While working as a waitress in 1980s New York City, I was first struck with the inkling of this novel. From this experience, and later on as a reporter and rape crisis counselor, I listened to people’s narratives — often finding similarities in their plights. Through these scenarios, the ideas for this story began to germinate.
In this work, I open up a secret world of sexual predators. Some are there — in plain view. Others are hidden in the dark crevices of buildings, inside hotel rooms, above storefronts, and traveling across borders.
Sex trafficking often happens in the shadows. For centuries, women and girls (and to a lesser extent boys and men) have been groomed, traded, and trafficked around the world. Often, these stories end in tragedy with little hope of escape.
I researched sex workers and intelligence rings of the former Soviet Union during my graduate coursework in Soviet Studies. In the archives of the New York Public Library and while wandering through antiquarian bookstores, I found myself frequently drawn to the section on Slavic paganism. As a mystery lover, I wanted to weave in intrigue and use Russian mysticism as a cultural anchor in this novel.
As a born and bred New Yorker, I chose New York City as my backdrop. Although this book takes place in the City, this crime can happen anywhere. This quick-paced thriller pulls open the curtains, allowing a glimpse into a long-hidden world and raises awareness of this vile practice.
Alice Kira Mannette 