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Mid-Century Melee
FAMILY SAGA THRILLER! WHAT SECRETS WILL REMAIN?
Palm Springs never looked so vibrant—or so dangerous.
Join one of the premier families of Palm Springs as they gather to celebrate their patriarch's business and philanthropic legacy. But the media photos don’t reveal what lies behind the designer sunglasses and flawless smiles—a ruthless three-generation battle for control of the family’s interests.
Hank, the half brother desperate to belong and Spencer, the entitled new president.
William and Adela, aging siblings battling to maintain control.
Robert, the elusive patriarch and founder.
Old wounds resurface. New alliances form. Some seek their true selves—others turn identity into a weapon.
Peer behind the privacy walls and security gates to witness a family’s unraveling as they weaponize, resist, and inherit the patterns that shaped them. Mid-Century Melee is a riveting tale of the search for legacy, love, and survival. Tensions rise and motivations are questioned until some members inevitably get cropped out of the picture.
Perfect for fans of family dynasties, dark secrets, and sun-drenched scandals.
This modern-day family saga is Succession with individuals searching for trust and love. Enjoy a contemporary mashup of King Lear and television’s Dynasty or if the characters from This is Us and Yellowstone lived in Palm Springs while fighting for control of the family interests. Mid-Century Melee follows this influential family as they fight each other for power while seeking connection. Join in as they search for true self while battling their past and outside influences. To what level must a family member reach to be considered reliable or to be an enemy? At the same time how does this apply to the quest for love and relationships? What in life is worth taking a risk or investing energy?
This is a generational tale where hidden stories are revealed and perceived weaknesses are exploited or leveraged into strength. Follow transformational journeys for self-acceptance and authenticity while letting go of the past or hanging on too tightly with a strangling grip.
Palm Springs never looked so vibrant—or so dangerous.
Join one of the premier families of Palm Springs as they gather to celebrate their patriarch's business and philanthropic legacy. But the media photos don’t reveal what lies behind the designer sunglasses and flawless smiles—a ruthless three-generation battle for control of the family’s interests.
Hank, the half brother desperate to belong and Spencer, the entitled new president.
William and Adela, aging siblings battling to maintain control.
Robert, the elusive patriarch and founder.
Old wounds resurface. New alliances form. Some seek their true selves—others turn identity into a weapon.
Peer behind the privacy walls and security gates to witness a family’s unraveling as they weaponize, resist, and inherit the patterns that shaped them. Mid-Century Melee is a riveting tale of the search for legacy, love, and survival. Tensions rise and motivations are questioned until some members inevitably get cropped out of the picture.
Perfect for fans of family dynasties, dark secrets, and sun-drenched scandals.
This modern-day family saga is Succession with individuals searching for trust and love. Enjoy a contemporary mashup of King Lear and television’s Dynasty or if the characters from This is Us and Yellowstone lived in Palm Springs while fighting for control of the family interests. Mid-Century Melee follows this influential family as they fight each other for power while seeking connection. Join in as they search for true self while battling their past and outside influences. To what level must a family member reach to be considered reliable or to be an enemy? At the same time how does this apply to the quest for love and relationships? What in life is worth taking a risk or investing energy?
This is a generational tale where hidden stories are revealed and perceived weaknesses are exploited or leveraged into strength. Follow transformational journeys for self-acceptance and authenticity while letting go of the past or hanging on too tightly with a strangling grip.
- GenresThriller
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2025
9 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Tony V. George
2 books9 followersI’m a fiction writer living in Palm Springs, California, originally from Minneapolis. My first impressions of the desert were feelings of peace and calm. The diversity of people here sparked my writing.
My new family saga fictional novel is due out later this summer. 'Mid-Century Melee' is the story of trying to understand our true self while navigating who we are because of family and how we have been raised.
My background in engineering created the foundation of the second question posed by 'Mid-Century Melee' which centers on how we need to put energy towards parts of our life or risk them going to chaos. The engineers call it entropy while in life it can be a daily reality.
'Pieces of Peace' is a second book consisting of reflections, poems, life hacks, and tools to help deal with the stress in our lives and create moments of peace and calm. Ranked #1 New Release in its category (Emotional Mental Health).
My new family saga fictional novel is due out later this summer. 'Mid-Century Melee' is the story of trying to understand our true self while navigating who we are because of family and how we have been raised.
