The Falconer's Club
The Initiation of the Peregrine
by
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Charles Falconer made one last check of the lines securing his yacht, the HO-TAI, to an ancient wharf jutting out into the harbor of Venice, Italy. Satisfied that all was well, he stepped ashore. For the past five years the HO-TAI had been his home afloat. Together, they had traveled halfway around the world as Falconer went from one assignment to another. Today was to be the beginning of yet another case--one Falconer sensed would tax every resource at his disposal. The morning fog was just starting to lift from the harbor as an aristocratic looking man in his mid-forties stepped onto the dock and made his way in Falconer’s direction. As he walked down the dock toward Falconer’s home afloat, he could only admire the beautiful sloop that lay majestically before him. In particular, he noticed a cobalt blue pennant with a picture of a falcon in a dive moments before it struck its prey. It was flying from the masthead nearly fifty feet above the waterline. The day this flag was hoisted, every member of the Falconer’s Club received a message that the Falcon was on the hunt. Each was prepared to offer any assistance that might be asked of them. "Charles, my friend." Count Mario Bertelotti held out his hand. "I was delighted when I got the message you had arrived. I trust you had a pleasant voyage from England." "Perfect sailing weather all the way," replied Falconer. "However, I must admit I’m amazed your Marco Polo ever found his way home without radar in these pea soup fogs you have." The Count looked out over the harbor and laughed as the two men left the wharf.
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About the Book
Take an intrepid adventurer who doubles as a private investigator, a missing treasure worth millions, add a Catholic priest who served as a commando during WWII, two ex-Gestapo men and their former commanding general, a family of Venetian nobles, and a couple of Italian police officials--and mix well. Set in post war Italy and the exotic Far East, this actin packed novel is one of international intrigue, betrayal, mayhem, and murder. Charles Falconer, founder of the Falconer's Club, together with Angus McPherson, the newest potential member, follow a trail that starts at the Vatican, winds its way across Europe and ultimately ends on a remote island in the Indian Ocean.
About the Author
Austin Sands, a New Englander by birth, a world traveler by preference, and an entrepreneur by instinct, has a rare combination of talents. His experiences as an offshore sailor, a former military pilot, a test pilot, and years as a corporate pilot in Europe have given him a wealth of material upon which to draw while writing. Although his books are a happy blending of fact and fiction, his intimate knowledge of distant shores and the people who inhabit them easily transport his readers to the scene of the action.