The Universal Solvent

by Beth Fowler

The Universal Solvent, by Beth Fowler, is a novel of a man's efforts to solve the worldwide water crisis. Obstructed by corrupt government officials, an unethical boss, and a woman he's trying hard not to love, Rusty, an unlikely hero with a murky past and bruised heart, faces a moral watershed. Should he reveal what he knows or save his own neck?

Author Biography: Beth Fowler, an international freelance author, has hundreds of articles and several books to her publishing credit, including Half Baked in Taiwan (xlibris.com). She's not a radical environmentalist, however, while researching to write the novel The Universal Solvent, she uncovered cause for concern: We are running out of drinkable water.

236 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2001

About the author

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Fowler was a teacher with a fondness for Broadway theatre when she decided to audition for Gantry in 1970. She was signed for the chorus and as understudy for the lead, but the show unfortunately closed on opening night. She had better luck with her next outing, Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music. Additional Broadway credits include 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Peter Pan, Baby, Teddy & Alice, the 1989 revival of Sweeney Todd, in which she portrayed Mrs. Lovett, Beauty and the Beast, in which she originated the role of Mrs. Potts, Bells Are Ringing, and The Boy from Oz where she portrayed Peter Allen's mother Marion.

Fowler has been nominated for the Tony Award twice, as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for The Boy From Oz and as Best Actress in a Musical for Sweeney Todd as Mrs. Lovett, which garnered her a Drama Desk Award nomination as well.

Fowler's film credits include Sister Act, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, and Mulan, in which she sang "Honor to Us All." On television, she has appeared in Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Ed.

Since 2000, Fowler has been a resident of New Milford, New Jersey, having previously resided in Rutherford, Teaneck, Hawthorne and Glen Rock