Peter Thomas Senese: After Facing Down Storms Of International Child Abduction, Best-Selling Author's CHASING THE CYCLONE Mesmerizes Critics

Novelist Peter Thomas Senese was extraordinarily busy with his career until he was unexpectedly forced to race into the unthinkable nightmare known as international parental child abduction. Inspired by the writer's experiences, the novel CHASING THE CYCLONE has been critically hailed as a fast-paced, educational mystery and legal thriller, and Peter Senese as a masterful storyteller. Since this time, the author has become an outspoken advocate of child abduction prevention, and has created an arsenal of tools that have helped at-risk parents.

(PRWEB) November 22, 2011

Peter Thomas Senese's novel "Chasing The Cyclone" has been hailed as a masterful international legal thriller that enraptures readers into the dark and incomprehensible world of global parental child abduction. Inspired by the best-selling author's own experiences racing into the storms of child abduction, critics and readers alike have called "Chasing The Cyclone" a Call-To-Arms against this worldwide epidemic, and Peter Thomas Senese as a master storyteller. "Chasing The Cyclone" will be released on December 1st, 2011 in hardcover and is now available via E-book from online merchants.

Added Peter Thomas Senese, "Chasing The Cyclone" is an entertaining book that puts the reader on a roller-coaster of emotions - which is most targeted parents of abduction experience. In fact, I have had more than one reviewer write to me and tell me that while in the midst of reading this novel, they actually physically threw the book due to pure frustration over the story's protagonist's unthinkable experiences while fighting to find and reunite with his son, only to immediately pick up the book and continue reading - only to want to throw the book again. But that's just it - for parents who are targets of abduction, many enter into an insane world. So, where the resource guide "The World Turned Upside Down" is a collection or important research reports and published studies, "Chasing The Cyclone" is a novel deeply inspired by and drawn from my own experiences."

Critics and readers have praised "Chasing The Cyclone".

... "Chasing The Cyclone" isn't just a powerful novel; it's a call to arms against a growing epidemic that is tearing lives apart behind the headlines . . . "Chasing The Cyclone" is much more than just a superb, can't-put-down novel, though; it is a book with a purpose . . . Peter Thomas Senese has become an outspoken advocate on this issue, and 'Chasing The Cyclone' makes for a clear and profoundly effective call to action. I would go so far as to encourage every loving parent to read this book, as the bond between this father and son is one to be emulated . . . (Renown book reviewer Daniel Jolley)

... "Chasing The Cyclone" will shake the audience, this exciting cautionary thriller grips readers from the onset ... (Renown book reviewer Harriet Klausner:)

... Peter Thomas Senese now opens the windows on the magnitude of these tragedies in his excellent "Chasing The Cyclone" . . . As if the fast paced energy of this story weren't enough to satisfy the reader, Peter Thomas demonstrates his quality as a writer of distinction on many levels . . .this impossible to put down book . . . (Renown book reviewer Dr. Grady Harp)

. . . Chasing the Cyclone" is the second book I've read by Peter Thomas Senese, and like "The Den of the Assassin," it's a real page turner . . . This was a book I could not put down. Thomas has a gift in writing a compelling novel that not only keeps the reader engaged, but educates as well (Renown book reviewer Shelley Gammon)

Patricia Lee, a highly respected international family law attorney practicing international child abduction for nearly 20 years and a Director of the I CARE Foundation (International Parental Child Abduction Research and Education Foundation) stated, "I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Senese first, not as an acclaimed fiction writer, but as a dedicated child advocate helping victimized parents work through the morass of financial, legal and practical issues in their attempts to reunify with their children. I am humbled by his fierce dedication and support to the I CARE foundation, which portends to be a milestone in the State Department's efforts to recruit and train lawyers in this area of the law in order to better serve targeted children and parents, while also educating an uneducated judiciary. Thank you, Peter for all of your impactful dedication."

