As a general rule, life is pretty dull for my husband, Finn Larsson, and myself. He teaches World Literature at Bradford University in Southwestern Michigan and I teach International Politics. We’ve been married for sixteen years, have lived in the same house for ten, and up until recently, the most exciting thing I’d done this year is try a new recipe for meatloaf.

Not that Finn noticed. The Cubs were playing, or the Bears. Or some other team. Doesn’t matter. If there’s a television or a book, or anything that can transport Finn without his having to leave his chair, he’s all over it. Not so much for me. I want to actually go somewhere. Not just in my imagination. In my life.

I don’t regret walking away from Langley years ago, losing out on the chance to be a CIA agent. I wanted to come home to Michigan. Marry Finn and have an ordinary life. It’s just that it’s so very ordinary, and sometimes I wonder what that being a spy would have been like. So, it was only natural that when an old friend from my training days showed with a request to help out Interpol I jumped at the chance.

Trouble is, I had to convince Finn to jump with me. It’s his professional reputation that Interpol needed for the mission. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good, kind man who is approaching his 40th birthday with semi-washboard abs. I’m a lucky woman. But Finn’s idea of romance is a Cubs double header followed by cheese pizza, and his idea of adventure is adding pepperoni. Getting him to agree to a trip to Ireland to play a small part in the rescue of a missing agent was no easy task. But, he loves me, so he agreed. As long as I promised nothing would go wrong and we’d be back home two days later.

I promised. I really thought it was a no-brainer. But a dead man, an international group of thieves, and a rogue CIA agent all broke that promise for me. So now we’re being chased across Ireland trying to stay a step ahead of one person who wants to see us dead and another who wants to see us in prison for crimes, I swear, we did not commit. Our only hope of getting out of this alive and free is to find a hidden manuscript and turn it over to the good guys. Though, to be honest, I’m no longer sure who the good guys are.

A week ago, I would have said a day in my life was teaching, gardening, and complaining that Finn watches too much sports. Now there is no such thing as a typical day. And between you and me, I’m kind of glad about that. (And, he may not admit this, but so is Finn).

You can read more about Hollis in Beyond The Pale, the first book in the NEW “World of Spies” mystery series.

For college professors Hollis and Finn Larsson, a simple undercover errand becomes a deadly jaunt across Ireland in this edge-of-your-seat suspense novel from bestselling author Clare O’Donohue

It’s an easy, twenty-minute job. At least, that’s the pitch from Interpol to professors Hollis and Finn Larsson. Going undercover to procure a priceless rare book manuscript means an all-expenses paid trip abroad. A little danger thrown into the mix may even spice up their marriage.

Soon after landing in the Emerald Isle, they realize the job is anything but easy. Their contact is a no-show and they’re left with fifty thousand euros, a death threat, and some serious questions. Ducking and dodging their way across Ireland, Hollis and Finn must hunt down the priceless manuscript and a missing agent while trying to stay one step ahead of a dangerous and unknown enemy.

Purchase Link
# # # # # # # # # # #

About the author
Clare O’Donohue is the author of the Someday Quilts Mysteries & The Kate Conway Mysteries. She’s also a documentary TV producer & writer. Beyond the Pale is her 8th book, and the first in the World of Spies Mystery series.

All comments are welcomed.