Nero's Fiddle

Vbi Crvdvs et Stvltvs Imperat, Malvm Regit

By: Avril Maria Serene

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This novel is political satire, written as an engaging, yet darkly comic, mystery/suspense thriller.

Some stories just can’t be told straight up – they hit too close to home. For this one, the names and locations have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent; still, some may seem oddly familiar.

Welcome to Nero’s Fiddle, the crown jewel of Narcissus County, Arkansas.

Most of the people here are all about the simple country life.

A hunting and fishing paradise wrapped in Mother Nature’s splendor, far from the distractions of the big city. Friendly neighbors who think, worship, and vote the same as anyone else. A big-box store as good as anywhere.

Heavenly, really.

Still, the county judge and sheriff want you to know that it’s not easy keeping things the way they’ve always been.

For those who live here, there are expectations; residents must do their part. Living the perfect life requires the right attitude, beginning with accepting that which has been given them.

Praise, humility, and a little gratitude go a long way towards letting those who make all this possible know they’re appreciated.

And yes, that means a little sacrifice now and then.

Should that sacrifice include your oldest daughter, the local pastor will happily help you through it. When eight years later, they take your youngest, too… well, who are any of us to challenge God’s will?

But Fred Freeman is a grieving father willing to do the unthinkable, the impermissible - he begins to question everything. Desperate when he can’t get the answers he needs, he turns to his cousin from the West Coast; Debra Ann Wynn is an investigative reporter and a damned fine one.

Debra Ann understands how to get to the truth. But here, that’s not easy. The bigger challenge for which she’s not prepared? What to do with it once she has it.

In Nero’s Fiddle, you have to be careful what you wish for.

Nero’s Fiddle is written for readers who enjoy:

• bold political fiction
• dark humor and satire
• investigative thrillers
• mysteries with something to say about the world

Perfect for readers who enjoy the political satire of Joseph Heller, Carl Hiaasen, and Christopher Buckley.