Towers of Conceit by Stephen Madeline

About the book

This novel, based on the life of Lee Iacocca, portrays corruption and intrigue in high-level corporate suites in Detroit. It tells the untold story of the explosive relationship between Martin Iannelli (Lee Iacocca) and William Alistair Cole (Henry Ford II).

As Martin's executive success at Cole Motors blooms, William Alistair Cole, board chairman and heir to the family fortune, surreptitiously tries but is unable to discredit Martin. William's fruitless search for scandal goes deep into Martin's personal life. But nothing is uncovered. William's jealous paranoia then leads him to dismiss Martin from the presidency of the giant worldwide company -- publicly with no explanation given. Not only is Martin's pride nearly destroyed, the toll on his family hastens the death of his beloved wife, Marly, who is suffering from cancer.

Martin seeks revenge by forming a rival auto company. His vindication comes as he beats Cole Motors in the marketplace. William wants to fight back. But it's too late. His dissipated lifestyle brings on his death from HIV-related pneumonia. The firms merge and Martin's daughter, Laura, and Cole's daughter, Sarah become competing executives in the new auto firm.

Questioning his lifestyle, Martin drops out of the business world and travels to Italy where he comes together with Caterina Carlucci. She had been William's second wife in a volatile marriage. Prior to her marriage to William, she had led a vacuous life in jet set circles. But now she too yearns for renewal. She and Martin fall into a September romance and decide to cleanse their souls by financing philanthropic ships that will sail the Mediterranean bringing medical aid and sustenance to indigents.

Laura discovers her father's romance. Unfortunately, she misreads Caterina's intentions and perceives her to be a female Svengali. Emotionally crazed and disoriented from a cocaine habit, Laura goes to Italy to "save her father". She surprises the love birds; and shoots Caterina, leaving her a cripple.

Laura is sentenced to an Italian drug rehab where she falls in love with her psychiatrist. Caterina recovers and learns to walk with a cane. She harbors no bitterness towards Laura. In fact, Laura learns that it was Caterina's influence that kept her from jail.

Laura and Caterina find forgiveness and respect for each other -- and Martin glows with happiness. Together they launch Martin's three philanthropic ships -- The Marly, The Laura and The Caterina.

About the author

Stephen Madeline has been a newspaper writer (The Philadelphia Bulletin), an English teacher, a magazine editor (Ford Times) and a corporate speech writer and communications director. He has published short stories (The Detroit News, Rogue Magazine, Story Magazine). His novel Towers of Conceit is based on the life of Lee Iacocca -- for whom Mr. Madeline worked as a speechwriter and publicist. In addition, he has written two mystery novels. He has BA and MBA degrees. Serving with the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant, he worked in Military Intelligence.