Joel S. Walter, another Director of the I CARE Foundation and a lawyer who has practiced primarily in the federal courts for 35 years added, "I remember when Peter first became aware of his own child's abduction as I was one of his very first phone calls. His ordeal was unthinkable, and the challenges he faced beyond every parent's nightmare. Yet Peter did everything he needed to do: in essence stopping everything he was doing and dedicated his time and resources toward reuniting with his abducted son, who was taken to the other side of the world. Knowing Peter for as long as I do, and knowing him for the good-natured, generous, and direct man that he is, I was not surprised to see him try to make important changes in the world of abduction prevention so that other parents and children will never have to experience what he and his family have. The I CARE Foundation is actively making a difference for other paents, and Peter Thomas Senese is a very big reason for this."

Since the time Mr. Senese was forced to chase the cyclone of child abduction, the established geopolitical novelist has become an active advocate of child abduction prevention, including initiatives to pass new laws such as Florida's "Child Abduction Prevention Act', and to widely utilize existing federal policy in order to protect children from abduction such as the "Prevent Departure Program".

As a Director of the International Child Abduction Research and Education Foundation, Mr. Senese is actively engaged in two new federal policy initiatives: to modify the "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" so all American citizens regardless of age would be required to present a passport when traveling abroad by land, sea, or air. The second initiative, as recommended by the GAO, is to create a secondary airline screening list for individuals possessing American citizenship considered to be high-risk child abductors. In addition, under Mr. Senese's leadership, the I CARE Foundation has commenced a nation-wide recruitment effort seeking attorneys to join the Department of State's "Hague Convention Attorney Network".

While the writer has written prolifically about child abduction prevention, including numerous essays and the previous publication of the groundbreaking and extensive IPCA resource guide he co-authored with Carolyn Vlk that was made available for free to the world via E-book, "Chasing The Cyclone" is a deeply personal story. "When I wrote "Chasing The Cyclone" the words flowed onto the pages very easily. My previous novels are based upon heavy research. In this story, my research was my life's experiences."

Mr. Senese commented on his activism. "For the vast majority of defenseless children and their parents who are targeted for international parental child abduction, they enter a horrific, little-understood world where law and order and justice are fleeting concepts, but typically not reality. Knowing this first-hand, and having successfully navigated this ordeal under the Hague Convention, it was important to me to try to make a difference and help other targeted children and parents. Having a voice as an established storyteller has allowed me to do some of that in both written word, and in creation of the educational documentary film 'Chasing Parents'. Yet there is a great deal of work to be done, and so initiatives continue."

Please visit the official website of "Chasing The Cyclone". To learn more about Peter Thomas Senese, please visit the author's official website.

Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk Make Major Contribution To Child Abduction Prevention Community: Publish Historic Resource Guide

Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk are child abduction prevention advocates who have spent endless resources researching issues related to international parental child abduction (IPCA). Recently, the child advocates published the historic 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN', a 330 page resource guide containing groundbreaking research and landmark findings on a diverse number of issues surrounding IPCA. At the core of the manifesto, the authors ask the questions, "How are our children being internationally abducted, and, what can we do to prevent this from happening?"

Reviewers, critics, and more importantly, the intended audience of 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' - targeted parents of at-risk children and professionals and advocates who actively act to prevent abduction from occurring have praised Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk's publication as a resource tool that has had a significant impact on the safety of many children.

Peter Thomas Senese commented, 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is the product of years of research and study into various issues of child abduction. Both Carolyn Vlk and I volunteer our time and resources to this important issue because it is our hope to stop as many child abductions as possible from occurring. Unfortunately, too many targeted children and many family law practitioners are not fully aware of the complex issues of international child abduction. So we decided to publish this extensive resource guide and make it free for everyone who needs it, while also using our finding to push for new state and federal laws and policy that will prevent international child abduction."

Written reviews of 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' tell a story of two child advocates making a positive difference in the lives of many. For insight on the high-impact work of Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk, please read the following reviews:

Written By: Joel S. Walter (Esquire and Renown Child Advocate)
The World Turned Upside Down is a must read for all parents! The authors, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk are leading advocates in the world of International Parental Child Abduction. Mr. Senese's work in this area is exemplary and impactful, and he and Ms. Vlk, author of Florida's Child Abduction Law, have both been successful 'chasing' parents, and they offer a detailed manual providing that which one needs to know if one's child is at risk ...The WORLD provides one with strategies by explaining the different laws and treaties that come into play regarding child abduction. Also, the authors provide the reader with those "risk factors" to watch for and methods to protect against a child's abduction with steps to take should the abduction actually occur.It is critical that any partner in a cross-cultural relationship pay attention to the risk factors which are detailed by the authors ...This clearly written resource guide will either help prevent an abduction or assist in the recovery of your child ... The authors have demonstrated their activism by uploading a full free copy of The World Turned Upside Down which is a HOME RUN! Kudos!

