Vaspp Books

Finding Ruby Draker A Draker Series Thriller" by Marianne Scott is a pulse-pounding spy thriller that marks an exhilarating debut for the Canadian author. This novel grabs readers from the first page, plunging them into the harrowing journey of Kathleen Jones, a college student whose ordinary life is shattered when she returns home to find her family killed and her house ablaze. Kidnapped, drugged, and subjected to facial surgery, Kathleen awakens to a new identity—Ruby Draker—and a world of espionage, danger, and deception. Set against the lush backdrop of the South of France, the story unfolds with relentless pace, weaving a complex plot filled with twists that keep readers guessing until the final, shocking climax. @MScottauthor44 t.co/mKP94U9y7W t.co/f7CUIOJigd t.co/hng0EClgCu? t.co/iZJyK8nh6S Scott’s storytelling shines in her ability to balance high-octane action with emotional depth. Told in the first person, the narrative captures Ruby’s confusion, resilience, and growth as she navigates a reality where allies and enemies blur. The Draker family, a group of former CIA operatives bound by survival, is richly developed, with backstories that add layers to their motivations. Reviewers praise the “gorgeously described settings” and “riveting” pacing, noting how Scott’s vivid prose transports readers to the luxurious yet besieged Draker estate. The novel’s exploration of identity, trust, and survival resonates deeply, making Ruby’s transformation both relatable and inspiring. Fans of spy thrillers like those by John le Carré or Daniel Silva will find the book’s intricate conspiracies and morally gray characters enthralling. Marianne Scott, a former business professional with a BA and Diploma in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, discovered her storytelling flair after leaving the corporate world. Her creative writing studies at Conestoga College, Humber College, and the University of Guelph under Lawrence Hill honed her craft, evident in the novel’s polished execution. As president of The Cambridge Writers’ Collective and a member of the Guelph Genre Writers, Scott brings a disciplined yet imaginative approach to her work. Her inspiration to write about villains terrorizing ordinary people stems from a belief that “the world is a nasty place and bad things happen to nice people,” a perspective that infuses her stories with raw authenticity. For readers craving a thriller that combines heart-pounding suspense with emotional stakes, "Finding Ruby Draker" is a standout. Scott’s debut, originally released in 2016 and relaunched in 2022, has earned accolades for its “action-packed” narrative and “believable characters,” with a 4.5-star average from reviewers who call it a “page-turner.” Available through major retailers, this novel establishes Scott as a rising star in the thriller genre, leaving readers eager for the sequel, "Shadows in the Aftermath." This is a book—and an author—that delivers an unforgettable ride. #AuthorUpROAR #MasterBlaster #ArtistUpROAR

Today’s #mentalhealth message helped students reflect on the qualities they look for in a friend while encouraging them to think about having these qualities themselves in order to be a good friend and a good person. Empathy, kindness, and trustworthiness, were at the top! #StarfishClub