My background in engineering created the foundation of the second question posed by 'Mid-Century Melee' which centers on how we need to put energy towards parts of our life or risk them going to chaos. The engineers call it entropy while in life it can be a daily reality.
'Pieces of Peace' is a second book consisting of reflections, poems, life hacks, and tools to help deal with the stress in our lives and create moments of peace and calm. Ranked #1 New Release in its category (Emotional Mental Health).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 22, 2025
Tony V. George was able to weave a story of a family saga and friendship that is complex, compassionate and full of emotion. It is the modern Godfather without all the murder. This is a family thriller that I wanted to devour in one sitting, but I also felt I had to slow down so could enjoy every morsel of the beautiful writing. And so I could spend more time with the family. I miss them already. Mr. George, please get to writing the second book!
September 21, 2025
I am giving this five out of five stars but I am admittedly biased. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
Currently reading
September 9, 2025The book does a great job going into the character's personalities and histories with all of their faults. Throw in family politics and real life work issues and then mix in it all into cozy Palm Springs and you get a great mystery. It was a quick read and can't wait for the next book.
September 6, 2025
Wonderful and twisting story about family and wealth. Lots of shocking moments and an ending so good I had to stay up late to finish. Can’t wait to read more from Tony V. George.
September 1, 2025
The characters in this debut novel are so compelling - they had my full attention from the beginning. Complexities of life and relationships are developed with compassion, and readers also have plenty of reasons to be wary and suspicious as more and more is revealed. I raced through the second half of the book, unable to set it aside and wait to see what was going to happen. A twist at the end has me eagerly anticipating the next installment.
August 27, 2025
The family dynamics of a blended family are explored with wonderful character building and a strong, engaging storyline. Moving between Pasadena and Palm Springs, the novel traces the tensions, rivalries, and deep but complicated love shared across three generations. The undercurrents of family conflict slowly build, creating an atmosphere that is as suspenseful as it is emotionally rich. The mystery and cutthroat behavior keep the reader hooked until the very end. I cannot wait to read Tony V George’s next book
October 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. The character development is rich and layered — the kind of writing where you feel like you know these people, flaws and all. The family saga hits all the right notes: simmering tension, buried loyalties, and the kind of generational drama that feels both juicy and painfully real.
Palm Springs is practically its own character here, and Tony V. George nails the contrast of the place — glittering elegance on the surface with emotional storm clouds rolling in just beneath. The setting beautifully mirrors the class divide woven through the story: wealth and privilege on one side, quiet desperation and resilience on the other.
Even more impressive — this is his debut work of fiction, and it reads like the product of a seasoned novelist.
It’s a great read for a holiday weekend when your own extended family is under one roof (just saying…), or the perfect page-turner to pack for your next trip. Smart, stylish, and unexpectedly sharp — I’ll definitely be recommending this one.
Palm Springs is practically its own character here, and Tony V. George nails the contrast of the place — glittering elegance on the surface with emotional storm clouds rolling in just beneath. The setting beautifully mirrors the class divide woven through the story: wealth and privilege on one side, quiet desperation and resilience on the other.
Even more impressive — this is his debut work of fiction, and it reads like the product of a seasoned novelist.
It’s a great read for a holiday weekend when your own extended family is under one roof (just saying…), or the perfect page-turner to pack for your next trip. Smart, stylish, and unexpectedly sharp — I’ll definitely be recommending this one.
February 4, 2026
Such a fun book to select as I get back into reading. Living in Palm Springs, it was extra special to recognize people, places, and attributes of our special town woven into the story. You'll meet characters to like, identify with and maybe one or two you wouldn't want to have over for dinner! 😉 Loved the twists, turns and ending! Can't wait to find out what's next for these characters.
December 31, 2025
After fininshing this book, I can't wait for the sequel. The charachters were wonderful and relatable. I now want to visit Palm Springs.
October 2, 2025
Love these characters and the author incorporated complex issues into the family story that added depth, without feeling like there was an agenda. Can’t wait to read more of his work!
September 8, 2025
I am giving this five out of five stars but I am admittedly biased. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
September 21, 2025
This was a lot of fun and fast paced. Makes me want to go to Palm Springs. The family member interaction keeps me turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews