NEW ADDITIONS to Selfpublishedbookstore.com. Novels by Gene Ligotti...
HISTORICAL NOVELS:
THE YOUNGEST PATRIOT
Gene Ligotti's historical novels are a trilogy of interesting characters of the American Revolution.
THE YOUNGEST PATRIOT ... The story of the British occupation of Long Island.
The Youngest Patriot is the story of coming of age of a young boy set against the turmoil of the American Revolution during the seven year British occupation of Long Island. Elijah Churchill defies his father and runs away to join Washington's Continental Army at the age of thirteen. The glory and excitement of the American Revolution, from the battle of Brooklyn Heights, to Washington's trimphant march into New York City, is seen through the eyes of a boy as he grows into manhood. Ride with Elijah as he becomes a dragoon in Major Benjamin Tallmadge's regiment. Feel his excitement as he crosses the 'Devil's Belt' with the Whaleboal Warriors. Sense his pride as he accepts the first Purple Heart, designed and awarded by General George Washington.
Professional Review: "People who hated boring history classes should read The Youngest Patriot where history comes alive in all its glory and reality. Greatest attribute of this book, the story of a young boy in American Revolution, is that Gene Ligotti writes with historical accuracy. The Youngest Patriot is not only an exciting read, but a learning experience. This book should be required reading in American History classes." ... Engin M. Uralman, Professor of American History - United States Navy Educational Consultation
Professional Review: "This is a fine book. Gene ligotti uses beautiful language to tell the story of Elijah Churchill, recipient of the first Purple Heart. It is a book that will appeal to ... all readers" The Writer's Digest
SWAMP FOX
Swamp Fox ... Southern Gentleman of the American Revolution
Swamp Fox is the story of a southern revolutionary hero. Francis Marion was a lawyer and a successful plantation owner in South Carolina. He was no longer a young man in 1776. Marion had served with distinction in the South Carolina militia during the Indian uprisings years before. And yet when his country needed him he answered the call and took up his old position as a major in the militia.
The British were sending a fleet of warships against Charles Town and he had volunteered to defend the city. The story, Swamp Fox, begins as Francis constructs a fortress using the only materials available ... palmetto trees and sand. Even his superiors believe any attempt at defense is futile, but Francis perseveres. The defense of the city is successful, Marion is elevated to the rank of colonel, and for a period of time the war doesn't seem to impact the South. But the British attack again and in the South all American officers are either killed or captured ... except Francis Marion. He then rallies southern freedom fighters and he repeatedly strikes the enemy and escapes into the dangerous southern swamps only to emerge and strike once again.
Professional Review:
"The movie 'Patriot' is a Hollywood attempt to depict the Revolutionary War in the South, but as expected the movie distorts the truth. Readers who want the real story, and discover the real 'Ghost' who is the famous Southem Guerilla leader Francis Marion, will find the book, Swamp Fox by Gene Ligotti, a great read. This is the story of what really happened in the South during the most critical period in the struggle against the British." .... Engin M. Uralman, Professor of History United States Navy Educational Consultant
DARK EAGLE (Six Crucial Years in the life of Benedict Arnold)
He was our greatest patriot and most beloved hero and today his name is synonymous with treason. What caused such a complete turnabout? What factors could radically change a man's heart and soul? This is that story. The story of the years that made Benedict Arnold a revered patriot-hero and those that turned him into a despised traitor.
Professional Review: "The very first paragraph of Dark Eagle by Gene Ligotti will grab the reader's interest. The name Benedict Arnold is always associated with infamy in American History. Yet, could it have been at all possible for George Washington to turn the tide against the British without the brilliant strategist and field general, Benedict Arnold? Read the book and discover the real truth." ... Engin M. Uralman, Professor of American History - United States Navy Educational Consultant
Professional Review: "This book brings history out of the dust of history books and into vivid life. (We really don't know much about the man history calls a traitor.) Benedict and the other historical characters (like Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys) give us a perpective on the nations' founding that American history books never taught.
