I grew up in a mining town and, to amuse myelf, wrote my first novel at age ten. It was about a flight nurse in World War II. Two of my favorite music teachers served as secret agents against Nazi Germany, and their experiences heightened my fascination with intrigue and espionage. I read all of Helen MacInnes’ novels before Robert Ludlum became popular. Through a career that ranged from teacher to advertising representative to editorial director of a major publishing company, I continued writing fiction as a hobby. In 1997, I published my debut novel, “Treason & Triumph,” to rave five star re more...