They said, “See Naples and then die!”
Rachel had thought it was to do with the natural beauty of the place. A misconception she soon lost after climbing down from the C130 troop carrier. The suspicious death of her predecessor, followed by the murder of a sailor, and an enforced liaison with a chauvinistic and probably corrupt cop saw to that.
“See Naples and then die!”
Some said the saying was anonymous. Some attributed it to Goethe. Still, others said it was Lord Byron, or maybe Keats. When the young brother of a mercenary hitman became her main suspect, Rachel leant towards Keats. Didn’t the poet die here? Somewhere near, for sure. Probably coined the phrase on his deathbed.
And then, the cherry on the top of her ice cream soda, she could smell grappa on the breath of the mercenary when she interviewed him. The only thing worse than a violent man: a violent man who drinks.
The only thing worse than a violent man who drinks: a violent man who drinks and considers himself Rachel’s enemy.
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Are you ready for a road trip back to the late 70s? Hold onto your hats as Phil Hughes turns back time and takes his readers to Naples, a place where crime lords rule the streets. Things are not much better at the Nato base where those in charge seem more concerned about their inflated egos than anything else! Throw into this volatile mix, newly promoted Special Agent Rachel Welch, well, that is a story waiting to be told!
Rachel is not too sure about stepping into the boots of her predecessor, who died under mysterious circumstances, but this was the chance to really prove that she was up to the job. She would risk everything, even her marriage, if it gained her recognition and equality. The weather may have been hot when she stepped off the C130 Hercules but her welcome was far from warm. Maybe it was because she was a woman, or perhaps there was some other reason, yet to be unearthed.
Let me tell you this, there are no wilting dahlias in this booK! The action is non-stop as the narrative goes backwards and forwards between Rachel and Boccone (who will seemingly do anything to save his brother from certain death). The corruption and the fear of the crime lords is depicted with a wonderful insight into what makes a bloody good crime thriller.
I thought the author really brought this era back to life, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book.
If you are looking for a fast-paced crime thriller then this novel will be right up your street.
You know what I am going to say now - head over to Amazon and grab your copy today. And get this, if you have #KindleUnlimited subscription it is free to read. What are your waiting for?
Phil Hughes
Although educated in Classical Studies, Phil is the author of several historical crime novels. Having spent many years living in the Mafia infested hinterlands of Naples, Phil bases his novels on his experiences while living there. Much of what he includes in his stories is based on real events witnessed first-hand.
Having retired from writing and editing technical documentation for a living, Phil now lives in Wexford with his partner and their border terriers, Ruby, Maisy, and the new addition Ted. He writes full time and where better to do it than in the Sunny South East of Ireland.
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I am so glad you enjoyed The Alcoholic Mercenary. Thank you so much for hosting today's tour stop.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Mary Anne
The Coffee Pot Book Club