The son of an Italian crime family goes missing, and Warren Steelgrave is thrust into a terrorist plot that threatens not only America but the life of the woman he still loves. He must broker a deal between the local Mafia boss and the FBI to foil the insidious plan of an extremist cell that has no regard for the lives of innocent people or even for their own lives. Warren is at first perceived by the terrorists as a mere “pebble” in their path of Jihad, but they soon realize that he too is “willing” to sacrifice everything to stop them. This is the latest novel in a series by author, photographer, Gary Smith who now resides part-time in Italy. His protagonist, Warren Steelgrave, is adjusting to life in a small village in Northern Italy, finally having the time to pursue his avocations when his reputation as a problem solver puts the quiet life on hold. Along the way, Warren must deal with his elusive lover, Cindy. Is he willing to give up part of who is to be with the one he cares deeply for, or be content to “love the one he is with”? Share the journey of a man of principle who is again tested by a world so fragile that a small group of people can turn it upside down and threaten what we hold dear.

Gary Smith, Photographer, and author of The Willing, uses his unique perspective and well-honed instincts to take us on a journey replete with vivid descriptions of the beauty and culture of Northern Italy.“Real life” fictional character Warren Steelgrave has settled into his author’s persona amongst new-found relatives and friends in a small village in Northern Italy. After three years, his possible soulmate and object of romantic memories, Cindy O’Brian comes back into his life. New adventures unfold involving the son of an old friend and the intrigue of the FBI, a crime family, and a long-lost secret for Nicola Tesla’s “death ray”Warren is again “willing” to put his life on the line, but can Cindy accept the realization that the man she loves will always “live a life separate” even if they are together? While they are back in the United States, with trouble in tow, his eldest daughter adds insight when she tells Cindy “welcome to Warren’s world.”Perhaps the safest place to enjoy the unfolding of events is from a safe distance as the reader of Mr. Smith’s newest novel. Ken Meirovitz

At the age of Sixty-Five, a retired Warren Steelgrave is getting bored with life. He decides that unlike his friends of his age he is not going to sit around playing golf, waiting to die. He is going to Italy to start the last chapter of his life and find adventure. Be careful what you wish for, adventure is what he finds. He falls in love with Cindy O’Brian a singer songwriter in his Italian language class in Florence Italy. Little did they realize the chain of events that would engulf them. Someone was watching, but who and why? He discovers she might not be who she appears to be, but, still decides to help her flee Italy, and the chase begins through northern Italy. Before it is over there will be two dead bodies, a secret government file, a jealous husband, fake identities, a safe house, personal betrayal as the FBI is searching for them and others want to kill them both. Does Warren Steelgrave have another card up his sleeve to save them both? This story takes the reader through the backstreets of Florence and to villages of northern Italy, and from Monte Carlo France to a small town in Kansas America. The Willing is exciting and mysterious.