Welcome to the May 24th stop on the blog tour for Facets of the Past by Monique Gliozzi, organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, author guest posts & interviews, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means there is no additional cost to you if you shop using my links, but I will earn a small percentage in commission. A program-specific disclaimer is at the bottom of this post.
Author Guest Post
A Literary Nomad
It’s been said that travel and writing go hand in hand, which is perhaps why some nickname me a literary nomad, preferring never to set a story solely in one location. My aim is to enrichen a narrative, not just through twists to the plot but also transporting the reader across the seas, to experience different customs, cultures & characters. Some of the places, such as countries spanning the Alpine ranges, I’ve visited if not lived there for a period of time. This is depicted in my second action/thriller novella Hunted. Furthermore, there is something delightful in adopting some colloquial words or phrase, such as a simple greeting “Ciao cara. Come stai?” in a foreign tongue. I believe it adds flavor to the platter of goodies being presented and makes the characters believable enhancing the audience’s ability to either adore or despise. The same applies to this newest piece of writing.
Facets of the Past is set in Bavaria, which is where I grew up from age ten until graduating high school. For the first two years, my sister and I attended the Munich International School, located in Starnberg not far from the famous lake and castle where this story takes place. The primary school was a refurbished small castle called Schloss Buchhof, previously owned by descendants of the German royal households. I clearly recall the fascination with the building, as I walked up the broad winding staircase holding onto the banister, marveling the residual interior architecture. This often resulted in my being tardy for class, as I daydreamed of a different & romantic era. I did pay attention in class- no time for childhood fantasies there!
The main protagonist Hank Gild, travels abroad to the shores of North America, where he is briefly thrown into a different world than accustomed to, but embraces easily.
I hope you enjoy this novella, and thank you for hosting Facets of the Past on your tour.
About the Book
Facets of the Past
No Dark Deed Goes Unpunished
by Monique Gliozzi
Published 27 March 2021
Tellwell Talent
Genre: Supernatural Psychological Thriller
Page Count: 132
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
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
Sliding behind the tapestry immortalizing the king’s coronation, then positioning my flashlight to take full advantage of its beam, I went to work. The old lock cracked within seconds. The click echoing around the room appeared loud to my already adrenaline-laden senses. With a heart pounding like a jackhammer, I reached for the handle, savoring the feeling of cold brass against my clammy palm. The little secret door was finally ajar.
Anyone familiar with old doors would know that they never open quietly, their hinges invariably will creak. This one was no different. A rush of cold musty air rushed past me. Shining the torch, I could see that behind this partition was a short narrow corridor leading to a set of steps. Glancing at my watch, I noted there was still time before a second security sweep would be needed.
Tentatively, I walked into the unknown, first tackling the corridor and steep set of winding stairs to another locked door. As I prepared to pick its lock, images of an archaeological expedition crossed my mind – Tutankhamen. The oppressive musty air, steep dark tunnels and unlawful intrusion were some similarities taunting with my moral compass. I hoped that there were no microorganisms in this space causing a mysterious and deadly affliction or, worse, a curse.
Sweat built on my brow, the tools slipped from between my moist fingers, but eventually I opened the second door, revealing yet another very long tunnel. The ceiling was arched and low, suitable for anyone of shorter stature than my six-foot frame. As I walked bent over like the hunchback of Notre Dame, I calculated the approximate length of this tunnel to be eight hundred yards. Finally, reaching its end, another door beckoned to be unlocked. Putting my skill to good use, within seconds I found myself in a small underground room.
Shining the beam around the space, a sense of uncanny familiarity befell me. Then, at the far end of the antique wine cellar, I recognized a set of wooden steps. I was in the cellar of my cottage! Relieved at having completed this little adventure unscathed, I decided to retrace my steps back to the castle.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Hank!”
Startled, I spun around, my flashlight catching a dark hooded shape emerging from the shadows.
“Who are you? How do you know my name?” The harshness of my tone barely disguised my fear. The figure slowly stepped toward the middle of the room, his head bowed and face still concealed by the hood of what appeared to be a monk’s habit. He stood in silence.
“Who are you?” I demanded. Then, slowly lifting his head toward the light, revealing a sunken midface, sharply jutting jaw, a long beaked nose, and black penetrating eyes, the stranger answered, sending a chill down my spine.
“Call me the Handyman.”
About the Author
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.
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Giveaway Alert!
Monique Gliozzi will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway| May 17 | The Avid Reader |
| May 17 | It’s Raining Books |
| May 24 | Westveil Publishing |
| May 31 | Rogue’s Angels |
| May 31 | Joanne Guidoccio |
| June 7 | All the Ups and Downs |
| June 14 | Fabulous and Brunette |
| June 21 | The Key of Love |
| June 21 | Full Moon Dreaming |
| June 28 | Kit ‘N Kabookle |
| July 12 | Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews |
| July 19 | Viviana MacKade |
| July 26 | Seven Troublesome Sisters |
| August 2 | Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books! |
| August 2 | Sadie’s Spotlight |
| August 9 | Travel the Ages |
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thanks for hosting!
I liked the excerpt.
I think that the cover of your book is attractive.
This sounds like a very good book.