We are thrilled to announce our September 2024 Paging Creatives Online Book Club selection: The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller. Join us for an engaging discussion by registering here to secure your spot in our September Book Club Chat on Tuesday, September 24th, at 8 pm EST. The chat will run for about 60 minutes and will be co-hosted by Regina Garay and Cindy Howard.

About the Book

Set in the heart of World War II, The Curse of Pietro Houdini transports readers to August 1943, a time when Italy was caught in the brutal throes of war. The story follows fourteen-year-old Massimo, newly orphaned and alone after an American bombing raid devastates Rome and takes the lives of his parents. Fleeing the destruction, Massimo is left bloodied and battered at the base of Montecassino, where fate introduces him to a mysterious man who calls himself Pietro Houdini.

Pietro, who claims to be a "Master Artist and confidante of the Vatican," rescues Massimo and takes him to the Benedictine abbey on the mountain, where they embark on a mission to preserve the treasures within its ancient walls. But as the war encroaches on Montecassino, Pietro and Massimo, along with a ragtag group of allies, devise a daring plan to smuggle three priceless Titian paintings—and a bag full of ancient Greek gold—down the mountain and away from the Germans.

The journey is fraught with danger and moral dilemmas as the group, including a nurse with a shadowy past, a café owner turned murderer, a wounded German soldier, and a pair of lovers with an injured mule named Ferrari, navigates the treacherous battlefields. Together, they must lie, cheat, steal, and fight to survive while keeping their precious cargo safe.

The Curse of Pietro Houdini is a thrilling tale of courage, survival, and the complex moral choices made in the face of war. Derek B. Miller masterfully weaves a story that is as much about the art of survival as it is about the survival of art.

About the Author

Derek B. Miller is an accomplished American novelist with a rich background in international affairs. Before turning to writing full-time, Miller worked with the United Nations for over a decade, gaining invaluable experiences that enrich his storytelling. He has lived abroad for more than twenty-five years, calling places like Israel, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Switzerland, Norway, and Spain home.

Miller's extensive travels and deep understanding of global affairs have influenced his work, allowing him to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and depth. He is the author of six acclaimed novels, each marked by his keen insight into the human condition and his ability to weave complex narratives.

Join us on Tuesday, September 24th, at 8 pm EST for what promises to be a fascinating discussion of The Curse of Pietro Houdini. Whether you're a longtime fan of Derek B. Miller or new to his work, this is a book club meeting you won't want to miss.

Make sure to register here to reserve your spot and prepare for an evening of engaging conversation, intriguing insights, and shared love for great literature. We can’t wait to see you there