SANDY GROUND

Jake Scarne has retired. But he has mixed feelings about it. He suspects that there is more to life than golf outings and sojourns down the Jersey Shore. Little does he know that some of his old skills will come in handy when the Staten Island Ferry he is on is hijacked! The hijackers claim they are terrorists. But their real motives are more venal. Scarne avails himself of possibly the most unusual ally he's ever had. But there is death and tragedy in this twisty tale that reminds some critics of two classic movies: DIE HARD and THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE-TWO-THREE.

"IF YOU LIKE HARD-BOILED ACTION, MEMORABLE VILLAINS AND TWISTY PLOTS, THE JAKE SCARNE THRILLERS NEVER DISAPPOINT!" (John Crudele, New York Post); "A LAWRENCE DE MARIA TITLE GIVES YOU MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK THAN JUST ABOUT ANYTHING IN THE BOOK MARKETPLACE TODAY." (Florida Weekly); "A MASTER OF THRILLER DIALOGUE." (Washington Independent Review of Books); "WHILE DE MARIA MAY HAVE BEEN AN AWARD-WINNING FINANCIAL REPORTER, HE'S AN AWFULLY GOOD FICTION WRITER AS WELL." (Naples Daily News)

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM:

THE UNITED STATES
THE DRONE (A Jake Scarne Thriller): "No matter what the series, De Maria's characters are sure to act with boldness and courage. When I first discovered this author, I turned to his first book, Sound of Blood, purchased used, a signed copy, now one of many I have read, and I now read each new paperback as soon as it is published. Pleasures to read, sure entertainment, don't even try to anticipate the twists and turns, as true as the statement about reality - you could never make this up!"
TURTLE DOVE (An Alton Rhode Mystery): "You won't be sorry reading this humorous, amorous, adventurous book ... happy to have discovered this author."
SPLICER (A Jake Scarne Thriller): "With all the news about the recent pandemic out and about, De Maria has captured the threat of a genetically modified "bug" that could be weaponized."

GREAT BRITAIN
THE END OF US (A Cole Sudden C.I.A. Thriller): "This is a cracker of a H bomb terrorist plot. A story very well told and written. Great bunch of characters and fast paced. Enjoyable."
HOPE (A Jake Scarne Thriller): "Another brilliant read in an ever-increasing catalogue of great stories. Never disappoints and with great characters reappearing, this book is highly recommended once again."
SISTER (An Alton Rhode Mystery): "Yet another classy read from the excellent pen of Mr. De Maria. Brilliant characters, a terrific storyline and would recommend this author without any misgivings. Kept me enthralled from beginning to the end."

GERMANY
ALAS, PARIS (A Thriller): "I have read many of De Maria's books, and find them unfailingly entertaining. Engaging dialogue, venues with enough descriptive detail to interest experienced travelers, scenes played out with gastronomic expertise, all while partnering with attractive and attentive characters of both sexes. And finally, for me, the writing in Chapter 14 was perfection.

INDIA
THE VIRON CONSPIRACY (A Jake Scarne Thriller): If you enjoy conspiracy theories, this is the book for you. Well written plot and characters, fast paced, detailed mystery.