Written By:  Jill Jones-Soderman (Executive Director: 'The Foundation For The Child Victims Of The Family Court')
We wish to note that Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk's THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN  is filled with accurate, usable, effective information  dealing with that which is certainly one of the most horrifying experiences of a parent's life, the abduction of their child by a co-parent.In fact, it is in the authors' clear and thoughtful research on various issues concerning international parental child abduction that new and important light is shed on critical topics that ask the questions 'How are our children internationally kidnapped?' and 'What can we do to prevent this?' In answering these questions in various ways, Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk continue to assess previously published statistics, research, and data, and analyze how this information was derived. What has become clear and certain is that the general public, the court's, lawmakers, and attorneys  know very little about international parental child abduction, and the widespread impact it has on society. Concrete material which galvanizes the strength of a stricken parent includes such material as the research report titled 'Crisis In America: International Parental Child Abduction Today' ...Truly, for the first time has there been a thorough analysis that provides the full view of abduction, while also dissecting and discarding previously inaccurate information based on faulty past studies ... Another brilliant component of THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN is a section titled 'International Parental Child Abduction and Human Trafficking In The Western Hemisphere'. Here, the authors hit pay-dirt. In asking the question, 'How are our children abducted?', the authors are led toward studying the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).  Under the WHTI, it has become clear how children are abducted. Specifically, the WHTI allows for children under the age of 16 traveling by land or by sea from the United States to present a photocopy of their citizenship papers such as a birth certificate! As the authors point out, only the use of a passport at departure provides some control over possible abduction ... Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk have created a highly valuable manifesto on international parental child abduction prevention and recovery that is clearly geared toward two objectives. The first is obvious: to help other parents and children who are targets of abduction. The second objective is to create a highly informative and accurate resource for lawmakers, members of the judiciary, and child advocates alike, as the authors focus their actions toward changing, modifying, or implementing new law and policy at either a state or federal level ... THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN  is a unique, outstanding, generous contribution unknown to date for its desire to help a huge public that has suffered immeasurably for lack of information as to how to proceed and who to trust in their quest to find a missing/lost child.  THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN by child advocates Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk is a true manifesto that every parent potentially at risk, that every family court lawyer, and every lawmaker interested in protecting our nation's children should read.

Written By: Rianna Pearson (Targeted Parent of at-risk children)
Undeniably, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk's `The World Turned Upside Down' is so much more than a brilliant resource guide selflessly created by two highly respected child abduction prevention advocates who have had an immensely impactful influence on a large and growing global community seeking to find effective remedies to this abusive crime against children. And I know this first-hand because I am a parent at risk who was able to protect my three children from abduction due in no small way because of Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk's intervention and the knowledge they directly shared with me which is also contained in `The World Turned Upside Down'. The reality is my children were not abducted to a foreign country because of the information contained in `The World Turned Upside Down' and the extraordinary knowledge and actions of Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk ... There are individuals who decide to act in the face of adversity in order to help others. In creating `The World Turned Upside Down', Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk have not only acted and acted again, but the information they share will help many others throughout the world ... `The World Turned Upside Down' is a carefully written manifesto on how to stop a growing worldwide problem. As for Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk, what can I say? I know if it was not for them, my children would be long gone. As I shared earlier in this review, "God bless both of you, and thank you so much for all you did for me and my children." Help other customers find the most helpful reviews.

