Das/Terlingen: The Sponsor Part II - The Marostica Chess Festival Under Attack (paperback)

Autor: Das, Fred; Terlingen, Jeroen
Verlag / Hersteller: New in Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: paperback
Seiten: 280

Literary thriller intertwining chess, organized crime, and Italian history

The Sponsor Part II by Fred Das and Jeroen Terlingen continues the story of Godfried Vos and blind detective Gino Cancellara as they uncover a Mafia plot targeting the prestigious Marostica chess festival.

This literary thriller weaves together chess, suspense, and Italian history against the backdrop of post-World War II Italy. The narrative explores hidden chapters involving secret societies, organised crime networks, and the lasting impact of fascism and the Allied occupation.

Beyond its gripping mystery, the novel incorporates detailed chess game analyses and authentic Italian recipes, offering readers a layered experience that appeals to those interested in chess, history, and crime fiction alike.

Highlights

• Continuation of The Sponsor series featuring protagonists with shared passions for chess, history, and cuisine
• Investigation into the Fourth Mafia and its European drug-trafficking operations
• Exploration of Italy's clandestine networks, including P2 Masonic lodge and the Gladio intelligence structure
• Chess game analyses with full annotations provided in a dedicated appendix
• Authentic Italian dishes and recipes woven into the narrative and documented separately
• Backdrop of World War II history and its ongoing consequences in modern Italy

A multilayered thriller that combines crime investigation with intellectual depth, appealing equally to chess enthusiasts, history readers, and those drawn to literary suspense.

FAQ

Do I need to have read The Sponsor Part I to understand this book?
The Sponsor Part II is the second book in the series and follows directly from the first novel. While it can be read independently, having read Part I will provide fuller context for the characters and their investigation.

What are the chess game analyses like, and how much chess knowledge do I need?
The novel features chess games analysed in detail in a dedicated appendix. You do not need to be an experienced player to enjoy the book; the chess elements enhance the narrative without requiring advanced understanding.

Is this primarily a chess book or a thriller?
This is a literary thriller first and foremost. Chess, Italian history, and cuisine are woven into the story as thematic elements that add atmosphere and emotional depth, rather than the primary focus.