"Although literary fiction, the spine of the story
combines mystery, suspense, and espionage. Romance is
integral to the plot, the glue which binds the cold-war
year of 1983 to the 21st century. In this new millennium,
Leigh McCormack's buried past is resurrected. Flashback
to 1983, on board one of the few small, luxury cruise
ships then plying the Caribbean. For young Leigh, an
idyll of first love collides with the reality of cold-war
espionage. To her peril, she discovers the warm hospitality
of the cruise masks a cold mission. Suddenly, an explosion
at sea puts Leigh in jeopardy, haunted by partial knowledge
of classified secrets. To save herself and the Love
of her Life, she must betray nothing. Yet safety depends
on her never discovering the vital piece of the puzzle.
Flash forward to the 21st century: that last fatal puzzle
piece is revealed. Knowledge is peril. Where lies salvation?"
Fabulous cover above is by artist, Leor Warner. Just
click on the cover and you are instantly taken to the
exact page at Barnes & Noble on line, where novel
is currently in stock and available on 24-hour notice.
Of course you can order from your favorite bookstore,
as well as Amazon sites in the US, UK, Germany, and
France. (In search box, type "Mary Margaret Nilan"
or ISBN 1588320111) For information about an autographed
copy, contact
me.
Is this novel "real life," just thinly disguised
as fiction? Well, I have visited 27 Caribbean islands
and been aboard seven cruises which accounts for accuracy
of scenes in which the plot unfolds. Characters? Fictional,
of course, though sometimes inspired by my "hearing
and seeing" what similar men and women might actually
do and say. For the espionage details, my background
in academic research came into play, as I poured over
details of scientific studies and de-classified information.
Then came the free fantasy of fiction, allowing my imagination
to take flight.
I am only allowed to quote a few words from media sources,
but a few more unsolicited words are allowed from readers
in various occupations and locations around the world.
You may find the following helpful:
"I stayed up waaay too late last night reading....
I've read several excellent ARC's. 'The Buried Life'
is more than holding its own against those bestsellers."
(From "Spotlight on Mary Margaret Nilan")
"From an inside look at a cruise ship, to detailed
descriptions of Caribbean isles, `The Buried Life' has
the ring of authenticity... The author's first-hand
experiences bring vivid, accurate portrayals to a novel
of intrigue and romance."
"Literary mystery with suspense, espionage, plus
romance. These elements just seem to be an inevitable
part of this wonderful piece of literature about the
human condition... Characters are, surprisingly, as
complex and intriguing as the unique plot which has
a triple-twist ending!"
[Novel was completed before 9/11] "Ironically,
the subject of the suspense and intrigue in Nilan's
literary novel... involves the vital necessity and importance
of intelligence-gathering."
"As soon as I finished reading, my husband started.
He could not set it down either..... The careful research
about the cold war and the inner workings of espionage
made the story so real. Those exact details and images
certainly added to the final impact of the story. This
novel is a winner! We both agree."
"Nilan weaves several elements into spy-caper intrigue....
A piece of literature, with plot, characters, dialogue
and setting all equally important."
"Don't remember how long it has been since I began
a novel and read straight through... I admit I was fearful
for protagonist... But ending was very satisfying."
"I'm proud to be among the fans of `The Buried
Life...' My wife is reading now, on my recommendation.
I'm glad I met the author before she became too famous!"
"Details of each island engages with the reader....
neither getting in the way of the narrative nor diverting
from the plot."
" 'The Buried Life' defies categorism... It is
a thriller, a romance, a travelogue. It is all these
things and much more.... Nilan handles the story with
vigor, evocatively recreating sights and sounds....
Characters are accurately portrayed... Narrative is
trimmed down to the minimum; nothing gets in the way
of the main story."
"The writing is outstanding with marvelous attention
to structure, language, and detail, elements often lacking
in today's novels. Nilan used her talents beautifully,
with an eye for delicate detail, while rounding out
the undercurrent of relationships, preserving the whole
and leading us to the surprising, satisfying ending.
"A wonderful book on a wonderful cruise-- the perfect
combination. Thank you again for "The Buried Life."
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