Author talk on gripping Maltese Webb prequel tale

Malta’s sunlit harbours and blue skies take on a darker hue in Deception Under Maltese Skies, the gripping new prequel to The Maltese Webb by Central Coast author Sean Richardson.

Deception Under Maltese Skies, the next book in the Malta Series, will be presented on Monday, June 23, at 10.30am at Lake Haven library.

The event will include a reading, book signing and a discussion about the role of Malta in shaping the story and its characters.

The much-anticipated thriller sees the return – rather, the backstory – of Marica Debono, a driven financial investigator whose pursuit of justice leads her down a dangerous path.

“This book is a prequel to my debut novel, The Maltese Web,” Richardson said.

“It follows the backstory of Marica Debono, my main character, leading up to The Maltese Web.

“I decided to write a prequel because of the great reception and readers’ interest had in Marica.

“They liked how tough and determined she was in the Maltese Web and wanted to know more about what drives her and how she found herself in the predicament in The Maltese Web.

“I felt it would be best done as a prequel, in Deception Under Maltese Skies.”

Set before the events of The Maltese Web, this taut, character-driven narrative delves into the beginnings of Debono’s fall from grace.

Once a rising star in Malta’s investigative ranks, her methods and motivations come under fire as the Farrugia case threatens not only her career, but her marriage, the bond with her beloved sister and even her own sense of self.

With an evocative Maltese setting and themes of loyalty, righteousness and deception, the novel peels back the layers of a world where the lines between right and wrong are anything but clear.

Debono wonders – was it justice she was serving, or herself?

When the past resurfaces and danger lurks in the shadows, she must confront the chilling reality: in a world built on deception, even those she pursues may not be what they seem.

Fans of intelligent thrillers with emotional depth will find much to savour in this latest chapter, one that rewinds the clock, to reveal the past that shaped Marica Debono.

Places are limited and bookings are required by booking online through Central Coast Council library services, ask in any library branch or phone 4350 1570.