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Don Westenhaver planned to become a Catholic priest, but left the seminary and joined the Marine Corps. The Marines trained him to be a Vietnamese interpreter, but then assigned him to be a platoon radioman near the DMZ. As a finance executive in the oil industry, Don traveled frequently to Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa. His military and oil business experiences inspired him to write his first novel, an international conspiracy thriller titled The Whiplash Hypothesis.
His second novel, The Red Turtle Project, is also about global conspiracy, but draws on his conviction that even the poorest country can improve its living standards through a relatively small investment if the government is intelligent enough to manage the country properly.
The third novel, Nero’s Concert, takes place in ancient Rome and brings to life the Great Fire of Rome during which the Emperor supposedly fiddled and then blamed the Christians for the disaster.
Don enjoys the deep research required to write novels that portray a fascinating time and place, combine real and fictional characters, and make readers feel that they are actually living through the plot.
Don has been married to his wife Ellie for over 35 years and they live in Southern California. They have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. Don and Ellie are recently retired, and plan to continue traveling, assisting four different charities, golfing, and of course playing with the grandkids. He is working on a fourth novel and is a member of the Southern California Writers Association and the Military Writers Society of America.
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
The setting is Rome, during Nero’s reign. The narrator is Rusticus. He was once a great gladiator that saved Nero’s life during a chariot race. He worked his way up to one of the top ministers in the imperial court. He was in love with Camila. They had an eight year old daughter, although they were not married.
Nero wanted evidence that would prove the Christians had set fire to the city. Rusticus could not find any evidence implicating the believers. Nero sent him away in anger. Rusticus, Camila and their daughter travel to Pompeii where he continued his investigation. He uncovered a secret Camila tried to hide. She was a follower of Christ and had introduced their daughter to these beliefs. Furious, Rusticus sent her away.
Rusticus returned to Rome as the first round of Christians were captured and imprisoned. Rusticus realized he still loved Camila. She and her family’s life were endangered. They were reunited before they were captured. While in prison, Rusticus met Peter, the head of the Christians.
It is obvious the author has spent much time doing research. Nero’s insanity is clearly demonstrated. The secondary characters are fascinating and important to the plot. The author was careful to give each one character and depth. One of my favorites was Gladius. He was the son of one of the thieves that hung next to Jesus. His father was the one who accepted forgiveness. Nero’s wife was easy to dislike, Poppaea was self center and practiced the black arts.
This is a fictional account that intermingles both actual historical figures and fictional characters. The culture of the era comes to life in this tale. This tale is suspenseful, historical, romantic, and action all rolled into one.
