Virtual NBTM Book Tour + #Giveaway: Facets of the Past by Monique Gliozzi @GliozziMonique @GoddessFish

 

Facets of the Past: No Dark Deed Goes Unpunished

by Monique Gliozzi

GENRE: FICTION, Thrillers, Supernatural, Psychological

BLURB:

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?

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.”

Interview with Monique Gliozzi

What made you want to become a writer?

I used to write as a young teenager, soon abandoning it for a busy academic schedule. Five years ago my father helped me rekindle the passion by encouraging me to do something creative which could be shared with others, as he had done after retiring from the diplomatic core.

What inspired you to write Facets of the Past?

Facets of the Past was inspired by my interest in historical facts and old castles I’d visited during my travels abroad. The actual setting for the story is Bavaria, at a regal residence (Schloss Starnberg – now a museum) close to where I attended school. Furthermore the facts surrounding the death of the Bavarian King (Ludwig II), which remains controversial, intrigues me to date.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Facets of the Past?

Hank Gild is a thirty-eight year old locksmith, who has a keen interest in history & royal family lines, who lands a dream job at the Starnberg palace as a tour guide. Hank’s new life is filled with hope and opportunities until he encounters “The Handyman” (Karl Brunner), a calculating sociopath with a devious plan, who manipulates Hank into participating with his demands. Karl’s niece Sacha, is no better than her uncle using any means to satisfy her greed. Helena is a colleague that Hank falls for but does everything to keep her uninvolved with the deceptive plan. There are other protagonists who feature in the story enriching the unpredictable plot, and adding to the mystery.

There is a flavor of the paranormal woven into the narrative, for those who like a few spooks!

You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

There are a couple that I would like to mention, namely Agatha Christie and Mary Higgins – Clarke. These very gifted authors have an ability to generate so many different types of mysterious plots, which leave one guessing until all is revealed at the end. What makes them great is that they don’t have a set formula which is repetitive and predictable – every novel is completely different.

Can you tell us a little bit about your next books or what you have planned for the future?

Facets of the Past is the fifth novella published in a span of three and a half years. I guess I had a great wave of inspiration transporting me from one idea to another during that time. At the moment there’s a kernel of an idea levitating in my head waiting to grow into something slightly different from what I’ve been publishing. Uncertain for what that could be, for now that is all I can divulge.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The best part of writing this particular book was the historical research that I embarked on, as well as the memories of my youth living in Munich and going to school not far from the Castle at Lake Starnberg.

Thank you for hosting Facets of the Past.

I hope you enjoy it.  

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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:

WEBSITE ~ BLOG ~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER

Purchase Links:

AMAZON.COM ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ RAKUTEN KOBO

APPLE BOOKS ~ SMASHWORDS ~ INDIGO CHAPTERS

Giveaway:

$15 Amazon/BN GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.