'Death Circles the Square'

Author Shares Art of Suspense in Exciting New Thriller

"Death isn't choosy," writes Bernard Harland. "An equal opportunity consumer, he uses any resource to carry out his ceaseless pursuit, even the gifted and privileged." In Harland's thrilling new novel, "Death Circles the Square" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), the Grim Reaper gathers a harvest of victims in London's fashionable Mayfair.

Bill Aikers, a young, American architectural historian, accompanies his wife, an actress, to London for the world premiere of her new movie. She is Dina Sorrell, basking in the glory and publicity for her first leading role in a major film. During the kick-off reception at Candrew House, a 17th-century architectural gem on Berkeley Square, internationally famous actress Pamela Trier dies in a fall. Was it an accident? Suicide? As though this is not shocking enough, an autopsy reveals that she was dead before falling. Bill finds himself caught up in the mystery surrounding Pamela's glamorous life and tragic end. The prime suspect is Valerian Vaseleev, her co-star and lover, until it is established that he was already in Paris at the time of her death. The mystery is on.

At a reception after the funeral service, Bill meets Maggie Pearson, the architect in charge of Candrew House's restoration. She and Bill hit it off, and during a private tour of the historic mansion, he learns of a hidden stairway, which few people know about. Overnight, those who know about the stairway begin to be killed. Not realizing his life is in jeopardy, Bill tells the detectives on the case about the stairway. Val, in the meantime, does his own investigation. All evidence points to one man: the film's producer, Tony Candrew.

Obsessed with and rejected by Pamela, Tony accidentally smothered her while attempting to attack her. Frightened, he tried to make it look as though she fell by tossing her over the rail into the crowd below. With Bill, Val and the detectives hot on his trail, Tony leads them and readers on a chase through Candrew House to a shocking, action-filled conclusion.

Harland, now living in San Diego with his wife, June, was born in New York City, where he cultivated an interest in theater as both an actor and playwright. After serving in the U.S. Army, he studied stage and interior design before his turning to architecture. He earned a bachelor's degree in architecture at Columbia University. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Shakespeare Club of New York City, eventually serving as an officer and Board of Directors member. He joined the faculty of the Interior Design program at Long Island University's Greenvale Campus, where he eventually became director of the program. He and his wife have traveled Europe extensively. "Death Circles the Square" is his first published novel. (ERN)