Warren Steelgrave Series

A small Nebraska town is terrorized by a serial killer who targets young “good” girls. The prime suspect disappears and may have himself become someone else’s victim. Warren Steelgrave has just written a best-selling novel and gained further nationwide notoriety when he narrowly escaped being murdered at his daughter’s wedding. The local Nebraska town newspaper hires Warren as an investigative reporter because of his unique insights and his uncanny instinct for finding the truth. More papers will be sold and more eyes will be focused on the town’s plight. In this third novel in the Steelgrave series, author and photographer Gary Smith takes us another thought provoking journey with surprising twists and suspense filled alleyways. Smith’s alter ego, Warren Steelgrave, explores the psyche of an “undomesticated” killer who acts without remorse. Warren soon realizes that he shares many traits with the killer. It is a fine line that makes his own “willingness” to do what is necessary actually be socially acceptable. Warren’s romantic kindred spirit, Cindy O’Brien, has been living her life separate; writing songs and performing them across the country. She suddenly joins Warren in Nebraska to escape a deadly stalker. The readers of Smith’s first two books know that Warren will never leave that “stone unturned”. The varied character plots intertwine as the story unfolds. The reader is challenged to confront their own human nature and how they might react given a challenge outside their moral comfort zone. This latest adventure has an ending that won’t be decided by a jury.

The son of an Italian crime family goes missing, and Warren Steelgrave is thrust into a terrorist plot that threatens not only America but the life of the woman he still loves. He must broker a deal between the local Mafia boss and the FBI to foil the insidious plan of an extremist cell that has no regard for the lives of innocent people or even for their own lives. Warren is at first perceived by the terrorists as a mere “pebble” in their path of Jihad, but they soon realize that he too is “willing” to sacrifice everything to stop them. This is the latest novel in a series by author, photographer, Gary Smith who now resides part-time in Italy. His protagonist, Warren Steelgrave, is adjusting to life in a small village in Northern Italy, finally having the time to pursue his avocations when his reputation as a problem solver puts the quiet life on hold. Along the way, Warren must deal with his elusive lover, Cindy. Is he willing to give up part of who is to be with the one he cares deeply for, or be content to “love the one he is with”? Share the journey of a man of principle who is again tested by a world so fragile that a small group of people can turn it upside down and threaten what we hold dear.

VENGEANCE CAN BE DEADLY In book five of the Warren Steelgrave series, Warren Steelgrave has settled into a comfortable life in a small village in Northern Italy. Suddenly all that changes. Having just left a dear friend, she is murdered, and he has become the prime suspect. Warren Steelgrave cared deeply for her and swears to avenge her death and clear his name. Warren untangles a web of deceit, at first benign, then grown malignant by greed and evil. Professional criminals have become involved with international spies and mafia accomplices. Steelgrave’s sworn vengeance and “willingness” to find justice have put him and his loved ones in grave danger. Travel down the dark alleyways of intrigue through Italy and the United States. Warren is warned; vengeance can be deadly. Will, there be justice and light at the end of this literary journey, or will the last chapter be Warren’s obituary?  

SYNOPSIS   Author Gary Smith once again serves up a generous portion of suspense. With descriptive scenarios and commentary on the psyche of both terrorist killers and those honorable few who are “willing” to step forward when action is called for. In this latest novel by author Gary Smith, Warren has been pulled away from the quiet, contemplative evenings on the veranda and writing. He is compelled to investigate a suspicious young art dealer on behalf of Catherine Ricci who is Warren’s friend and ex-lover. Follow Steelgrave carefully as he uses courage and skill to uncover a murderous scheme of international proportion. Led by men willing to sacrifice their own lives to resurrect a once “noble” cause long festering in their hearts. He must maneuver through a world of corrupt art sales, drugs, and Chinese gangs. Warren uses his trusted resources of old friends, the FBI, and the local Carabinieri to deduce and anticipate what these “perceived” patriots are about to unleash.