Written By: G. Nyberg (Renown Child Advocate)
The World Turned Upside Down is written by a parent who experienced firsthand the horror, pain, and financial burden of having his child abducted. Peter got directly involved in the search for his son and remained persistent in his quest despite the many setbacks and obstacles. Through his experience he recognized the necessity to help and educate parents facing the same circumstances. Peter wanted to empower parents with the knowledge, statistics, contacts, and networks he discovered effective and useful, so he wrote, "The World Turned Upside Down". This book is essential for not only parents searching for their children, but for law enforcement, advocates, an NGO, and other professionals involved in international child abduction and human trafficking ... The World Turned Upside Down is a must read not only for parents at risk of child abduction, such as those who believe a non-custodial parent is capable of taking their child illegally and leaving the country, but for anyone close to them.

Written By: Amanda Bayoumi (Targeted Parent of At-Risk Children)
In THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk have created an extraordinary vital tool for any parent who's child is at risk of international parental child abduction or has been criminally abducted. Packed with a plethora of resources,important contacts and information right at your fingertips, THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN is the creation of years of research complied into to a easy to read format that will be always evolving based on the needs of the left behind parent. This will be a living and breathing book that with completely change the fight against international parental child abduction. I applaud the authors for their significant effort to help parents like myself who have been targets for a potential criminal child abduction. Not only has the written book THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN been a great resource to me and my legal representatives, but the material presented has in fact made a very big difference on my and my children's safety. I am extremely grateful that this book has been published and made available the way it has. Clearly both Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk dedication to helping parents and children like myself is most commendable. THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN is a must read for targeted parents of abduction, lawmakers, and most of all, judges who oversee cases involving children and a potential abduction risk.

Written By: Maurizio Rigamonti (Targeted Victim of International Parental Child Abduction)
I'm presently chasing the nightmarish cyclone of international parental child kidnapping and the incomprehensible legal and prejudicial maze many targeted parents unfairly face while trying to protect their criminally victimized child and I can say that, "Thanks to `The World Turned Upside Down' and the admirable efforts of it's authors Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk, we have a real manual that tells us in detail a substantial amount about the world of international parental child abduction. As a parent involved in a case of international child abduction, I can say that this book is a precious help to all who are subject to the horror of having a child kidnapped abroad. THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN is a must read for targeted parents of abduction, lawmakers, and most of all, judges who oversee cases involving children and a potential abduction risk.

Written By: David Bokel (Child Advocate and Targeted Parent)
The World Turned Upside Down is a great resource for law enforcement, judges, lawyers, legislatures, and parents. It is so painful to imagine your own child suddenly missing. Many parents and whole communities of people do not know what to do when a child goes missing. This book provides valuable answers. If more people worked on prevention, there would be fewer children missing. We need to look past the pain in order to find ways to prevent child abduction. I invite all to educate themselves and work hard to advocate for our children and reduce the numbers of children abducted. Together we can make a difference for the benefit of our precious children.

Written By: Vivian Middleton (Child Advocate)
The World Turned Upside Down is a book that is filled with Knowledge. Knowledge is POWER! Parental Alienation is an Epidemic throughout our world, yet very little is being done to prevent it. This book offers the reader to gain the knowledge necessary to bring about CHANGE! If one sit's idly by and does nothing, then nothing changes. I can not emphasize enough just how very important it is for each of us to become involved. I feel that this book gives one an extended helping hand in bringing about a profound change and protect our children from such a horrific episode in their life and that of their loved ones, that forever leaves permanent scars. This is a preventable occurrence. But one must want and seek out change. I think that this book offers so much information to those who have not fully explored the World of Parental Alienation. It offers so much to those who are going through it. A GREAT RESOURCE of INFORMATION. Well worth reading and sharing and doing everything possible to bring about change to protect the innocent children that we are suppose to protect.

Written By: Peggy G - (Grandparent of at-risk children)
The "World Turned Upside Down" by Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk is a book that has truly impacted my family's life. Speaking from experience, I know first-hand the serious challenges that a parent faces when their child is at risk for international child abduction. In my family's case, this is even more true when the other parent is from the Middle East and from a country that is not a party to any international treaty and where women are not nationals of that nation and have NO rights. There is no doubt that abduction prevention is the key. Every case is unique and with jurisdictional laws that vary from state to state, it is so important to have the critical and up-to-date information on international parental child abduction and prevention that is found in "The World Turned Upside Down." It is a wonderful gift that Peter and Carolyn have given to all of us to provide great insight on every issue that a targeted parent or family MUST pay attention to. I urge every parent involved in a cross-cultural relationship to read "The World Turned Upside Down." Don't wait. It may very well be the most important book you will ever read. On a personal note, I want to thank Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk for being so dedicated to helping other parents and their children. Their work and actions alone with my family have made such a big difference and we are so thankful to them both.

