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FIT FOR FATE A Tale of Byzantine Intrigue in Modern Athens by Eugene Aubrey Stratton
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An
"Editor's
Choice" Selection
Awarded 4 daggers Awarded 4 daggers and named |
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ISBN: 0-595-65850-4 (Hard Cover) |
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ISBN: 0-595-28754-9 (Trade Paperback)
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"Gene Stratton is among the most erudite suspense novelists, and his knowledge of the material always shines through." - Robert
Eversz, |
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Greek Police Director Spyro Roussos and his American opera-singer lover, Victoria, are besieged by troubles. Roussos's superior wants to replace him with his own sadistic crony. Victoria is plagued by a terrorist-stalker. The American Ambassador's niece, Marilyn, is kidnapped by a unlikely group and rescued by another more sinister group, but is she saved?
Roussos's superior plots to become Greece's dictator. Meanwhile forces try to involve Greece in a Balkan War that will start World War III. Two men love Marilyn. The Ambassador doesn't like one, Embassy Security Officer Bob Jensen. Marilyn falls in love with Roussos's son with Greek-god features, but that can be dangerous. In this Byzantine atmosphere, Athens is seen in all its splendiferous, but threatened glory.
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING |
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"FIT FOR FATE is an International police
thriller that grabs the reader from the first page and does not let go.
Stratton's characters are fascinating and individually well wrought. He
weaves the culture of Greece and opera into a tale of political intrigue
that entraps characters in shades of deception and honor. He is a
romantic who doesn't hesitate to use love in the face of danger to
enrapture his audience. MidWest Book Review |
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"A great read. I thoroughly enjoyed FIT FOR FATE, Gene. I thought it worked extremely well, and you succeeded in surprising me with a very ingenious plot. I thought the [omitted so as not to give away some of the ending] was brilliant - a simple, yet thoroughly fair piece of misdirection. But above all I'll remember the warmth of Greece, the light, the scenery and the authentic touches that make it live. As a bit of an opera buff I relished Victoria's scenes as well. Congratulations on a particularly successful book, and thanks, again, for your generosity in the dedication. It's an honor to be associated with such a fine work." |
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A Letter from Peter Lovesey, Diamond Dagger Recipient, to Gene |
| "Enjoyed FIT FOR FATE immensely. It struck me as a perfectly charming blend of contemporary plotting with a mannered, almost-leisurely, graceful, literate, erudite sense of writing and pace. In other words, it's what the doyens of the thirties would be doing if they were writing today. Again, I was very impressed. A fine, fine book." |
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Lee Child, |
| "A wonderful tale of mystery and romance [and] a perfect background for a plot that will grip readers...with strong characters [and] a mind boggling story filed with havoc.... The setting gives you a feeling of being on a guided tour. My lack of knowledge of Greece made this novel all the more interesting, as I learned about the culture and political intrigue of a country I would love to know more about. This reviewer highly recommends this romantic mystery." |
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(Awarded Four Roses) |
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Angie,
editor and reviewer |
| "FIT FOR FATE is a romantic mystery. FIT FOR FATE is a suspense thriller. FIT FOR FATE is a novel of international intrigue.... [It] succeeds on all counts as a pucca modern-day mystery set in a colorful cultural background." |
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Narayan Radhakrishnan, www.newmysteryreader.com |
| "FIT FOR FATE takes the reader to Greece in a tense, atmospheric thriller. Strong characters, gripping suspense, Byzantine culture, plot twists - it has it all. Stratton, a former CIA case officer, knows of what he writes; masterfully weaving in modern day Athens, culture, opera and political power. I recommend FIT FOR FATE, take it with you to the Olympics, or better yet, buy another and give it to a friend who is going." |
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Cara black, |
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"An exciting fast paced thriller. Mary Renault, Helen MacInnes, and Mary Stewart wrote [romantic suspense] stories that were gripping ... Stratton is their successor. His prose is clear, crisp and elegant . . . descriptions of people and places are excellent." |
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Barbara Franchi, owner of www.reviewingtheevidence.com |
| "Excellent writing! ...has all it takes for a top-notch thriller. It's filled with colorful characters, plenty of action and intrigue, and surprising twists and turns. ...settings [are] an important part of the story, adding another vital dimension." |
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WRITER'S DIGEST contest evaluation |
| "The descriptions of places and institutions are amazingly evocative. The labyrinthine political situation is handled with the skill and knowledge of a professional. ....personal liaisons do add an extra level of depth to the whole. I'll be looking forward to more from this author." |
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(Awarded Four Daggers & Mystery Author of the Month) |
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Deborah Hern, www.theromancereadersconnection.com |
| "Good rousing international adventure story -
reminded me of the Agatha Christie thrillers.... The characters are
engaging and I loved Victoria Renfrew. Go Victoria! ....she
is my kind of heroine!"
Diane Kovacs, owner of DorothyL Mystery List |
| "When I think of what goes in to making a
"read" a "good read" for me, and I consider all of
the basics, character, plot and locale, I am left with the following
stimuli that help me select the next book from my [growing pile of books
to be read]. The book has to have rounded characters, ones I
can live with, ones I care about and want to see again in another
book. I want to travel someplace I have not been. I want to
learn something about "something" that I did not previously
know. I want some humor, some outrageous characters and a book
that I look forward to picking up when I come to a red light or am
waiting for someone to assist me at a store. I found all of this
and lots more in Fit For Fate, the latest book authored by Eugene Aubrey
Stratton or Gene. Modern day Greece, politics most basic (and dirty),
and fate and honor. I heartily recommend this book, and hope that
this is the beginning of a series. I really enjoyed meeting Police
Director Spyro Roussos and I am not sure if I feel sorry or happy for
Jake (read and find out)."
Bill Gottfried, co-chair Left Coast Crime Mystery Conference |
| "I loved FIT FOR FATE. [Stratton] is amazing. He has so much knowledge about the Greek culture (and every other area his novels have focused on). I also loved the characters. I almost wanted to become a vegan in order to be more like Marilyn. Do you think it would help me to attract a hunk like Dimitri? Anyway, I truly enjoyed the book..." |
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Mavis Dezulovich, mystery fan |
| "A thriller and police procedural, weighty with information on Greek history, politics, geography and language . . . chapters flow swiftly and smoothly, engaging rapt attention and then switching focus fascinatingly . . . slam-bang finale." |
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THE DROOD REVIEW |
| "FIT FOR FATE contains all of the elements needed for a wonderful tale of mystery, romance and knowledge.... Stratton has created the perfect background for a plot that will grip the readers and leave them wondering just how much political power one man [Spryo's superior] can be given.... With strong character, FIT FOR FATE comes across to the reader as a mind-boggling story.... My lack of knowledge of Greece made this novel all the more interesting as I learned about the culture and political intrigue of a country I would love to get to know more about. I would highly recommend this novel." |
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(Awarded 4 daggers) |
| ". . . a complex plot with many colorful characters." |
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Romantic Times Book Club |
| ". . . an enjoyable read . . . felt like a travelogue for Greece . . . mystery and action/adventure thrown in. Recommended, especially for opera lovers." |
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Mary Ellen Cooper, author |