Meet 'The Trust' author at the Jewish Book Festival

"The Trust," By Ronald H. Balson, St. Martin's Press

In 2013, Ronald H. Balson debuted his first novel, "Once We Were Brothers," an originally self-published title that reached great success and instantly became an international best seller. Over the course of just a few years, Balson would come to publish two more novels featuring the same compelling characters-lawyer Catherine Lockhart and private investigator Liam Taggart-and build a dedicated readership.

Balson's fourth novel, "The Trust," follows Liam Taggart as he returns to his childhood home in Ireland for his uncle's funeral, only to discover his uncle was murdered.

Sixteen years ago, Taggart left his native Ireland under bitter circumstances, closing the door, never planning to come back. Upon his return, he quickly learns that not only was his uncle shot to death, but he'd anticipated his own murder. In an astonishing last will and testament, Uncle Fergus has left his entire estate to a secret trust, directing that no distributions be made to any person until the killer is found.

Liam's stay in Ireland brings him into conflict with many troublesome memories from his past-the death of his parents, his service as an agent for the U.S. Government, the events leading up to the estrangement from his family, and the sudden and tragic end to his relationship with Annie Grossman, his former fiancée.

As his investigation draws Liam farther into the past, he realizes he must reopen doors long ago shut and locked. He must consider disparate sources and motives as he comes to recognize that danger only increases with each day he spends in Ireland. The killer is not finished, and one-by-one, members of the Taggart family-including Liam's wife and child-realize that they too are at risk. Accepting the appointment as sole trustee of the Fergus Taggart Trust, Liam has stepped into the center of the firestorm.

A fast-paced murder mystery, "The Trust" is sure to keep you turning pages.

Those who attend the Central Florida Jewish Book Festival at The Roth Family JCC, can meet the author, Ronald Balson and find out what inspires him for his suspenseful stories.

Jointly sponsored by the JCC and the Writer's Block Bookstore of Winter Park, the Festival will be held Sunday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Balsom will speak from 11 a.m. – noon.

The tickets are $10 per talk, with a VIP reserved ticket option of $50, which includes seating in the first two rows of all three talks, plus a meet-and-great from 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m., and can be purchased at http://www.orlandojcc.org/bookfest.