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Book details

  • Genre:fiction
  • Sub-genre:Thrillers / Terrorism
  • Language:English
  • Series Title:Book I
  • Series Number:1
  • Pages:344
  • Paperback ISBN:9798350954302

Otello's Oil

A Saga of Blood & Oil

Overview

"Otello's Oil" is a story of love, greed, and conflict at the beginning of the next decade. By then global demand for oil is up, supply down, and competition for what's left, keen.

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Description

Elliot Jones is a cross between Sam Spade and Jack Ryan. He's a no-nonsense Special Agent with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service who won medals for shooting at the Summer Olympics. The U.S. Secretary of State is in a loveless marriage. She has invited the Oil Minister of Kuwait to dinner in Georgetown followed by opera at the Kennedy Center. In Act III of Giuseppe Verdi's Otello, a shot is fired, but no one hears a thing. The Minister slumps in his seat. Blood oozes from his chest. The Secretary is only inches away. Was she the target? Was she in love with her guest? Jones is tasked with leading the investigation. He soon discovers that the Oil Minister was in the crosshairs of a global battle among the super powers for energy.

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About The Author

As a young man Layton was greatly influenced by James Michener's The Drifters. Thus, after graduating from college he traveled the world. A vagabond. He ran with the bulls in Pamplona. He stomped grapes with his feet in Greece. He pulled giant crab pots off the floor of the Bering Sea. After law school he attended Cambridge University in England where he obtained an advance degree in international law. After Cambridge he moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked in and out of government for over 35 years. During his career he practiced international law all over the world; often representing governments in disputes with other governments before the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Layton has always been interested in the arts, appearing in two operas at the Kennedy Center as a supernumerary, while also raising three sons. He and his wife split their time between homes in Florida and the South of France.

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Book Reviews

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Jeffrey
Otello's Oil Duane Layton has followed the adage to write about what you know. And he knows the international trade and policy context that forms the backdrop for this political thriller, giving it depth and credibility. His characters then come to life in this taut, fast-moving intrigue. Good guys, bad guys, and in-between guys. I couldn't put it down, and look forward to the sequel. Read more
Susan
Espionage & Opera - YES! Otello’s Oil starts off with a bang and the action just keeps coming! The fact that agent Elliot Jones works for a government agency I’d never heard of, the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, was a refreshing change of pace to the usual espionage/thriller genre. Jones is a likable protagonist, and the author skillfully weaves his professional and personal lives throughout the book. I loved the backstage opera details, and the beautifully described globe hopping locations keep the story barreling along at a fast pace. The author displays deep knowledge of energy geopolitics, yet doesn’t ignore the small details. Even the minor characters are fully fleshed out. The murder at the opera has a wonderful Hitchcockian vibe - with a fascinating twist. There are many intriguing plot threads to be further developed, so I am eagerly awaiting the sequel! Read more
Lucy
Couldn't put it down The story draws you in from the first few pages and is action-packed and also a detailed political thriller. Duane has clearly done his research and presents it all in a page-turner of a first novel. I am keen to see where Elliot Jones winds up in the next book...perhaps in Provence?! Read more
Diana
Otello's Oil Fast paced and an exciting story. Full of details that give credibility to each chapter. An ideal adventure that is tailor-made for a TV movie. Recommended reading. S.E. Haynes, Lt. Col. USMC (ret) Read more
Andrew
Amazing read Amazing read. Highly recommend Read more
Mariana
OTELLO'S OIL: A Must-Read Thriller! This book is a must-read for fans of political thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery. With its intriguing plot, compelling characters, and expert storytelling, it's a novel that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. The author skillfully blends elements of crime drama with contemporary geopolitical issues, creating a story that is both timeless and timely. At the same time, his attention to detail and knowledge of international affairs gives authenticity to the story. The richly described settings, from the streets of Washington, D.C. to the tension-filled opera house at the Kennedy Center, add depth and realism to the story. This is a fast-paced story filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you're a fan of classic detective stories or modern espionage thrillers, this book offers an unforgettable reading experience!! Mariana Vargas Read more
Michela
Thrilling from Cover to Cover Otellos Oil is a thrill ride starting on page one. It wastes no time getting you hooked in mystery and true detective work from the start. Spread across international borders, it has a strong resemblance to James Bond, Jason Bourne and Jack Ryan, all in one. It's an easy read and easy to finish one day. You'll be on the edge of your seat the whole book. Definitely book of the summer! Read more