To serve society or humanity? It’s been fourteen years since the basketball-mad detective Fran Obrien captured the urban bomber Lavi, who has since moved to Spain and rehabilitated himself beyond recognition. Fran is fresh off a two-year sabbatical, during which he tended to 11-year-old Ben, the family comedian, and 17-year-old Alice, with, yes, as much attitude as youd expect. His estranged boss Karl has retired and Fran must learn to deal with the new brass no small task itself.
His first assignment is to investigate an act of alleged political corruption which seems more wild goose chase than duck in a barrel, leading him to question his decision to return to work. After an extended-family culinary expedition to Budapest, Fran’s nine-to-five job takes him almost to Albany and to Central America, where he must untangle the mother of all webs. His wife, local family doctor Darby, goes along for the ride, and, oh, pia coladas ‘to die for.’ For a detective and amateur gourmet chef like no other, Cookbook for a New Europe is a ride Fran certainly didn’t expect. Hes been fiercely focused for years, but a spate of unintended yet momentous events unfolds once he gives free rein to his emotions, and his recipes.
Circa l’autore
Richard Segal, an American citizen, resides in London, England, and works in the financial services industry, focusing on the global economies. Cookbook for a New Europe is a sequel to Columbus Day, included in the 2007 collection of short stories Hitting the Tenspot. His most recent work of fiction is Nectar of the Lavender, published in 2011 and he has written widely about matters relating to emerging markets, and public policy over the years.