Copyright © 2010, Anthony J. Beninati
Published by Whiskey Creek Press LLC

Reviews For DEATH BOOK by Anthony J. Beninati

“Mr. Beninati takes a subject that’s rampant in literature today and gives it a twist to make it uniquely his own. He combines mythology, history, paranormal and mystery then he adds a healthy dose of romance for the icing on the cake. As he does this he enthralls his readers with his dialogue and his obvious knowledge of all subjects listed above. He takes us to amazing places and his words bring those places to life in living color. He wows us with his characters and their diversity and their necessity to the telling of the tale. So if you’re in the mood for a spine-tingling mystery, or perhaps a tale with paranormal qualities or maybe you want a dose of history or a good heart-warming romantic suspense...well, in that case grab yourself a copy of "Death Book" because this one read has it all.” 4.5 Books!
~ Reviewed by Larkspur, Long And Short Reviews

Tuesday, April 17, 2001

“Dead,” he muttered. “Worse yet, murdered!”
Vinny slowly lifted his gaze from the computer screen and glared aimlessly at the framed photo of the Copán ruins on the wall above his desk. A monumental stone stela recorded events in the life of the ruler commonly known as Eighteen Rabbit.
His growling stomach made him squirm in the standard-issue faded blue swivel chair. He released a deep sigh as tears began to cascade down his cheeks, catching in the late-afternoon stubble on his chin.
Take a deep breath, control yourself, regain your composure, he told himself in a quivering inner voice. It didn’t work.
He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and index finger, only serving to increase the stinging sensation. “Shit!”
Isabel peeked in the office and caught him staring at the photo. “Are those Maya kings taking captives or letting blood?” she asked him delicately, sensing Vinny’s pained expression.
Over the past eight years as the Administrative Assistant for the Social Sciences Department, Isabel had caught Vinny a few times in awkward moments. She hoped to comfort him with a cute remark or at least with a smile.
“ News about the passing of an old friend—it’s unbelievable,” blurted Vinny, holding back a sob as best he could. “She died tragically just yesterday in Honduras.”
“ I’m sorry.” She paused, and then said, “Let me close the door.” At the threshold, Isabel took a breath and leaned against the frame. “Dr. Ramirez will be here in a few minutes…for her noon appointment. Should I call her to reschedule?”
Isabel liked Vinny. During the six years that Dr. Alfano had served as Chair of the Social Sciences Department, he’d made some changes, good changes in her book. He hired new faculty members who actually enjoyed teaching, supported the introduction of technology-assisted instruction, added two part-time support staff to assist in the office, and created a pleasant work environment that even made work enjoyable. Isabel had proudly completed her own associate’s and baccalaureate degrees during that time, the first in her family to have a college education; just last semester she’d started teaching Business Spanish in the non-credit program for business and industry. Vinny had encouraged her all along the way and made sure her work schedule provided ample time for study.
She was also excited when Vinny had first told her that his wife, like her, was Puerto Rican, and that he spoke some Spanish too. But Isabel wasn’t surprised when the divorce came. “I’m Mrs. Alfano,” the woman announced when she came into the office for the first time. “I’d like to speak to my husband.” No hello, no greeting in Spanish, no niceties whatsoever. Mrs. Alfano had placed herself among that self-designated upper tier of people who had no time to squander with subordinates. Vinny never treated her like that, and he made sure that other members of the department accorded her the respect of a partner in their work, not a servant.
Isabel regretted that Vinny was in his final months as department chair. Rumor had it that he’d upset the chancellor with a remark at a cocktail party. Rumor also had it that Dr. Alfano imbibed just a little too much gin and tonic at faculty gatherings off campus—at least since his ex-wife had died. Isabel never saw any evidence of drinking on the job, but she did note that Vinny forced himself to mask a melancholy mood that had enveloped him since the funeral over three years ago. As far as she knew, other than college activities, Alfano’s social life had evaporated since then.
“ No, I’ll be okay,” Vinny replied. “Thanks, just give me a few minutes to pull myself together.”
Isabel nodded and smiled, eased the door closed, and walked to her desk.

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