The Salome Effect is a story of international intrigue and the magic of innocent love. American soldier Robert Orazio faced a life of continuous PTSD events following a brutal and disturbing military tour. He remembered the serenity he felt when on leave in Italy and made a move of permanent residence upon his discharge. Unfortunately, Robert's solitude leads to loneliness which he fills long hours spent in the local strip joint. His extracurricular activity leads him to Marianna, the beautiful exotic performer whose soul is filled with a misery to which Robert can relate. Marianna instructs Robert on his knowledge and appreciation of classic artworks and he learns that her dream is to utilize her knowledge on day as an art historian. His fascination with Marianna controls his thoughts and leads to an irrational decision to go to extreme lengths in order to prove his love for her and to secure her devotion to him at the same time.

I really enjoyed this story and appreciate the evidence of careful editing and proofreading. The main character's battle with the results of war is believable and timely in today's society. Even though the story is fiction, the relationship between Robert and Marianna is also believable and brings to life a theme often misunderstood: Occupation doesn't necessarily dictate character. Marianna's occupation as a stripper is not a result of her moral character. She has fallen into this profession as a result of need for financial security. She doesn't squander her income on the temptations of drugs and illegal acts associated with her job. She sees an income opportunity and makes the most of it. Marianna is intent upon following her dreams and she is fortunate to befriend a benefactor. Written in the fashion of late Stieg Larsson, I believe that James Sajo's The Salome Effect is a promising start in a future of crime/intrigue fiction.

When Robert had been in the US military, Italy had stolen his heart. After discharge he made it his home. The war had left him suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. He found himself frequenting a strip club several times a week for several months. That was where he met Mariana. The beautiful young Romanian had won his heart even before they went out on a date. It seemed like they could talk about anything and everything. Robert knew the strip club was no place for Mariana. She hated her job. Her dream was to use her art education and work in the Savoy Gallery. She loved art and Robert loved her. He would do anything to win her heart.

Salome Effect is an interesting read. There are several interesting subplots in this book which the author skillfully intertwines to create an emotional plot. While Robert is the lead character, for me Mariana stole the limelight. Reading about her life was heartbreaking Both characters had great depth. Sajo successfully demonstrated how we need each other. Robert reached out to help Mariana and the relationship they formed helped him. Sajo offers readers a book that could well become a classic.