Simmering resentment, unexpressed anger, feeling trapped, all lead to toxicity in relationships. What attempts are made to adapt and to protect the self against hurtful words and actions of the partner. How does this affect how they act and how others perceive them?

How is the couple perceived by others? What judgments are made? How is the reality different from those perceptions and judgments?

These were questions I wanted to explore in my book FANFARE.

There are several couples in FANFARE. Some appear “eccentric” at the beginning of the book. As the story unfolds, secrets they hide from the world and from each other are unveiled. Resentment and feeling betrayed lead to destructive actions.

There is a toxicity to relationships that becomes apparent even as the toxic substance used in the murder is uncovered.