I Self-Published the Fourth Novel in my series!

https://books.apple.com/us/book/covert-agenda/id1494637230

     I extend my gratitude to the City of Amsterdam, which surpassed my anticipations of hospitality.  The Dutch are like no other race; you simply have to love them.  The people whom I encountered were charmingly full of life: tram operators, airport employees, docents, bartenders, chefs, retail associates, bicyclists, policemen, sanitation workers, and baristas.  Many of them had international backgrounds.  The Dutch citizenry excels at being courteously efficient.  They also take time to enjoy the “fruits of their labors”.  Some cities have a picturesque district, but every part of Amsterdam is beautifully well-maintained.  The city is easy to navigate—especially by bike—and its public transportation is superbly helpful and fuel-conscious.  Its infrastructure is amazing… surpassing larger cities that have more resources.  I am enthralled with Amsterdam’s historic preservation juxtaposed with modernity.  It is testament to the city’s ability to withstand peer pressure for over-development.  Clearly, Dutch culture holds a civility that is extraordinary.  

Click here to read about my first experience in Amsterdam:

https://halfwindsorfullthrottle.blogspot.com/2019/08/our-trip-to-netherlands-part-1-of.html


This novel is available on Apple iBooks.  Below, is the story's Foreword.

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     The names!  I love the names that Ken chooses for his characters because they are so fitting.  With a nicely-sized cast, it made everyone vividly memorable—even the momentary characters.  As with names, words were used thoughtfully and with sharp precision.  Ken displayed a linguistic voracity, and I increased my vocabulary by discovering some winners!  As a polished chronicler of history, his lovingly-crafted plot is chockfull of details.  His research into local folklore was amazing.  I found myself learning about history, clothes, food, technology, and languages, while also laughing at the funny scenarios.  I admired the blending of cultures.  Just like in his last novel, Sanctuary, Ken conjured chapters that dovetailed smoothly, so all of the action transpired within a short span of time.  The story was so well-made.  It evenly represented life’s randomness against a person’s fated journeys.   

     Flipping the “pages” of this digital book brought the Dutch landscape alive in crystalline ways.  I imagined myself strolling Amsterdam’s cobblestones, while hearing its carillon bells.  I envisioned its postwar atmosphere.  Ken told me that the tales of heroism—which are sprinkled throughout the storyline—are actual deeds accomplished by various Dutch citizens during the war.  They were uplifting and meaningfully placed… not indulgent.  I got a sense of how the population picked itself up from a disaster and began a path towards a successful future.  Other highlights of Ken’s narrative were the inclusion of time-appropriate catchphrases and songs, which lent authenticity.  I played the music online in the background because it was clearly meticulously chosen to inspire moods.  The same sparks occurred with Ken’s lively usage of expressions.  Such elements reminded me that people are always interesting—even if they lived in an era of black-and-white photographs.  

     This is Ken’s fourth novel in the series, and the lovable members of Gerard Pierce’s household experience all strata of Dutch society.  Having escaped anti-gay New York and settled in gay-friendly Copenhagen, they are seemingly at peace with the world.  That is, until one of Pierce’s antagonists lobs a final volley from beyond the grave.  Unfortunately for Pierce, it “lands in his lap” during his trip to the Netherlands.  While there, Pierce learns about the “trigger” behind the death of someone from his past.  

     As his romantic partner, Siu Kwan Jai remains as plucky as ever—advancing many of the steamy scenes with more passion than vulgarity.  Perforating his own classiness, their trusty butler gets some surprises, too… which seems like Remington’s underlying theme through all the books.  Speaking of Pierce’s employees, Ken gave a reminder of the larger group, as he brought Clive, Margaret Feterman, and Chef Louis Lo on the journey.  Each of them beautified the story.  It took me a while to get accustomed to reading “Mrs. Feterman”, each time, but then I realized how it gave the character the desired reverence.  Now, I always imagine her like that. 

     When Chef Lo and Jai got together, their Meditation lessons were truly inspiring.  Thought-provoking advice was woven into the dialogue organically and didn’t distract.  My heart swelled as I realized that an American author like Ken illustrated an interracial household.  Looking at his other works, I admire his focus on Asian culture… something that is missing in American media.  Pierce and Jai’s mixed-race romance is another highlight—not to mention that it is homosexual.  Readers are reminded of the struggles that such individuals endured… just so they could be themselves in 1947.  It harkens to why they connected under one rooftop, in the first place.  

     I am sure that you will also enjoy Covert Agenda.   During its composition, loving hands were at work, making sure that every facet felt credible.  As you enter the characters’ colorful world, you will savor the magic that springs from each momentous page.

-Adelle

Here is the link to iTunes iBooks:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/covert-agenda/id1494637230


*Here is the link to my previous book: 

https://halfwindsorfullthrottle.blogspot.com/2020/02/i-self-published-third-novel-in-my.html