What Katie Did in Italy by Stephenson Holt

Book Blurb

A series of novels, tracing Katie’s journey through various genre of other novels. As a consequence, some scenes are of an adult nature, sometimes explicit and sometimes involving kidnap. So please do not read if any of that is offensive to you.

A dark romance novel.

Two female actors, friends since their child-acting days are in Italy, and one announces that she wants children but her husband is a drunk, cocaine addict and she worries about those traits passing to her offspring. It is then that she finds out about a female, secret organisation, three hundred years old, that can help her in her quest.

Katie’s detective agency is now up and running, the other partners being Bethany, her mad friend, and husband Dan. One life-changing day, the agency is visited by one of the female actors who commissions them and that starts the ball rolling into lies, deception, kidnap, Mafia Bride illusions and a film set where absolutely anything can happen, and probably will.

Best Book Editors Review

Hot as a spicy Pizza. This is a captivating story partially taking part in a gorgeous Italian setting. I love anything with a travel element and found the descriptions rich, and they reminded me of my time there. Blending culture and engaging storytelling, with vivid descriptions and relatable characters, Holt takes readers on another Katie adventure.

With balancing romance, running the detective agency, and the intriguing new case, the scales are calibrated just right. This book had an imaginative and fascinating plot, leaving a lasting impression—and Katie’s met her match in Larna! When this author describes a party, all you’re missing is the hangover.

The book’s enchanting narrative, well-developed characters—Katie and Dan bare all again— and mouthwatering descriptions make it a must-read for anybody seeking a literary escape. Hot and spicy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About Stephenson Holt

Stephenson Holt is an author that physically writes between 5am and 8am each morning, leaving that painting to sketch and dream for the rest of the day. Sometimes he returns into normality but not for long periods. For most of his life he is constructing one novel while sketching the next novel – it keeps the mind fresh.

His favourite sketch and dream places are;-

I. Lying on a beach listening to the waves.

II. A favourite armchair in the conservatory with heavy rain on the roof.

III. Laying in a hot bath staring at a tiled wall.

IV. Sitting next to a canal where he used to fish as a boy.

V. Motorway driving.

VI. That chair in the corner of the greenhouse, shielded from the sun by that grapevine and next to the olive tree, full of bird feeders.

VII. Gardening with a corner of his eye on the sparrow returning to the nest in the eaves above him and imagining he’s the sparrow looking down on himself.

VIII. Running a familiar route where he doesn’t have to concentrate on where he’s going.

When stuck for inspiration he will;-

I. Listen to an episode of “The Invisible College” a series of ten minute podcasts from BBC Radio 4 that sit nicely on an iPod.

II. Listen to a three album collection converted to CD of Jack Kerouac reciting and backed by either piano or saxophone. Including “Poetry for the beat generation” and “American Haikus.”

III. Fight like a superhero with a six year old grandson.

IV. Walk in the hills.

Tony Walker

A Riveting Italian Adventure

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2023

Stephenson Holt’s “What Katie Did In Italy” is the second entrancing installment in the “Katie’s Journey” series. It’s a masterful blend of dark romance, suspense, and intrigue that pulls readers deep into the picturesque landscapes of Italy. As Katie and her detective agency dive into a case involving two female actors, secrets that span centuries come to the fore. The narrative artfully weaves themes of friendship, motherhood, and the lengths one would go for love. Holt’s portrayal of an ancient female organization and the captivating world of film sets creates a backdrop where every twist feels both unexpected and inevitable. The novel’s mature content, including explicit scenes and elements of kidnap, means it’s not for the faint of heart. However, for those seeking a gripping tale filled with lies, deception, and dark romance, “What Katie Did In Italy” is a must-read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

John Spender

Well-written book!

Reviewed in the United States on 25 November 2022

Verified Purchase

This is the second book in the series that I’ve read and it’s pulled me from the beginning. It builds slowly and adds each layer by revealing secrets that left me intrigued and wanting more.

The writing style is amazing without a doubt and the narrative is very descriptive. Overall, a great concept and a fascinating plot.

This is all one twist that I had great fun reading!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazon Customer

LOVED IT!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2022

What Katie Did In Italy by Stephenson Holt is inventive, intuitive and inspiring. It’s even better than Book 1. It’s saucy, sexy, and some scenes are rather explicit but written tastefully. Not cheap or crude.

I enjoyed the plot and thought it worked rather well as a story in its own right. I won’t reveal spoilers, other than to say it is a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read. Two thumbs and five stars for this creative, well thought out plot.

– Eli

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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