The Axel Files: The History of Cardenio
- 164pagine
- 6 ore di lettura






DiversionAhab's FollyA Tale of Spies, Lies, and Wise-GuysHarry is drawn back into the Quandary orbit when his restaurant partner goes missing, and a dead North Korean RGB agent is found murdered on Benten Island under the torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine, near Matsumae Castle in Hokkaido, Japan. A Japanese Naicho CIRO Agent, a Mossad, Kidon Agent, and twin brother casino operators, join Harry and his Quandary colleagues to unravel the latest attempt by the Chinese and North Koreans to disrupt the financial institutions in the West. Are the documents found on the dead RGB agent clues to a North Korean kidnapping scheme to raise money to pay their Chinese benefactors for keeping the Kim regime afloat? Or, perhaps, the purpose is merely to keep the North Korean Generals well-stocked in the finest Irish whiskey and French Champagne so the Supreme Leader can sleep with at least one eye closed? On the other hand, maybe it's a smokescreen, a feint attack to hide the real, more nasty and nefarious plot to cause havoc in the situation rooms of Whitehall and the White House. And what does Harry's missing business partner have to do with it? Or, is the missing Sydney Katz just a coincidence, but then Harry doesn't believe in coincidences.
A complex web of intrigue unfolds as an accountant is poisoned with a historical Italian cosmetic, drawing in a diverse cast of characters. Among them are a Chinese painter with a notorious Italian name, the People's Minister of Science and Technology, and his brother from the Ministry of State Security. Harry, an art dealer and secret agent, navigates this dangerous landscape to uncover the motives behind the crime, blending art, espionage, and historical elements in a thrilling quest for truth.
Horse trainers, Davey and Pauly Cisco are looking for a fresh start in Southern California after wearing out their welcome in their native Australia. The Cisco twins are identical in looks but not personality; Pauly, like most horse trainers, pushes the envelope of acceptable practice, while his look-alike brother rips through regulations with regularity and abandon. It didn't take long for the two brothers to hook-up with a couple of conmen: an expert computer hacker who likes e-gaming and a shyster stock promoter on the lookout for eager marks willing to blow their fortunes on a shady horse-betting consortium. The one thing they didn't count on is an associate of Benson Yeung's Hong Mian triad; an ex South Korean Colonel who operates a crooked international gambling empire. Two corrupt confidence men, unethical twin horse trainers, and doppelgänger thoroughbreds add up to a combustible confluence of confusion, miss-direction, and murder, with tentacles that twist their way through LA, Sidney, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Macau.
In a gripping tale of suspense, a seasoned detective faces a chilling serial killer targeting the homeless in London. As the investigation unfolds, the detective grapples with personal demons and the harsh realities of society, exploring themes of justice, morality, and the fragility of life. The narrative weaves through the dark underbelly of the city, highlighting the struggles of the marginalized while building tension as the detective races against time to prevent further tragedy.
The narrative follows Harry, an intelligence analyst dedicated to safeguarding the world from hidden threats. His role involves extensive reading, research, and analysis, culminating in reports that often remain unseen. The story delves into the life of those in the shadows of national security, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of analysts in the complex landscape of global protection.
The story explores the impact of internet gambling and casino expansion on traditional racetracks, focusing on Johnny Luck, a triad leader, and his ex-jockey associate, Jesse James, as they seek to enhance their gambling empire. Set against the backdrop of 1950s and 60s Florida, the narrative delves into the thrilling world of Jai Alai, a high-stakes sport known for its perilous nature, attracting gamblers willing to risk it all. Themes of ambition, danger, and the evolution of gambling culture are intricately woven throughout the plot.