PASSION FRUIT By Melvyn Neil Diamond THE EXECUTION-STYLE murder of wealthy financial socialite Shelby Nathaniel sends shock waves through the leaders and government hierarchy of New Orleans. But when the primary suspect turns out to be Gulf Coast mob boss John Fonnello, the Louisiana Special Investigations Department takes over looking to put the gangster away for good. After reviewing the crime evidence regional investigations director Colby Michaels decides that the city's district attorney's case is not only weak, but that new motives exist that could be disastrous for the entire Gulf coast population. Returning to where he had left in disgrace ten years ago, Michaels must confront those he once loved and who loved him to untangle a web of passion, deceit, fraud, and ultimately murder to find answers to questions never before asked. As his investigation unfolds he must come face to face with his own past and the charismatic uniqueness of the diversified population that lives in the coastal lowlands and bayous where he will find the real answers to the murder and what is going on in the Gulf. Making himself and those he loves targets for an international syndicate intent on using the United States to launder billions of dollars of illicit money, he must trust those of a mystical cult to return the area to peace and calm. MELVYN NEIL DIAMOND has authored seven previous fictitious novels intended to entertain and challenge his readers. Each of his stories stands on the own bring to life exciting, suspenseful, often romantic plots that, as he says, "are a relief from the many cookie-cutter novels that are offered today " Having spanned the year in advertising, publishing, marketing, and the automotive industries, his writing offers a fresh and creative approach for all readers to enjoy. Mel and his wife Judi live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.