Joseph Roccasalvo Explores Silence and Secrecy in His Gripping New Novel

Joseph Roccasalvo’s novel, “Island of the Assassin,” delves into the moral conflicts between faith and espionage. A Harvard Ph.D. in Comparative Religion with a specialty in Buddhism, Roccasalvo has taught at leading universities around the world and is also a prolific author of novels, novellas, short stories, poetry, and memoirs.

In this book, Roccasalvo tells the story of Kai Landrie, a covert CIA killer hired to target Islamic terrorists who suddenly begins questioning his mission. When he confesses his doubts to a priest, Father Peter Quince, their fates intertwine as both men are bound by unbreakable secrets: one sacred and the other profane. The novel explores what happens when unconditional vows of silence collide with devastating consequences.

Driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling, Roccasalvo brings his deep knowledge of philosophy and religion into his fiction, weaving narratives that engage readers both intellectually and emotionally. Alongside his teaching career at Fordham University, Columbia University, and abroad, he has authored an extensive body of literary work spanning fiction, memoir, and poetry, earning recognition for both its depth and range.

Early praise highlights the novel’s gripping narrative: “A terrific thriller, and one that kept me wanting to learn more at the turn of every leaf…The ending was a surprise to me but made sense. This novel is a quick read and an engaging travel companion.”

“Island of the Assassin” challenges readers to reflect on loyalty, morality, and the true weight of silence. An engaging and thought-provoking read, the novel is now available for purchase on Amazon and other major online book retailers.

To learn more about Joseph Roccasalvo and his body of work, visit www.josephroccasalvo.com.

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