Double Stakes is the third book in the Mélisende ‘Doubles’ series and has the most difficult one to write. Thrillers are my thing, both as a reader and a writer. Mel and Jeff are characters I love to share with you as I do the whole des Pittones clan, the enigmatic EIRS director Patrick Stevenson and colleague Andreas (still recovering from his broken leg). Secondary characters like Defne Yılmaz, Becker and Gagnier are welcome newcomers.
Living in France, I can easily research French systems and customs; I am reasonably familiar with those across the frontier in Germany due to time spent there when younger and an ability to research in original German. But I’ve loved researching trains, shops, food, clothes, weapons and places – a real plus part of writing.
The most trying aspect and sometimes most fascinating one – in a horrifying way – has been researching the unpleasant far and extreme right political movements, particularly those in Germany which is a country I love. Political passion based on hatred and which leads to prejudice, abuse and violence based on ‘othering’ unknown people so they become objects and stereotypes instead of fellow human beings is abhorrent. The 1930s should give us a grim reminder of where that leads.
We’re not going to like everybody we meet or read about. We may not like or approve of other people’s beliefs or behaviour. We’re all different, thank goodness. After trying to understand, then concluding it isn’t for us, the response is to walk away. It is not to take to online abuse or attacking people on the streets. Nor is it right to whip up otherwise decent people’s uncertainties by manipulating those concerns and fears in pursuit of power.
A novel should entertain, hopefully inform and without being boring, educate. Double Stakes is a crime thriller with twists and turns, clues, discoveries and problems all running along at a reasonable pace, plus a touch of romance. But underneath, if you would like to find it, is a message that we should be aware of the dangers to our democracy.
Mel and Jeff pursue their investigation against this sombre background. Each character has to confront their own feelings when faced with such complex issues. But they retain their sense of humour and their shared determination to solve the case, although it turns out to be far from simple.
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Available from Kobo B&N Nook Apple Amazon and as a paperback
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Alison Morton is the author of Roma Nova thrillers – INCEPTIO, CARINA (novella), PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, NEXUS (novella), INSURRECTIO and RETALIO, and ROMA NOVA EXTRA, a collection of short stories. Audiobooks are available for four of the series. Double Identity, a contemporary conspiracy, starts a new series of thrillers. JULIA PRIMA, Roma Nova story set in the late 4th century, starts the Foundation stories. The sequel, EXSILIUM, is now out.
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