In “Dog’s Breakfast,” the debut novel by Thomas Navratil takes readers behind the scenes as intrigue erupts in a backwater U.S. Embassy
About the Book: Dog’s Breakfast takes the reader behind the scenes as intrigue erupts in a backwater U.S. Embassy when Andy Pulano, the second-in-command, becomes fed up with being treated with less respect than the ambassador’s prized Labrador.
Craving career advancement Andy sets out to undermine his boss by instigating a series of crises in their host country of Vodania which hardly needs any outside help in falling apart. After someone attempts to poison the Labrador, Andy secretly assigns Tara Zadani, a newly arrived junior officer, to investigate.
Never having signed up to be a doggie detective Tara suspects she’s been set up to fail. If so, Andy just invited the wrong girl to the prom. His machinations create enough chaos to put the ambassador on the verge of being sent home in disgrace. Then Tara makes a discovery that puts Andy’s entire scheme — and his fevered hopes for a promotion — at risk. Click here to buy the book!
Meet the Author: Tom Navratil grew up in Illinois and Wisconsin. He joined the U.S. Foreign Service after graduating from Haverford College, and served in American embassies around the world. His humor writing has appeared in Points in Case, Weekly Humorist, Slackjaw, Jane Austen’s Wastebasket, and many other publications. Dog’s Breakfast is his debut novel.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
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Elaine’s Restaurant
About Elaine’s: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo.
“I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins.
The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.