Houdini’s notebook holds the key to secrets, mystique, and adventure. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs is a riveting journey into a world where magic meets science, tantalizing readers with every twist and turn.
Redemption of Even the Most Evil
In Firefax, a family of highly-trained assassins is left to contend with their eldest sibling’s maniacal behavior and two rival spy agencies following the death of their patriarch. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I originally wrote this when I was 17 or 18, and I think a great many things inspired it, especially books that I enjoyed as a teen, like Treasure Island, the works of Patrick O’Brian, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. The biggest inspiration for me when I first came up with the idea and wrote it, was probably the book Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I’d highly recommend it, especially if you want a much deeper exploration than I’m capable of writing of the darkness and absurdity contained within the human soul.
The Firefax family is absolutely fascinating. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed all these characters! The most fun to write was probably Murdoch. His interactions with all his siblings and with Esperanza were very amusing to describe. I also had a lot of fun writing Istäni’s character. Cara was the hardest to write because she is such a deeply repressed individual, and what boils beneath the surface isn’t always clear.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wrote this book first as a teenager, and part of what I was exploring at that time was my own teenage angst after I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Louis’ suffering is honestly part of that exploration and hasn’t changed much at all since I originally wrote the work (though, just to be clear, the character Louis himself is in no way based on me). Then, it sat in a drawer for many years. I continued writing in the interim, including some other currently unpublished fantasy works, learning and growing as a writer. I finally took Firefax out of the drawer in 2021, during the delta wave of COVID.
At the time of the rewrite, I was working in the hospital, taking care of a lot of COVID patients, and it was honestly hell on earth. People died every shift. It was very hard. I talk a bit more about this on my substack here. Rewriting Firefax was an escape for me, and a means of survival during a very dark time, more than anything. That said, I find it interesting what themes others take away from it. I think a lot of what people find in the work they bring in themselves, and interpret through their own lens, as with any piece of art.
For me, the biggest theme I see when I look back at the novel is the idea of isolation, and how inhuman it can make people to be cut off from community and love and connection. But there is also exploration of how to overcome that, and the hope, perhaps, of redemption of even the most evil people through love.
Can fans of the Firefax clan expect to see a second installment? What are you currently working on?
I am actually working on a sequel to Firefax, and probably a third book with these characters as well. I wanted Firefax itself to stand alone; people can read it and be satisfied with that one book and its ending. But there’s definitely more to come for those readers who want more of these characters.
My next work to be published will be a historical fiction set during the war between the British and French and their Native allies over the Great Lakes Region in the year 1759. It’s called La Belle Famille, and the ebook can be preordered here: La Belle Famille, or you can wait for the official release on the 265th anniversary of the battle, July 24th, 2024. It’s a high-stakes adventure tale leading up to perhaps the most pivotal battle of that entire war. There are no assassins in it, but plenty more dysfunctional family dynamics and excitement.
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Legend tells of a city of gold on a phantom island. The wealth of that city could end the American Revolution. But the only person who knows the island’s location is the world’s deadliest assassin. And he’s not giving up that secret without a fight . . .
The world’s oldest family of high-profile assassins, the Firefaxes, have been killing off dignitaries—and being well-compensated to do so—for centuries. The family is thrown into turmoil by their patriarch’s death and the return of their cunning, cruel prodigal, Murdoch. With their father dead, Murdoch is the only one who knows where the Firefax wealth is, kept on a secret island. But two competing intelligence networks in the American Revolution are bent on tracking down the legendary treasure to end the war, whatever the cost. However, these spy networks may have met their match in this wily, dysfunctional family of killers.
Firefax
In Firefax, by Amelia M. Vergara, the American War for Independence serves as a vivid backdrop to a tale of familial ties, espionage, and moral ambiguity. The narrative centers around the Firefax siblings, who have been nurtured on their family’s Maralah farm with a unique skill set tailored for assassination. Following the demise of their patriarch, the siblings are compelled to navigate their complex relationships anew, while simultaneously contending with their entanglement in a dangerous game orchestrated by Murdoch, the eldest, between two rival spy agencies, Argonaut and Myrmidon, in their quest for the elusive island of Lubrerum.
Vergara skillfully merges elements of mystery, action, and high-seas adventure in Firefax, creating a multifaceted and engaging story. Despite a large cast of characters within the Firefax family, Vergara introduces them methodically, allowing readers to become acquainted with each one. The narrative occasionally leans on the suspension of disbelief, yet I feel it remains within the bounds of plausibility.
Character development is a strong suit in this novel. Murdoch Firefax emerges as a complex antihero—his enigmatic and ruthless nature not only propels the storyline but also creates friction among the characters. In contrast, Cara Firefax serves as an emotional counterbalance to Murdoch, adding depth to their interactions and the overall plot. The storyline is well-crafted and paced, with the War for Independence casting a significant yet subtle influence over the events. The mystery woven through the narrative challenges the characters and keeps readers engaged, balancing predictability with emotional investment. The book concludes with an unforeseen twist, prompting speculation about the future of these intriguing characters.
Firefax is an absorbing read, deftly blending historical context with a family saga of secrecy and survival. Vergara’s narrative is both a cerebral journey and a heart-pounding escapade, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate historical fiction with a twist of intrigue.
Pages: 496 | ASIN : B0CFKHBYBV
Stone Coat Man
In the latest installment of the Cadence mysteries, Stone Coat Man: A Cadence Mystery by Dianne L. Hagan, readers are transported back to the seemingly serene town of Cadence, New York, for a journey replete with suspense and unexpected turns. The narrative begins with Marian Greene’s startling discovery during a routine walk in the woods, catapulting her and the town into a complex challenge that unravels the fabric of their quiet community.