Written By: N. Caraballo (Child Advocate)
Although I was not personally and directly involved during the time in which the International Parental Abduction was committed in our situation, I am now having to deal with the aftermath and prevention of a potential re-abduction of a minor child that I have come to love, care and cherish. Although our child is back home where he belongs in Florida, the hardest and most challenging issue has been to educate the judge and the legal system to put in place the preventive measures to avoid another re-abduction. This book has all the information to educate the judges, courts, and attorneys to take into consideration the preventive measures that can be put into place to avoid re-abduction by the parent who have no respect to the laws of our country. I've learned so much from this book. Parental International Abduction is a CRIME, it is CHILD ABUSE!! Let's get together and spread this informational book to avoid and deter those people who think they can commit this crime and get away with it!! THANK YOU, PETER AND CAROLYN FOR SHARING ALL THE INFORMATIVE RESOURCES CONTAINED IN THIS BOOK. I know with all this information, we can continue to stay strong and keep our child safe at home!

Written By: Ann Kerlin (Child Advocate)
It is sad and disgusting to know that grown adults play a cat and mouse game with one another using their own child(ren) as a pawn. In a lot of instances, one parent abducts their child(ren) from the guardian parent and crosses international lines to flee and hide. The mental and spiritual damage this causes to the child(ren) is staggering yet it doesn't just continues but is growing more rampant each year. On top of having to deal with parent against parent, there are also still many child(ren) abducted by strangers for whatever reason, be it greed or just evil intentions. In order to bright light to this worldwide epidemic, Peter Thomas Senese, being experienced as a "Chasing Parent" himself and Carolyn Ann Vlk, who has experienced the threats of abductions of her son, wrote this comprehensive e-book to outline the numbers (which is staggering), the financial burden on the "Chasing Parent" of trying to recover their abducted child(ren), as well as resources that the "Chasing Parents" can utilize to perhaps locate and recover their abducted child ... As much as we want to keep our eyes closed to this type of tragedy, they happen and more times than we would like. Kudos to Peter and Carolyn for their hard work and dedication in bringing this book and awareness to the forefront.

Written By: Stephen Bryer (Targeted Parent Of At-Risk Children)
I hope it is not viewed as to strange to say in my review of THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN 'God Bless both of you, Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk': without the information that you have provided in your incredible resource guide, I am certain my son and daughter would be long gone and out of the country. It was due to the information you created that my lawyer was able to persuade the court to act carefully and not permit my ex-wife leave the country with my son and daughter. As it turned out, she had every intention of abducting my kids and staying in Russia ... The acts of Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk to create such a thorough and detailed guide - and publish it for free only leads me to say one thing: God Bless you, Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk.

For more information, please visit http://www.peterthomassenese.com/ or http://www.chasingthecyclone.com/

Book Reviews of Peter Thomas Senese's 'Chasing The Cyclone'

'Chasing The Cyclone' Review by: Mr. Grady Harp. 


Peter Thomas Senese now opens the windows on the magnitude of these tragedies in his excellent CHASING THE CYCLONE ... As if the fast paced energy of this story weren’t enough to satisfy the reader, Peter Thomas Senese demonstrates his quality as a writer of distinction on many levels.... this impossible to put down book....

A Thriller and a Call to Arms

The unspeakable horror of child abduction in every form that this deplorable crime exists is rarely touched upon by the media. Granted there have been some books and some important films about the subject, but this fine book by Peter Thomas Senese now opens the windows on the magnitude of these tragedies in his excellent CHASING THE CYCLONE – a book which is ‘inspired by a true story’ and the proximity of the novel to the writer appears to come from the heart as well as the skill demonstrated by his craftsmanship as a storyteller.

