(Note: The print version of this book is titled "THE CAPRIATI CONSIRACY")SHE WAS RICH AND BEAUTIFUL, AND ASKED ME TO SAVE HER DYING CHILD!A woman begs Alton Rhode to find the bank-embezzler lover who left her pregnant and in the lurch. She says her waif-like daughter needs the fugitive’s bone marrow to survive. But the trail has been cold for 14 years! That’s the least of Rhode’s problems. Local mobsters have their own agenda.
Only a mysterious guardian angel – with an automatic pistol – keeps the private eye alive long enough to find the missing man. Then things really get weird!“DE MARIA HAS WRITTEN A STUNNER OF A PRIVATE EYE MYSTERY, WITH AN INCREDIBLE TWIST AT THE END." (John Crudele, NEW YORK POST); “A LAWRENCE DE MARIA TITLE GIVES YOU MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK THAN JUST ABOUT ANYTHING IN THE BOOK MARKETPLACE TODAY.” (Florida Weekly); “A MASTER OF THRILLER DIALOGUE.” (Washington Independent Review of Books); “WHILE DE MARIA MAY HAVE BEEN AN AWARD-WINNING FINANCIAL REPORTER, HE'S AN AWFULLY GOOD FICTION WRITER AS WELL.” (Naples Daily News)INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM:THE UNITED STATESTHE DRONE (A Jake Scarne Thriller): “No matter what the series, De Maria’s characters are sure to act with boldness and courage. When I first discovered this author, I turned to his first book, Sound of Blood, purchased used, a signed copy, now one of many I have read, and I now read each new paperback as soon as it is published. Pleasures to read, sure entertainment, don’t even try to anticipate the twists and turns, as true as the statement about reality — you could never make this up!”TURTLE DOVE (An Alton Rhode Mystery): “You won’t be sorry reading this humorous, amorous, adventurous book … happy to have discovered this author.”SPLICER (A Jake Scarne Thriller): “With all the news about the recent pandemic out and about, De Maria has captured the threat of a genetically modified “bug” that could be weaponized.”GREAT BRITAINTHE END OF US (A Cole Sudden C.I.A. Thriller): “This is a cracker of a H bomb terrorist plot.
A story very well told and written. Great bunch of characters and fast paced. Enjoyable.”HOPE (A Jake Scarne Thriller): “Another brilliant read in an ever-increasing catalogue of great stories. Never disappoints and with great characters reappearing, this book is highly recommended once again.”SISTER (An Alton Rhode Mystery): “Yet another classy read from the excellent pen of Mr. De Maria.
Brilliant characters, a terrific storyline and would recommend this author without any misgivings. Kept me enthralled from beginning to the end.”GERMANYALAS, PARIS (A Thriller): “I have read many of De Maria’s books, and find them unfailingly entertaining. Engaging dialogue, venues with enough descriptive detail to interest experienced travelers, scenes played out with gastronomic expertise, all while partnering with attractive and attentive characters of both sexes. And finally, for me, the writing in Chapter 14 was perfection.INDIATHE VIRON CONSPIRACY (A Jake Scarne Thriller): If you enjoy conspiracy theories, this is the book for you. Well written plot and characters, fast paced, detailed mystery.