Dianne L. Hagan is an adept storyteller, weaving a narrative transcending conventional mystery thrillers. Her portrayal of protagonist Marian Greene is notably profound, creating a tangible connection between the reader and Marian’s intricate journey. The book’s exploration of societal and political themes, particularly concerning minority rights and treatment, introduces a layer of depth and relevance, enriching the narrative without detracting from its engrossing pace.
Hagan’s incorporation of Native American traditions, including the mythical Genoskwa, melds a rich tapestry of cultural discovery into the mystery, enhancing the story’s authenticity and appeal. The diverse cast of characters contributes to the small-town ambiance, making the setting more believable and relatable. While this book is the fourth in the series, it stands firmly on its own, offering a complete and satisfying experience, with previous installments adding further context for those interested.
The author’s meticulous attention to detail, from the vividly painted settings to the integration of folklore, creates an immersive experience that lingers with the reader. Stone Coat Man is more than a mystery; it’s an exploration into the complexities of human nature, intertwined with cultural lore, prompting reflection on contemporary societal issues.
This book is highly recommended for readers who seek a story that keeps them on the edge of their seats and provides meaningful commentary on social justice and equality. Stone Coat Man: A Cadence Mystery is an essential addition to the library of any mystery reader looking for a story that both entertains and provokes thought.
Pages: 307 | ASIN : B0CN5YL4SW
Motives That Lie Beneath
A Murder in Ashwood follows an amateur sleuth who suspects the murder of a prominent man in town is only the start of the secrets that are being hidden. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think the most common reaction to any injustice is outrage, followed by a desire to shine a light on the people who try to shirk responsibility or shift the blame to others. In Ashwood, Sarah Payne had fallen in love with the victim, and since no one is officially held to account for his murder—and because every one of the likely suspects has something to gain from remaining in the shadows—she decides that it will be up to her to avenge him.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I don’t suppose any writer can entirely keep himself from revealling something about himself in his work, but in my case if it happens, it’s entirely unconscious. In fact, I have a practice I follow quite closely: If, as I am writing, I ever feel that my personality, beliefs, or autobiographical elements are creeping into the story, I stop writing and go and do something different. Then I come back and begin again with a clean slate. I want to tell my characters’ story—not my story.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
It never fails to surprise me how consistently shocking real life can be, so to my mind fiction ought to offer up surprises and shocks that happen just as naturally as a story goes along. Human beings will very willingly do strange and shocking things for power, money, revenge, or conquest — often without much, if any, thought to the consequences of their actions. Good fiction, I think, is both a mirror in which we can view human behavior, and also an X-ray machine that allows us to see the motives that lie beneath it.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next installment in the Avenging Angel Detective Agency Mysteries, Current of Darkness, will appear in Spring 2024. It’s all finished and is with the imprint now, so it’s time for them to work their magic!
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Buffalo, New York…as the remains of the great Pan-American Exposition are swept away, and the bitter memories of William McKinley’s assassination begin to fade…the city reels again, at the sensational murder of successful businessman Edward Miller, bludgeoned to death in his cozy den, in one of the city’s most fashionable enclaves: Ashwood.
But for all its glitz and glamor, Ashwood guards the dark secrets of its fashionable residents…including those of Edward’s estranged wife Alicia, her lover Arthur Pendle, and would-be detective Sarah Payne. Soon, they will all face a hurricane of courtroom drama, public outrage, and the behind-the-scenes scheming of cold and corrupt District Attorney Terence Penrose.
Meanwhile, those caught up in the most scandalous crime of a new century have reputations to protect…skeletons best kept hidden away in the tidy closets of trendy Ashwood…and plenty of reasons to keep the motive behind Edward Miller’s murder from ever seeing the light of day – a motive that only the victim and his killer knew…
Can justice be done…and the truth uncovered by the Avenging Angel Detective Agency…before a killer strikes again?
Find out in award-winning A Murder in Ashwood…the second novel in the Avenging Angel Detective Agency™ Mysteries from Robert Brighton, acclaimed author of The Unsealing.
It’s as much a ‘whydunit’ as a ‘whodunit’ in a page-turning story that leaves readers wanting more.
Contains three original interior scratchboard illustrations by Mark Summers.
Discover the Avenging Angel Detective Agency Mysteries…
Get your copy today!
The Agape Journey
The Agape Journey by Eleanor Tremayne is one finely researched and executed work that can be read as a postmodern female bildungsroman. The narration by protagonist Imani creates a gripping story from the very beginning which remains till the last words.
From the very beginning readers are made aware that this is not a simple story of an American girl, rather this is going to be a roller coaster ride with a redheaded American journalist with an Arabic name. The amalgamation of Imani’s personal quest for identity along with the central mystery of the Agape carpet provides multiple layers to this engrossing and emotional historical fiction novel. This riveting thriller maintains an excellent balance between authentic representations and well-round characters with intriguing backstories.
The detailed description of places, from New York or Cairo, and the chronology with which the readers get to know about Imani’s past and introduction of every character is done with a finesse that ensures readers are invested in the character’s while taking them along on an exotic, beautiful and spiritual journey that is sprinkled with magical realism.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful quote whose significance can be traced in the chapters. Readers will root for Imani, and their heart will go out to all the brilliantly written characters in this suspenseful story, like her mother Sarah.
The Agape Journey by Eleanor Tremayne is an educational and thought-provoking experience. Tremayne seamlessly blends fact with the fiction in this spellbinding historical thriller. Readers who have never had an opportunity to visit South Africa will get to experience the rich culture through Tremayne’s extraordinary storytelling style. This book takes readers on an enthralling adventure to the brilliant wonders of the world, through thrilling mysteries, and on a spiritual journey that will have them thinking of this novel long after they have read the last page.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B09KNRK94X
LITERARY TITAN 