A Week of New Experiences

Jeff—Saturday

This week’s been a busy one. It was publication week for ISLAND OF SECRETS, the long awaited paperback version of The Mykonos Mob, #10 in the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis series.   In normal times, I’d be touring, something I love to do.  But like all else in our world, Covid-19 has changed that, making me wonder: "If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, do the books printed on the paper for which the dear tree gave up it’s life ever get read?”

I guess that’s sort of my way of apologizing for huckstering my book in this sacred space. Okay, not so sacred, but you get the point.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the plot of #10, I sincerely believe that its significant emphasis on empowering women earns it the tagline, “#Me Too Meets the Mob.”  Drilling down a bit more into the plot lines, Island of Secrets is about the place I call home, revealing the gritty, wildly lucrative dark side of an internationally renowned Aegean island playground for the world’s rich and famous, those battling for control of its vices, and the innocents affected by it all.

To read more, perchance to buy, here’s where to find Island of Secrets online.

Another uplifting note this week was my learning that Wiki.Ezvid selected me as one of “five authors who write gripping thrillers.”

Plus, the online magazine, Athens Insider, is running an interview with me today.

All that’s great, but the best news of all is something that has nothing to do with me.

My daughter is homeschooling her seven-year old clone; something many of you are undoubtedly familiar with these days.  My granddaughter’s weekly homework assignment includes submitting a journal describing significant events of the past week—like seeing rabbits in the backyard.

However, this week my daughter insisted that my granddaughter report on something else.  Something the younger one definitely wasn’t proud of admitting to publicly, but there was a lesson to be learned, and it was done in a way that brought honor to both parties.

The plot centers on a bag of Hall’s vitamin C citrus lozenges, a seven-year-old who was told not to take one because they’re not candy, and a little hand literally caught in the cookie jar [actually lozenge bag.]

The Temptress

The following four pages from my granddaughter’s journal reflect a progression from making up an excuse, “I accsadently” [crossed out on page 1], 

to anger at being caught, reflected in bold handwriting [page 2], 

to acceptance at what she’d done [page 3], 

culminating in a sincere apology [page 4].

Now, if only our leaders had the strength of a mom to press for accountability, and the courage and honor of a seven-year-old to own up to and learn from her mistakes. 

I’m very proud of you both.

Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and—on April 19—Kalo Paska! And most of all, STAY SAFE.

—Jeff