Madagascar

by Stephen Holgate

Overview

An American diplomat—reformed alcoholic, unreformed gambler, and inveterate smart-ass— finds himself under threat of disgrace and murder even as he seeks love and redemption on the strange and spirit-ridden island of Madagascar. Author Steve Holgate brings the mystery and mysticism of Madagascar to life in his haunting and exciting second novel. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781943075485
Publisher:	Amphorae Publishing Group, LLC
Publication date:	05/29/2018
Pages:	350
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

A native Oregonian and current Portland resident, Stephen Holgate served for four years as a diplomat with the American Embassy in Morocco. In addition to his other Foreign Service posts, Mr. Holgate has served as a Congressional staffer; headed a committee staff of the Oregon State Senate; managed two electoral campaigns; acted with the national tour of an improvisational theater group; worked as a crew member of a barge on the canals of France; and lived in a tent while working as a gardener in Malibu.

Holgate has published several short stories and successfully produced a one-man play, as well as publishing innumerable freelance articles. He is the author of Tangier and Madagascar, both inspired by his years of travel and experience living in foreign lands. 

Editorial Reviews

★ 04/02/2018
Robert Knott, the flawed narrator of this masterly thriller from Holgate (Tangier), has hit a dead end both professionally and personally. As the political officer at the U.S. embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Knott has little to do, and he’s estranged from his 15-year-old daughter, who’s living in the States with his ex-wife. For solace, he turns to the gaming tables of the Zebu Room, but his losses leave him at the mercy of the casino’s owner, Maurice Picard, a retired, but still dangerous, soldier of fortune. To escape his gambling debts, Knott agrees to launder money for Picard by exchanging Madagascar currency for American dollars through the embassy cashier, hoping that his crimes go undetected. Meanwhile, Knott finds a renewed sense of purpose in trying to help Walt Sackett, an American cattleman whom corrupt officials have imprisoned on a bogus charge. Holgate has created a memorable lead character and made Madagascar, where the “implausible is not only possible, it is mandatory,” palpable. Le Carré fans won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Kimberley Cameron, Kimberley Cameron & Assoc. (May)

Publishers Weekly