sequel to Ravenscraig – Sandi Krawchenko Altner

I am working on a scene in the Ravenscraig sequel which takes place at Eze, an incredible Medieval Village that is known as the “Eagle’s Nest” for it’s view of the Mediterranean. We had the good fortune to visit this stunning place on the French Riviera some years ago and we enjoyed a most elegant lunch at the Chateau Eza.

Today I came across this beautiful video that will give you a sense of why I chose Eze as location for a very important dinner in 1914. Luxury is always inspiring. Eze is a few miles away from Monaco.

For someone raised on the prairies, like me, I can tell you it is a bit of a hair-raising ride up that mountainous road to get to Eze, but worth every pounding heartbeat.

For the last couple of weeks I have been researching gambling in the famous Monte Carlo Casino in the early part of the 20^th century. It’s fascinating reading and I am learning about the luxurious lifestyles of the rich and titled who flocked to Monaco to play, be treated royally, and hob nob with others of their high social standing.

Monte Carlo Casino 1900-1910, Library of Congress

The Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo Casino was a most impressive gambling venue, where spectators and social climbers would come to be in the company of these illustrious members of the upper class, some pushing forward to rub elbows with them, perhaps even to take their money at the gaming tables.

The Monte Carlo continues to be one of the grandest venues for gambling complete with updated and unbridled displays of wealth, but naturally, slot machines, electronic games and a relaxing of the dress code has made today’s casino visit a much different experience than it would have been in the days prior to the start of the first World War.

Ravenscraig Sequel

My new novel, a sequel to Ravenscraig takes RJ Wilkesbury to Monaco to enter a new phase of his life. (No spoilers!) He is hoping to find his way to a poker game, but alas, roulette is all the rage and he can’t help but succumb to the seductive charms of the spinning wheel rattling a tiny marble home to make–or ruin–a fortune in a single landing.

History of Roulette

You may be interested to learn, as I was, that the history of roulette goes back several centuries. Here’s a very entertaining short video produced by supercasino.com I found to share that will give you the background.