The battle scenes are exceptionly well done, and have an immediacy to them that brings us right into the center of battle. The politics surrounding Arnold's relationship with George Washington are especially enthralling." ... The Writer's Digest
Mystery and Suspense Thrillers
The Third Woman
He was an ordinary man, a pillar of the community and a respected member of society. He could be you or your brother or your father. And yet, this professional man, a dentist, is embroiled in the murder of the lover of his ex-wife. He is arrested for the crime and although he pleads his innocence, the evidence all points to him as the killer. He has no alibi, witnesses place him at the scene, he fought with and threatened to kill the victim, he had the motive, the means, and the opportunity. This unusual mystery thriller challenges the reader with many twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing. It's a real page turner. The story is set in the fabled North Shore of Long Island, the 'Gold Coast', where the wealthy live and play. He was arrested for a crime he claims he did not and could not commit. Is he the innocent man he professes to be? He is innocent ... isn't he?
Professional Review:
The Third Woman flirts with suspense, spinning an impressively intricate web of deceit, Secrecy, and, above all, sex. The novel presents a nicely crafted mystery that resists disclosing itself until the final pages and is full of dead ends, red herrings. and startling revelations. I especially love the tense foreshadowing that surrounds the dentist chair. When Arthur Marks brashly shows up for his dentist appointment the morning after his dentist finds out about his year long affair with his wife, the writing subtly suggestive of a murder scene - especially when Ken promises Arthur he will die with all of his teeth. The murder scene that does occur in the chair, however, is withheld until the final pages of the book. I was also impressed by the accuracy of the courtroom scenes. These scenes are written with a sense of authority and know-how, as well as a familiarity with the complexities of contempory law. Great job!" ... The Writer's Digest
SUPPRESSED
Suppressed is the strange and puzzling tale of Richard Markham, a New York City Police Captain in the Homicide Department. Early in the investigation of the brutal murders perpetrated against young beautiful women, Captain Markham comes to believe that he is the murderer he is searching for. This psycho-analytical suspense thriller, with its various twists and turns, will keep the reader guessing until the final suspense packed ending.
Professional Review
Many fans of the mystery genre believe that the relative quality of a new novel lies in whether or not one wishes to continue reading once the mystery has been solved. Voracious readers of this genre will have no problem turning the pages of this book, Gene Ligotti's second mystery novel. Suppressed is the strange and puzzling tale of Captain Richard Markham of the New York City Homicide department. After his wife's death, Captain Markham quickly married a woman much younger than he, causing a rift with his college-graduate daughter, Veronica. After Vernoica's best friend is brutally murdered, Captain Markham not only begins an investigation into the killer's identity but also attempts to repair the damaged relationship with his daughter. Suppressed is much more than a mystery novel; it is a touching story of a father's love for his daughter. Die-hard mystery fans will not be disappointed, though - as the I novel progresses, more young women are found mundered at the hands of the "Karnation Killer", as the media comes to dub the perpetrator of the crimes. In a surprising twist, Captain Markham soon begins to believe that he is the serial murderer that he is seeking. Readers will be kept guessing until the final suspense-packed ending. ... Sarah Taft Managing Editor GUIDE Magazine
REVERSAL
Reversal is the unique tale of an undying love set upon the tapestry of the science of genetic bio-technical advancements. In the world of pharmaceutical cosmetics every company strives to find the fountain of youth for women. They never dream their endeavors will achieve a complete reversal to the woman's own youth. In Reversal, Contessa Industries finds a phenommenal forrmula that causes an amazing transformation. A sixty-four year old woman truly reverses into the beautiful thirty-two year old she once was. The reader goes on an emotional roller coaster of mystery where he/she will question the value of immortality against a normal life filled with love and happiness. Although intrigue, lust, deception, and murder are all evident I this novel, it is truly a love story with several major twists which will keep the reader enthralled and guessing. Can unreciprocated love live in the heart of a man for over thirty years? The dramatic suspenseful conclusion will surprise even he most astute reader.
ULTIMATE BETRAYAL
Ultimate Betrayal, Gene Ligotti's latest endeavor, is a suspense-filled novel of an all-consuming desire for revenge and of a love that wouldn'y die. Ryce Traden works on a fishing boat in Montauk, Long Island. His dream is to own a fishing boat and to marry the love of his life, Taylor Banning. Wesley Drake is Ryce's best friend and he also wants Taylor.
The need for money to buy a boat sets factors exploding into the novel's driving force. On advice of his 'friend', Ryce goes beyond the 12 mile limit and picks up drugs thinking they are merely knock-offs.
