I am really excited today, because my friend, fellow Manchester Scribe and darkstroke author, Karen Moore, is joining me to discuss her latest novel, Release.
The Themes of Release
I’ve always been fascinated by the way ordinary people can react so differently to difficult situations, sometimes in ways that surprise even themselves. Such experiences can be character-building, or even life-changing, sometimes in a positive way, but not always.
In my latest novel, Release, I explore the way the characters’ behaviour, particularly in the face of adversity, is influenced and driven by powerful emotions. And how important is their allegiance to family and friends? Or are there other motivations at play?
Release is a thriller that is set partly in North Wales, partly in Sicily, both beautiful and wildly dramatic landscapes. But beneath the surface lies darkness and danger, a widespread social problem, and an illicit trade with many potential victims. I try to capture the distinct character of each location in my writing, the superficial beauty as well as the dark underbelly.
Hanna Sullivan, the main protagonist, had previously enjoyed a carefree lifestyle in Sicily, married to the handsome and charismatic Luciano, a local wine producer. When she discovers the true nature of his business interests, she is devastated to learn that her life is a sham, and Luciano has deceived her from the start. And she can’t ignore the fact that Luciano’s business has much wider consequences. He makes money from the misery of others.
When the story opens in Release, Hanna Sullivan and her young daughter, Eva, have managed to escape their troubled past and have created a new life for themselves in North Wales with Hanna’s current partner, Rhys. But their lives are thrown into turmoil by the news that Hanna’s estranged husband, Luciano, has been released early from prison.
Hanna fears he will come after them, in the belief that she gave the police information that led to his arrest. And it’s not just her family’s safety at stake. Many more people could suffer if Luciano’s illicit business dealings are allowed to resume.
Hanna feels that Luciano never really paid the price for the way he betrayed and deceived her for so many years, as well as threatening their own daughter in a way she would never have believed possible. Such duplicity can destroy people or drive them to extremes, as can the desire for revenge and justice. How will Hanna react to the news of his release, and will she seek revenge?
As the lines between past and present start to blur, she finds herself caught up in an increasingly. tangled web of intrigue and danger. When their paths cross again, Hanna finally gets an opportunity to wreak her revenge against Luciano.
But will she take it?
Book Blurb
Release – The Darkness of Sicily Returns
A threat returns. An attack with fatal consequences. A life lived in fear.
When Hanna’s estranged mafioso husband, Luciano, is released early from a Sicilian prison, she fears he will come after her and her young daughter, Eva.
The revelation leaves her with a dilemma. Invited to Sicily to attend her best friend’s wedding, can she really take the risk?
But even staying at home in North Wales may not be safe. Something strange is going on at her old cottage in the hills. As the lines between Sicily and North Wales blur, Hanna uncovers a criminal operation that leads her to fear for Eva’s life all over again.
Will Hanna ever be able to release herself from Luciano’s grip? Or will her discovery lead her into even deeper danger? And how far will Hanna go to protect the ones she loves?
About the Author
Karen Moore is passionate about all things noir – crime, mystery, thrillers – and writes in that genre.
She has been writing all her life, mostly for work purposes, and is now delighted to be able to spend more time developing her own creative work.
Her debut novel, Torn, is a dark tale of intrigue and betrayal set in Sicily and North Wales. Release is the sequel but has been written as a standalone novel for people who may not have read Torn.
Karen worked as a tour guide across Europe, North America, and Canada, followed by a career in PR and marketing. She has lived in France and Italy and is now based in Cheshire, England.
Social Media
www.facebook.com/karenmooreauthor
www.twitter.com/KarenMo35731701
Book links
Release – http://mybook.to/releasenovel
Torn – http://mybook.to/darkstroketorn
