Saving Elysium by Robert Mc Intyre

About the book

Martina Ramona De Las Flores Vaughn is putting her life back together and trying to make a success of her monthly magazine, Chicana Moderna. Suddenly her life is disrupted. Her soon-to-be ex-husband, Mack Vaughn re-enters her life. Her friend, Alicia Ramos, an intern in Councilman Rudy Benudez's office is murdered and Alicia's fiancé, Victor Alcaron is arrested for the crime. Martina finds that Alicia had uncovered a corrupt scheme in the councilman's office that threatens to destroy her barrio neighborhood, Elysian Park, and may have caused Alicia's murder. Martina befriends Victor's sister Innocensia and gradually finds out unsettling things about Victor. The prosecution tightens its case, even though Victor's mother Innocensia maintain, He didn't do nuthin'. Through her weekly column in La Opinion, L.A.'s Spanish language newspaper and appearances on L.A. Life, a television public affairs forum, Martina attempts to expose the corruption, forcing her into the vulnerable position of activist and community leader.

Councilman Benudez is senile. His beautiful and ruthlessly ambitious young second wife, Rebecca and his vain and arrogant Chief of Staff, Richard Peters are lovers. They are behind the corrupt scheme. Offers of bribery and subtle threats don't work, so Richard Peters hires thugs to stop Martina. They harass her, then try to burn down her house.

Martina's reconciliation with Mack deteriorates. She isn't sure that she needs a man in her life, yet embarks on a brief, destructive romance with Johnny Molina, a charming young police sergeant who, after their break-up, stalks and brutalizes her.

Richard Peters doublecrosses the low-lifes he had hired to get Martina. They turn their attentions to getting him. While he is celebrating with Rebecca at her beach house, they blow up his car in the driveway and he dies in a freak accident on the back deck.

Martina confronts Rebecca Benudez and in a struggle to save her own life, drowns Rebecca in a backyard fishpond.

In a drunken depression, Victor's mother attacks Innocensia and her boyfriend Armando, then confesses to Martina that she killed Alicia Ramos. Alicia was taking away her mijo. She rambles on, spilling out a sordid story of codependent incest with Victor.

During a romantic afternoon of sailing, Martina and Mack reach an understanding in their relationship. It is possible to be lovers and then friends and then friends and lovers. She has much to do. Rudy Benudez has retired. With her strong community leadership she will become Councilwoman De Las Floras Vaughn and she still has a magazine to run.

About the author

The author lives in the small southern California coastal community of Capistrano Beach.

He has an undergraduate degree in architecture, an M.A. in English, and an MBA. He has worked as a designer, an engineer, an advertising copywriter, and a construction worker. He has directed vocational training programs and taught community college and university courses. He has held executive positions in real estate development and investments, feature film production, cable television, insurance, and software development.

His writing credits include magazine and newspaper articles on travel, sailing, personality profiles, and social/political commentary. He has completed two novels: Saving Elysium, a mystery/suspense with an undercurrent of romantic tension, and Pesca Grande, a mystery/adventure. Work in progress includes: Pelican Point, a mystery in southeastern Alaska; Ancient Sacrifices; a mystery, also set in southeastern Alaska; Everything Changed when the Dog Died, a mainstream romantic memoir; and a screenplay adaption of Pesca Grande.

The author relaxes and recharges his creative batteries sailing his yacht, Rose Tattoo, or riding his classic Triumph motorcycle down rural back roads.