Sven Olafson and Matt Blair, a yacht delivery crew, pick up a client's boat at an isolated anchorage in the Bahamas. Menacing operatives board GULL at midnight, threatening to dismantle her in search of a mysterious cargo.

The crew escapes with their charge intact, but pursuit is immediate, forcing a series of encounters. A derelict boat surrenders a mysterious trapped woman who appears to be a victim of the same group...or not. Only the superior seamanship of the sailing crew keeps the much faster power cruisers at bay.

Damaged in a deadly predawn skirmish, GULL is barely kept afloat as she limps across the Gulf Stream to safety. But safety for the boat is not safety for the crew, for now they know too much....

Navigating the dark world of Miami political high rollers, and trophy wives, the crew's pivotal confrontation takes place in the burning bowels of a casino ship.

REVIEW

"An absorbing tale of hidden motivations that keeps the reader guessing until the end, The Devil To Pay is enthusiastically recommended for those mystery buffs who appreciate a well crafted tale of intrigue and suspense." Midwest Book Review


Billed as a "sailing adventure mystery," this novel delivers on all counts. The diehard sailor will love the nautical language and technical details supplied throughout the text. Lovers of action-adventure mysteries will find The Devil to Pay a satisfying read. Characters are well-developed and readers care about the good guys winning over the bad guys.

I was immediately captivated by the rich language used in setting descriptions in the book, THE DEVIL TO PAY. Dialogue is natural and adds an extra dimension to the story. The pacing is quick, making this book a page turner. Mr. Parola uses an interesting device of placing narrative, quotes, and subtitles at the beginning of each chapter, offering the reader a glimpse ahead and providing a deeper understanding of the story. Mr. Parola is extremely skilled with dialog.

Reviewed by: Writer's Digest
Writer's Digest

EXCERPT

Suddenly, the better speed endangered Sven's whole plan. Success was completely dependent on darkness. If MOTHER didn't catch them soon they'd lose the element of surprise and be victims again of her superior speed and firepower.

He looked behind for the running lights that would announce the physical presence of the radar blip. Leda laid the pump shotgun on the starboard cushion. Matt kept GULL on course, thankful for a calm sea.

"Ah, there she is," Sven crooned. "And she's comin' fast." Why would anyone else plunge along so fast in these shallows in this blackness?

"Let's get this show on the road!"