Featuring an interview with Monique Gliozzi, author of supernatural fiction Facets of the Past: No Dark Deed Goes Unpunished
When Hank Gild is given the opportunity to take up his dream job, he accepts the offer with excitement. As a tour guide at the historical imperial castle on Lake Starnberg, Hank delights his guests with stories of the late Bavarian emperor-his antics, his precious artifacts and the mystery shrouding his death in 1886. But it seems that not all the castle’s visitors are of pure heart. Before long, Hank is forced down a path of greed, deception and danger with no way out. A once happy and simple life unexpectedly becomes a treacherous nightmare. Who can he trust? Can Hank save himself before learning the ultimate lesson?
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Excerpt
Munich is a fashionable city of historical wealth dating back to 1158, founded by Henry the Lion (Duke of Saxony). The city is not only beautiful for its Gothic architecture, but also for its natural surroundings, with the Alps, vast green hills and forests all making up the spectrum of such an indescribable paradise. A pleasant drive along winding country roads led me to the quaint lakeside Bavarian village of Starnberg, no more than twenty miles south west of the city.
The chill of the early spring morning was visible as I looked out over the lake from the comfort of the room I had rented at a local guest house. A thick layer of white mist hovered over the lake’s surface, concealing what lay in the dark water beneath. As a fan of ghost movies, I half expected to hear the cries of a wolf in the neighbouring forest, or spy a mysterious translucent figure slowly walking along the lake’s embankment.
The castle I was to visit that morning was not visible from where I stood, however with a bit of imagination I thought I could just make out the silhouette of its pointed roof. In the distance, the sun was beginning to rear its face, dimming the nocturnal light from the galaxy above. A creaking sound of old floorboards somewhere in the house interrupted my thoughts. The stillness of the chilly air in the room, accentuated by the cold floor beneath my bare feet, promptly propelled me to take refuge back under the warm bed covers, where I rested a while longer. The excitement of a new beginning couldn’t have prepared me for what would soon follow.
Buy Facets of the Past:
An Interview with Monique Gliozzi
Dear Kit ‘N Kaboodle,
Firstly, thank you hosting my latest book Facets of the Past on this lovely virtual tour. It’s been so much fun being able to share aspects about my journey as an author, and also being able to connect with other writers along the way. Let me satisfy your curiosity by getting straight to the questions!
-What inspired you to become a writer?
I began writing short stories of the mystery genre as a youngster, until other academic activities demanded my full attention. Having to close the “imagination/fantasy” file of my young mind was not easy, but who could have imagined that decades later, this “closed case” would be reactivated. It was my father who inspired me to reignite my passion for fiction, having taken up writing himself after retiring from service. “If you’ve got a story to tell, write it”, was his advice.
-If you could visit your book’s world for a day, what is one thing would you do?
If I could become a part of the plot for my narrative, I think I’d like to be the coroner conducting the autopsy for one of the unfortunate characters. Soon after graduating from medical school I took up pathology for a time, and still to this day maintain an interest in forensic sciences.
-It’s two in the morning. What does your protagonist reveal in confidence? (Don’t worry, we won’t tell.)
Hank, the main protagonist reveals that he has been ambushed to participate in an illegal act, which plays on his mind. He is terrified at the consequences for not going along with the devious plan, but feels that he has no choice.
-Which of your characters would you go out for drinks with?
I would love to go out to drinks with the mastermind behind the crime about to be committed. As a psychiatrist I’d be fascinated to study his psyche and the cause for his personality structure. Taking a good developmental history would provide great insight. Strategy – buying a few rounds of drinks to weaken his psychological defenses!
-You’re in a tavern, and a dwarf challenges you to a duel. What do you do?
That’s an interesting question. In truth I have no idea what I’d do. Oh perhaps I’d excuse myself, run to the restroom and escape through the window. I hate confrontations!
-Is there a genre you could never write? Which and why?
Being creative I wouldn’t like to commit to never wanting to write a particular genre. I feel it important to try different things – even poetry in my case – can you believe that! I think I’d find it difficult to write a romantic novel but as long as there’s some suspense and murder, who knows. Never say never right?
I truly hope you enjoyed my responses and continue to have as much fun on this tour as I am.
Thanks again for hosting Facets of the Past! – Monique Gliozzi
About Monique Gliozzi
Born in Dublin, Dr Monique Gliozzi, a graduate from the University of Western Australia medical school, has a keen interest in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She works as a psychiatrist in Perth, with ties to the UWA School of Psychiatry, where she has had a role as a senior clinical lecturer. Her love for teaching granted her a nomination for an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.
Monique also holds an interest in aviation. She trained at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, where she obtained a commercial pilot licence. Following this, Monique completed her instructor rating and is now working on a casual basis as a senior flight instructor.
Monique rekindled her passion for writing starting with the fictional thriller Foresight, followed by Hunted and ghostly encounters in Vestige. Her latest book, Diversity, is a compilation of entertaining short stories of different genres.
Connect with Monique Gliozzi:
Giveaway
Monique Gliozzi will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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Thanks for hosting!
I liked the excerpt.
Sounds like a great book.
Monique Gliozzi is a favorite author of mine. I think I have read all her books. She does a great job on the book covers also.
The book sounds fascinating! I have it on my reading list.