The Bystander is a mystery thriller set in Saudi Arabia where rivalries in the Saudi royal family, religion, and oil money intersect. In a kingdom built on sand, an ambitious and devious prince uses terrorism to disrupt the succession and become the next king.
At the Department of State spent twenty-one years inspecting embassy operations around the world. Traveled to over 130 countries including Iraq and Afghanistan with over 200 total trips. Overseas living included Peru, Thailand, England, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the Cote d’Ivoire. Served four years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the U.S. Embassy. Worked as a management analyst at the VA for nine years. One of first 20 women accepted in Air Force Intelligence School, and the first female Air Force Intelligence Officer to serve in the Vietnam War. Born Milwaukee, Wisconsin, lives in Colorado, BS University of Oregon, MHA Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.
A recent music festival in Riyadh attests to changes in the kingdom. One thing remains the same. Saudi women at the festival still wore abayas and head scarves. Western festival goers were in various states of undress, ie not covered heads.
So while the latest 3 day concert was a new leaf for Saudi, the old leaf, women's dress remained unchanged.
Book Excerpt
The Bystander
Princess Hassa greeted Amy dressed in the traditional abaya. Amywould never have recognized the woman she’d met in London so manytimes over the years. In western clothes, Hassa looked like a model. Todaya black gown covered her entire body, and a black scarf concealed her hair.
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.