The perfect beach-reading companion this summer is a suspenseful mix of thrills, romance, and intrigue—plus head-spinning deception—all played out on the international stage in the high-class, high-stakes world of priceless art and jewelry.
We should expect nothing less from Hollywood veteran Bill Froehlich in his debut novel, Chasing the Goddess. After all, Froehlich (who now lives on a horse ranch in northern San Luis Obispo County) has demonstrated his ability to spin a great yarn for decades as an acclaimed writer/director/producer in both television and film, working with some of the industry’s brightest stars.
Much of that, I suspect, can be traced back to his undergraduate days at Ithaca College in upstate New York, where Froehlich had the good fortune to have the legendary Rod Serling of The Twilight Zone fame as a creative writing professor and mentor.
The student did not disappoint. After graduation, Froehlich hit Hollywood fast and furious, eventually working with a Who’s Who of the times, including Katharine Hepburn, Paul Newman, George Clooney, Ron Howard, Jack Lemmon, Ryan Reynolds, Peter Falk and Kurt Russell.
On television, Froehlich put his producing stamp on classic shows from the 1980s, including MacGyver and Scarecrow & Mrs. King. He also managed to find the time to crank out 10 made-for-TV movies, including the final chapter of Hart to Hart with Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers.
Though the storytelling medium is different this time around, it’s hard not to spot the obvious cinematic influences in ‘Chasing the Goddess.'”
Froehlich came north to the Central Coast a few years ago. His creative focus turned to writing books, adding “author” to his already long resume.
Though the storytelling medium is different this time around, it’s hard not to spot the obvious cinematic influences in Chasing the Goddess.
For the baby boomers out there, let me explain the novel’s plot this way: take a dash of the original The Thomas Crown Affair (the good one with Steve McQueen), throw in a bit of Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, and just enough of Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn to keep the readers guessing.
Nathalie Seeger is a young female insurance investigator navigating a traditionally man’s world, following in her late father’s footsteps. But a major jewelry heist on her watch threatens her career and reputation.
Further complications ensue when Nathalie finds herself crossing paths with the renowned art thief Eli Cross, who may or may not be retired, who may or may not have been involved in the crime.
There’s some history here. Nathalie’s father spent years trying to catch Cross, only to be frustrated at every turn. Now Nathalie has a chance for redemption, both personally and professionally. Things become complicated as more suspects emerge and she struggles with whom to believe.
Cross, meanwhile, seems to enjoy the chance to continue his cat-and-mouse game with the next generation of the Seeger clan. Is he helping Nathalie catch the “real” thief or is he merely manipulating the young woman for his own agenda?
Sparks fly from New York to Paris as Nathalie, clearly intrigued by Cross, searches for answers—only to discover long-held, unsettling family secrets.
You’re in the hands of a master storyteller here.”
At the heart of Chasing the Goddess is the fundamental question: How does trust survive in a world so caked in deception? Is trust not the elusive goddess, Froehlich seems to be asking, when two people are placed in such a deadly situation and only have each other to depend on?
Decide for yourselves. You’re in the hands of a master storyteller here.
Chasing the Goddess may not qualify as museum-worthy, but it’s definitely a page-turner, richly detailed and plotted. The chemistry between Cross and Nathalie is real. The twists pop up unexpectedly. Froehlich, not surprisingly, demonstrates a true flair for action—I loved how he first introduces Nathalie by having her engage in some kick-ass movements when some burly dock workers try to intimidate her.
At the end, one hopes for more of Cross and Nathalie. The good news—that is, if we can trust the author—is that the book ends with the suggestion of further adventures.
Grab Chasing the Goddess. Go to the beach. Enjoy.
Professor Serling would be very pleased.
Froehlich is holding a book signing at Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 13.