Cirrus@Austlit

'Underneath, the tale explores the shambolic Italian political landscape as well as the escalating tensions and arrangements between the southern Italian and Nigerian mafia clans. The Trouble with Serpents is set predominantly in Italy, as well as outback NSW, Fiji, Afghanistan, Russia and Poland.

'Hiding in plain sight behind the hype of Carnevale in Venice, five mafia families meet to elect a new leader of their combined clans, the Capo di Tutti Capi. Nicholas Delarno has the right to lead, but until recently, everyone thought he was dead.

'The Commission members are curious and nervous. In a show of leadership Nicholas claims the coveted role, bringing with him a return to the old ways, values and traditions that have stood the family well for decades. Something most of the clan members are keen to embrace after the chaotic leadership of former boss Don Carlo Seta. And they are willing to sacrifice their misgivings over the new Capo’s missing years to satisfy their self serving needs for secrecy, stability and economic power.'  (Publication summary)

'When organised crime detective Mila Salucci starts investigating the death of a biker, she comes across shady drug deals and internal power struggles within Australia's various crime gangs. The trail she uncovers leads her from Sydney to Rome all the way to a small town in the Italian riviera. There, reunited with a past lover, Mila has no choice but to confront her past and her own origins.

'In her search for the connections between the Sicilian mafia, Chinese Triads and Australian bike gangs, she will find herself caught between her personal history and her desire for justice. With her life in danger, Mila will find refuge in the outback where she will work to come to terms with her biggest battle yet, her past. An action-packed thriller that tells a story of love, greed, betrayal and moral conflict. ' (Publication summary)