A judge and a lawyer, protecting their smuggling ring, put Ryce in prison telling everyone that he died at sea. Years later, Ryce escapes, plans his revenge against those who betrayed him and hires a lawyer for a new trial with many exciting courtroom surprises. The suspenseful ending is electrifying as Ryce fights with Wesley in his final act of vengeance.
COMMENTS FROM READERS:
"I just finished "Ultimate Betrayal" and just had to tell you how much I enjoyed it. Terrific opening, really grabs the reader. Action scenes were very exciting all the way through and a poignant ending. What more can you ask for? Enjoyed the heck out of it. Great Job!" ... Joseph Cordaro
"The book is great!. I can't put it down!" ... Livia Liberatoscioli
"I just finished reading your brand new book and I must say it is truly your best. It has great clarity and flow. It is certainly the most engaging of your works. I especially enjoyed the way in which you 'broke up' the book by occasionally having a very short chapter that served as a bridge to an important scene. I love the way you quote famous writers at the head of a chapter, thus setting the tone for the reader. There is one problem, however, There will be much pressure on you as we await your next work!"
... Dr. John J. Siefring
"Great story! It seems like it would make a colorful movie. I see the scene with the Chinese freighter and the Cost Guard cutter, and the Ritz in Paris, the Costume Ball and , of course, the courtroom scene. ... Lewis Barton
TIME NEVER HEALS
Time Never Heals is the story of Dr. Frank Lunati, the first battalion surgeon for the 2/5 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. This is his story of his tour of duty, the battles, the casualties and the deaths, along with all his thoughts and feelings. He relives in detail the Search and Destroy missions, the battles of Happy Valley, la Drang, and Bong Son. He takes you with him as he ships out and travels to Vietnam and lives through a horendous year. You will experience the battles with him; meet the friends he made and those he lost. This story brings 'Nam' to you in a way you will never forget.
PRESTIGIOUS KIRKUS REVIEW
The true story of a Vietman doctor. Frank Lunati thought he had his life all planned out. He married his high school sweetheart, got his medical degree from the University of Rome and returned to Long Island with plans to open a family practice. But "Uncle Sam" other ideas. After Lunati received a letter telling him that he was an"obligatory volunteer" for the U.S.Army, he was sworn into the Army Reserve as a captain in the medical corps. What followed was a year in Vietnam where Lunati found himself trapped in a hell on earth. In straightforward terms, Ligotti tells Lunati's story from the day he and his wife received the news until his return to the States a year later. While at times the author puts his fellow soldiers on pedestals, that is to be expected, as he is depended on the troops for his safety ... the medical corps was not known for their sharpshooting skills ... just as they depended on him to put them back together should they find themselves on the wrong end of a North Vietnamese hand grenade. What sets this account apart from a section of a history book is that Ligotti personalizes not only Lunati, but his friends and patients too. Through Ligotti's words. Lunati also capably portrays the tedium of war ... in which long stretches of absolute boredom are interrupted by flashes of absolute terror. It is during these quiet parts, however, that the reader gets a sense of what that first year in Vietnam was like for the American soldier. Lunati brings a sense of humanity to his tale ... he's a good guy with some flaws, but all he wants to do is get home to his wife and restart his life. A sobering perspective of life on the front lines as a wartime doctor.
PROFESSIONAL REVIEW:
As General Sherman said "War is Hell". In war there is only one objective - DESTRUCTION OF THE ENEMY AND ACHIEVEMENT OF VICTORY as soon as possible in order to return to normalcy, as war is not a NATURAL STATE OF HUMAN EXISTENCE. Time Never Heals, The Memoirs of a Vitnam Doc ... is a superb personal memoir of Dr. Frank Lunati as told to and written by Gene Ligotti. It captures the unnatural state of war, and the graphic violence of combat, as well as providing a window into the bitter memory of the Vietnam conflict and the harrowing experiences of a combat surgeon in the real "Hell" of war. "Time Never Heals" will provide the readers with a rapid education into the realities of war. Readers will also learn why, as we fight a new war for the security of our nation and the free world, we should not feel remorseful, apologetic, or ashamed as it is suggested sometimes for political reasons. ...Engin Uralman Professor of American History United States Navy Education Consultant
COMMENTS FROM READERS:
Most war stories are told or viewed 'looking down'. This was a view of the Vietnam War 'from the dirt up.' ... Dr. Richard Altieri
It's a great read and an important book." Sal Barilla
I was moved by 'Time Never Heals'. The thought that one of the gentlest, most soft spoken people I've ever known was immersed in the horrors that Frank saw just boggles my mind. I don't want to be maudlin, but the book should be a must read for all. Dr. Steve Price
''Time Never Heals" was very enlightening and valuable." Don Smith
"I found your book absolutely captivating." Chuck Yates ... KLNG Radio, Iowa.
