Rik’s
by
dhtreichler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE:
Thriller (international)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
The
entire affair began with sheep brains and falafel -- Saddam Hussein's
favorite dish.
It
is 1990 and in Baghdad two lovers are separated by the impending
First Gulf War. CIA operative Rik Bogart is desperately seeking
television correspondent Ingrid Johannson -- but is instead picked up
by Saddam’s Secret Police and thrown into Abu Graib -- the Prison
of the Dead. Ten years later, he must make a fateful decision after
finally reuniting with her -- one that may keep them apart forever.
How far would YOU go for your true love?
This
iheart-pounding thriller is written by a former international defense
contractor who brings incredible realism and thrilling insights into
the days leading up to Saddam’s brutal regime downfall and provides
a chilling account of life inside the infamous Prison of the Dead.
"It's
as much a love story as it is a runaway thriller." Midwest Book
Review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt
One:
Baghdad,
1989 -- The Eve of Saddam’s Invasion of Kuwait
The
waiter appeared within seconds and poured the glass of water for
Tariq.
“Do
you study the desert, Rik?” he asked as soon as we were seated.
“I try
to learn its lessons.”
“Then
you know sands shift quickly, often for no apparent reason.”
“It
seems there is usually a wind somewhere.”
Tariq
seemed genuinely delighted. “Ah! You not only observe but seek to
understand why.”
I
answered, “It’s one of my gravest faults,” as Tariq took a sip
of water.
Looking
at me as if trying to judge me, Tariq finally responded, “There is
much about the desert one cannot fathom. Trying to understand
everything is fruitless.”
I
finally had a glimmer of where he wanted this to go. “But you seem
to understand more than most, Tariq. Perhaps for the right price you
can enlighten me?”
Tariq
seemed to consider a series of memories. “We have indeed exchanged
many valuable things over the years,” he observed.
“How
valuable is this one?” I inquired.
He
motioned to the waiter, who arrived instantly. “Lamb kebobs and
falafel.” Tariq motioned so the waiter knew he ordered for both of
us. When the waiter disappeared inside, Tariq answered, “I
understand you are not a connoisseur of sheep brains.”
“Hasn’t
made my list of favorite foods yet,” I responded.
He
nodded his happiness that he had another piece of information about
me correct and could display it for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR
Bio and Links:
As a
defense contractor, award-winning screenwriter and novelist,
dhtreichler has wandered the world, visiting garden spots and more.
Having lived and worked with our intelligence agents and soldiers,
witnessing the conflicts and the turmoil of recent decades, he paints
vivid backdrops for his stories. Like him, the men and women he
portrays attempt to make sense of our fast-changing world. He has
held a lifelong interest in the profound influence of rapidly
changing technology on our lives and relationships. Exploring that
power (what has changed and what might come) forms an insightful
theme of his novels. His stories also reflect the universal desires
and fears of real people everywhere.
Buy link
for the book:
His
website and links are:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY
INFORMATION
The
author will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn
winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome
DeleteInteresting premise, updating the 'Casablanca' back-story to Kuwait, Iraq and Operation Desert Storm.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been following dhtreichler for awhile. This is just one of about 10 books that are flying just under the radar so far. If you want an absorbing read, this is one of the better ones he’s written -- and they’re all good.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad ate sheep brains when he was stationed in Egypt back in the '50s.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad ate sheep brains when he was stationed in Egypt back in the '50s.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDelete