I’m delighted to introduce my fellow Bloodhound author and Manchester Scribes member, Karen Moore, today to talk about the themes of her Living In Fear series.
The Living in Fear series by Karen Moore
Being an author is fascinating as it enables you to delve into the human psyche as you create your characters and develop your plot. All of us have a dark side, or propensity for doing evil if pushed far enough.
I’m also intrigued by how differently people react when faced with 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. I try to make use of this in my writing.
In my Living in Fear series, I explore the way the characters are influenced and driven by powerful emotions, particularly in the face of adversity, and their allegiance to family and friends. On the darker side there are secrets, betrayal, and greed. The desire for revenge is a key priority for the main character, Hanna. How far will she go to enact this, or are the stakes too high? You’ll have to read to find out…
Both thrillers are set partly in North Wales and partly in Sicily, both beautiful and wildly dramatic landscapes. I try to capture the distinct character of each location, its superficial beauty as well as its murky side. Lurking beneath the surface lies darkness and danger, a widespread social problem, and an illicit trade with many potential victims.
In Torn, Hanna Sullivan, the main protagonist, is enjoying a carefree lifestyle in Sicily, married to the handsome and charismatic Luciano, a local wine producer. She is devastated when she discovers the true nature of her husband’s business interests. Luciano has deceived her from the start and her happy life is a sham. And she can’t ignore the fact that his business has much wider consequences: he makes money from the misery of others. Can Hanna ensure he faces justice without endangering herself and her young daughter, Eva?
When the story opens in Release, Hanna and Eva have managed to escape from their troubled past in Sicily to create a new life for themselves in North Wales with Hanna’s new 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, or is it too dangerous?
About the Books
Torn – Book 1
Hanna’s idyllic Sicilian life shatters when she uncovers her husband Luciano’s dark secrets. Fleeing to North Wales with her daughter Eva, she begins anew — until Eva vanishes.
Forced back to Sicily, Hanna plunges into a criminal underworld, racing to save her daughter while confronting the deadly truth.
How far will Hanna go to protect her child? She is prepared to die trying…
“Loved it! A captivating story, with vivid characters” – Reader review
Available on Amazon: https://geni.us/-Torn
Release – Book 2
When Hanna’s estranged husband, Luciano, is released early from a Sicilian prison, she fears he will come after her and her young daughter, Eva.
Invited back to Sicily for her best friend’s wedding poses a dilemma. Can she really take the risk?
But even staying at home may not be safe; something strange is going on. A criminal operation on her doorstep leads Hanna to fear for Eva’s life all over again. And this time it’s not just Eva that’s in danger…
“Fantastic mix of murky crime and spectacular settings. A must-read!” – Reader review
Available on Amazon: https://geni.us/-Release
Although Release is the second book in the series, it also works as a standalone novel.
About the Author
Karen Moore discovered a love of writing after many years spent on the road travelling through Europe, North America, and Canada as a tour guide. Tired of living out of a suitcase, she moved on to pursue a career in PR and marketing, working in the diverse sectors of travel, finance, and health.
Italy and all things Italian remain a constant source of inspiration for her writing, as does her fascination with the darker side of human nature and how ordinary people react to challenging situations.
Her first two novels, Torn and Release, are tales of intrigue and betrayal set in Sicily and North Wales. Both are Amazon bestsellers. A third novel is on the way.
Social media
www.facebook.com/karenmooreauthor
www.twitter.com/KarenMo35731701
