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Leo James

Goodreads Author

Website

http://layersofdeception.info/

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LeoJamesAuthor

Genre

Thriller, Crime, Business

Member Since

November 2018

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/leojmesauthor

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Leo began writing during his recovery from a serious fall into a storm drain whilst on business in Singapore. To this day, he has not solved the mystery of who pushed him. Stuck in hospital, Leo found it cathartic to write. It helped with his recovery, both mentally and physically. That was the start. Once back to work, and travelling internationally, he would write everywhere: on planes, trains, staying at hotels, basically at any given opportunity. Leo worked for over 20 years in global information technology. He is an expert in cryptocurrencies, blockchain and cybersecurity. In addition, Leo is a practicing therapist in clinical hypnosis and cognitive behaviour therapy. Born in the UK, he graduated from Illinois State University in Ameri ...more

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Leo James ‘What started my love of writing?’

Mount Elizabeth Hospital Singapore

Two nurses wheeled me back from x-ray into the admissions department. Green gauze…more‘What started my love of writing?’

Mount Elizabeth Hospital Singapore

Two nurses wheeled me back from x-ray into the admissions department. Green gauze covered my head as a nurse patched up my injured chin. Certain I needed stitches after the fall but apart from a thumping headache, a throbbing knee and ankle, I felt ok. His exact words escape me, but I heard one physician say something like, five breaks to the left patella, clean break to the maxilla, three teeth missing, and torn ligaments to the right fibula. I remember thinking, “Poor Sod, he is in for a while.” It wasn’t until the doctor said they would admit me and operate the following morning that I fell apart; shaking and sweat surged from every crevice. I could not speak and my head spun with uncontrollable thoughts. I did not comprehend much else from the medic as he talked about signing something and insurance.

What Happened?

Mid-June in Singapore heralded my third visit to CommAsia; an annual event.

On one evening during the exhibition, we met a prospect at Clarke Quay - a historical riverside wharf, at the mouth of the River.

Just after 9 PM we finished the meeting and very nice meal. Two of my colleagues went for a beer close to where I was staying on Orchard Road, so, I accompanied them in a taxi and as it was early, I joined them for a drink.

It was ten-thirty when I left the bar and as it was a sultry night, I took a stroll as I knew Orchard Road ran parallel. During the walk I spotted a short-cut down one alleyway towards the hotel. The avenue had a row of shops with large window displays. A fence on the other side led down to a group of trees masking any view beyond. I was not aware of the rain drainage channel running the full length of the thoroughfare; part of the expanse was devoid of any metal grate or as in some places, concrete. About half way along it was a little dark and shady by the foliage, and only a few people about. So, I looked for a more suitable route.

About twenty yards from the road, I could see no one around, but I felt a thud on my left shoulder and I remember my jaw hitting the floor and teeth shot out. Then nothing. Next thing I knew, a couple helped me out of a ditch which reached up to my chest. The man pulled me out and the woman gave me a roll of tissue paper to help stop the blood and I headed towards the hotel.

I took my shirt off and held it against my chin, sure I would need stitches. My knee was stiff and my ankle sore; I felt like I had a couple of knocks similar to when I used to play football. A few people asked me if I was ok during my walk back. A lady offered me more tissues and I should have noticed the look of horror on her face. Grateful they had not robbed me in the incident as I still had my money, credit cards and mobile.

Once I entered the hotel, my chin did not seem to bleed much, so I thought I’d retire to my room, have a shower and get some sleep. If it needed stitches the following morning, I planned to ask for details of the nearest walk-in surgery or A&E.

However, the concierge intercepted me and suggested I should go at once to the hospital. He ordered a taxi, and I took it to the Mount Elizabeth.

My First Novel - Layers of Deception

Who would have thought this would be the start of an eighty-four-thousand-word international crime thriller?

Writing the novel helped me through the after effects, recovery, weakness, realisation, fear, anger, depression, acceptance and a new direction.

After many years of planning, drafting, re-writing, editing and production my novel is available now.

I'm fully recovered and I still love Singapore.(less)

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Average rating: 4.15 · 33 ratings · 25 reviews · 1 distinct work

Layers of Deception

4.15 avg rating — 33 ratings — 10 editions

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Leo James wants to read War in the Shadows: The Irish-American Fenians who Bombed Victorian Britain by Shane Kenna	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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