"My son raved about what he learned in your book. The war touched many more lives than we know. Thank you for writing the book." Ginger Littrell, ... News reporter, NC
"For anyone who would like an account of the (Vietnam) war from a personal perspective, this book is a must read. I think everyone who reads this book will come away with a better understanding of what actually happened 'over there'. The accounts will help you transcend time and distance and will carry you to a strange and different world. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down. It is a story you will never forget." ... Greg Willhite Advertising Representative, IN
About Author
Autobiography ...
I find it remarkable for someone who enjoys travel as much as I do, (My wife and I have visited many of the major cities on the European and North American continents.) that I have spent most of my living in New York City or its immediate suburbs. I was born in The Bronx, raised in a small community called Malba in Queens, educated at Adelphi University in Garden City on Long Island and New York University in Manhattan, and since my marriage, I have worked and lived in Huntington, and now in Smithtown, once again on Long Island. With the exception of my father, who was a dental technician, all his family excelled within the music profession. My paternal grandfather was a composer and conductor, my uncle was a philharmonic violinist, his son/my first cousin is a professor of music at the University of Georgia, and both my aunts were professional opera singers, My mother's father and grandfather were both barbers from a time when being a barber meant more than just cutting hair. So you see, I was predestined, if there is such a determination, to be a member of a barbershop quartet or something like that.
At the age of seven, I began the study of music with the piano as my instrument. My studies continued, forever it seemed, and I eventually studied at the Juillard School of Music. In my early teens, the concert stage beckoned and I took part in concerts at many concert halls including: Steinway Hall, Town Hall, Carnegie Hall, and of course Juillard Recital Hall. Also, in high school, I had a small Jazz band that played at local dances. For a time it seemed that I would be a concert pianist or would follow some form of musical endeavor, but destiny had other ideas for my future, and music would only be a source of personal enjoyment and not my chosen profession.
Although I was raised in Malba, I spent summers in Southampton and East Hampton on Long Island. It was here on the beaches and waterways of eastern Long Island, that my love for the great outdoors first began. Although I spent my nights reading the classics, I spent my days: boating, swimming, fishing, diving, and sailing; generally doing everything and nothing and simply enjoying life as only a carefree youth can. I was in, on, under, and around water for most of the day. The experience was worthwhile as well as pure fun, as years later, I was a crew member of the racing sloop, The Contessa, which raced, and sometimes won, yacht club regattas throughout the Long Island Sound. I was a member of the swimming team at Bayside High School and at Adelphi University. I won my letter as a member of the collegiate swimming team. I swam backstroke and occasionally freestyle on the only undefeated team in any sport that Adelphi University ever had.
At Adelphi University I matriculated as a pre-med major since I had decided to become a dentist, but indeed, l owe much more to Adelphi. It was there that I met the love of my life, a combination of beauty and intelligence, the vivacious Corbina Theresa Loscalzo. Corby and I married in 1959 and have two beautiful daughters, Gina Maria and Lisa Anne. Gina married Ciro Aliperti and Lisa married Nick Liberatoscioli. We have one grandson, Gino, and twin grandaughters, Gabrielle and Juliette. These blessings from heaven, consume our life with love as only grandchildren can.
After receiving my Bachelor of Art degree from Adelphi in 1958, I entered New York University, College of Dentistry. Four years later a new chapter, nay, a veritable new book of life, opened for me. 1962 was a very important year. I received my doctorate in dentistry, passed the New York State Boards and the National Boards, granting me the necessary license to practice, purchased a home, built an office onto that home, started a practice and, oh yes, Corby gave birth to our first child. That was also the year that New York University asked me to stay on and teach Operative Dentistry, which I did two days a week for three years.
Over the years, the practice grew and expanded causing me to enlarge my office space on two occasions. When the Hunt brothers of Texas pushed the value of silver to $54.00 an ounce, dentists scrambled to salvage this precious metal, even reclaiming it from used X-ray solutions. I worked with a simple idea using weights and baffle devices and eventually invented and patented a system of separating and salvaging the precious metal from the oral debris during regular dental treatments. I called the system the Value-Vac, but alas, when the system was ready for marketing, silver dropped to $4.00 an ounce and dentists lost interest. The years of my dental practice were good to me and I'm quite proud of the success I had in establishing a large well-respected practice in the township of Huntington.
During those early years I began the hobby of breeding and raising quality German Shepherd Dogs. I established a functional kennel (registered as Eichenholz Kennels), which kept me quite busy. Many of show dogs were imported from Germany for breeding and we traveled about the eastern states showing these magnificent animals and their progeny. I was president of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Long Island for many years and did much to promote the breed.
(Editor's Note: Gene Ligotli is a member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, and the Suffolk County Dental Society. He is the founder and past president of the Upper Bay Civic Association in his previous Huntington community. Ligotti was a recipient of the Community Leader of America Award for 1969 and is a fellow of the Suffolk Academy of Medicine. He is a member of Chi Sigma College Fraternity, Xi Psi Phi National Dental Fraternity, and was co-founder of a chapter of Xi Psi Phi at Stony Brook University, Dr. Eugene F. Ligotti is listed in: Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and Who's Who in America. He is also a Trustee Emeritus of the Huntington Historical Society.)
January of 1986 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a debilitating disease for which there is no known cure. Four years later, I could no longer practice my expertise; the profession for which I was highly trained. So with the most lucrative years of the practice now unavailable to me, I sold my practice and retired from dentistry. New medications offer hope for the future and I remain optimistic. I recently underwent surgery to replace my left elbow, which was hopelessly degenerated and extremely painful. Both my feet have been reconstructed as well. I am pleased to say. as I slowly become bionic, that I am doing quite well. The sports that I had enjoyed; skiing, tennis, and recently golf, are now but memories as is the piano, which I cannot play with the same agility and fervor I once had. I'm still an avid reader and an opera aficionado. My wife and I maintained season opera seats for a great many years.
How did I begin to write? Well, I always enjoyed writing and all of my friends will tell you that I have a mouth, the gift of gab, etc. Although I started to write a monthly column, The Distal Surface, for the Suffolk County Journal of Dentistry, it was rny wife, Corby, who suggested that I begin to write in earnest. I began writing children's stories after taking a couple of courses at the Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut.
In 1992 we purchased a second home in Windham, New York as a place to come to; where we could perhaps metaphorically draw the covers over our head and hide from the world. But, instead, we were able to throw off the depression of restless confusion and find release and freedom in the simple beauty of an easier life of an easier time. My wife and I anticipate each and every visit to our mountain home as a chance to renew ourselves, to step back and rest, to take a deep breath of clean fresh mountain air with enthusiasm and vigor.
I started writing for Guide Magazine when an article was accepted for the December 1992 issue. After that I was asked to join the staff as a regular. I wrote a monthly column for Guide Magazine as a freelance writer for many years.
As of today. I have written and published a trilogy of novels of American Revolutionary History, four mystery suspense thrillers, and one historical biography. I still enjoy writing for children and have written numerous childrens stories, some of which are illustrated, under the pen name, Papa Tuesday.
The novel for young adults, The Youngest Patriot, has also been written as a screenplay and it originally was placed under option contract with Paramount Pictures and now is held by a Hollywood producer. One can only hope. I have also completed a screenplay comedy titled, I Do. I Do. At present, I am enjoying the challenge of researching and outlining other books which are within me to write.
Gene Ligotti was born in New York City and was educated at Adelphi University on Long Island. He received his doctorate from New York University. After being afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis, he had to give up his successful thirty year practice of dentistry in Huntington. He began writing, something he was always interested in, and it soon became a driving force. Somewhat of an American Revolution history buff, his first three books were historical novels of interesting characters of the Revolution.
He has since moved on to mysteries and suspense thrillers which have been well received by his numerous fans. He lives in Smithtown, New York with his wife Corbina.
Posts