What makes this story so unique is the aspect that the child abduction sequence in this novel is by one of the two parents of a seven-year-old boy named Alex. The story opens in medias res with the narrator Paul Francesco (the father of Alex) in a compassionate scene with one of his friends who is undergoing therapy for cancer. Gradually Thomas unfolds the background of Paul’s plight to recover his beloved son from the restrictions imposed upon his visitation rights by the child’s mother D. And here unfolds yet another aspect of the complexity of this thriller: Paul met D while undergoing treatment for neurofibromatosis and D’s ‘attention’ to him created a too brief association that resulted in a hasty marriage and the birth of Alex soon after. After his ‘recovery’ Paul’s faux marriage collapses and D takes her infant Alex from Paul’s presence, demanding payments from Paul’s ample finances not only for child support but also for multiple questionably valid reasons. Paul discovers that D has abducted Alex to Canada and here begins a drama of Paul’s focused and committed attempts to regain his son, a journey that takes him to such places as New Zealand and other points of terror along the way, struggling with emotional, financial and physical attempts to thwart his success in regaining the son he loves so dearly.

As if the fast paced energy of this story weren’t enough to satisfy the reader, Peter Thomas Senese demonstrates his quality as a writer of distinction on many levels. For example, the court proceedings at the beginning of the book –a launching pad for the remainder of the story – are related in as tense and realistic way as any author has written, and all this by telephone between California and Canada! But in addition to his narrative, Thomas pauses here and there for sharing some bits of philosophy that bears special attention. In a section about how we all have allowed reading books to be drowned by the other available sources of information Thomas writes: ‘In essence, we surf or skim for data. This behavior has changed the way our society thinks. Fundamental to this change is the inability or lack of desire for a person to spike for details. The ‘why’ and ‘how’ – the reasoning behind the information is typically barely glimpsed over. Unfortunately, our imaginations are nurtured and prodded when we understand the ‘why’s’ and ‘how’s’. And nothing provides us with a depth of understanding more than reading and books. But so long as society views reading and books as a third class activity, we will continue to lose our competitive global economic advantage by not grasping reasoning, which is the core of our imagination. Ingenuity will further become a word associated with countries like India and China.’

Perhaps this aside was not intended by the author to set the tone of his book as much as it does, but after reading this impossible to put down book, readers will likely return to these moments of intelligence Peter Thomas Senese shares. Another aspect of CHASING THE CYCLONE is a glossary of information about the crime of international child abduction, complete with immediate resources should the reader or friends of the reader need further guidance through the tragedy depicted in this fine novel. A very satisfying novel as a thriller story, and an even more important sounding of the alarm about a crime we understand so vaguely. 





'Chasing The Cyclone' Review by: Mr. Daniel Jolley. 


... Chasing the Cyclone isn’t just a powerful novel; it’s a call to arms against a growing epidemic that is tearing lives apart behind the headlines . . .. Chasing the Cyclone is much more than just a superb, can’t-put-down novel, though; it is a book with a purpose . . .. Thomas has become an outspoken advocate on this issue, and Chasing the Cyclone makes for a clear and profoundly effective call to action. I would go so far as to encourage every loving parent to read this book, as the bond between this father and son is one to be emulated . . .

A father's love knows no bounds -- or international boundaries.
I almost feel guilty for enjoying Chasing the Cyclone so much because it is borne of the author’s own painful struggle to find and rescue his own son after he was abducted and hidden away in a foreign country. The abductor? The child’s mother. This book was certainly an eye-opener for me, as I never realized the true nature and scope of international parental child abduction. We all know that children can sometimes be used as pawns between one or both parents, but it’s unthinkable – even for an eternal pessimist like me – that a parent would risk the health and welfare of his/her own child for no other reason than to inflict pain and suffering on the other parent. What makes such a tragedy even worse is the fact that international law – or the lack thereof – ties the hands of the American government to help locate and rescue parental child abductees once they are taken out of the country, and foreign courts obviously cannot be depended upon to do the right thing. Chasing the Cyclone isn’t just a powerful novel; it’s a call to arms against a growing epidemic that is tearing lives apart behind the headlines.

Despite limited visitation and a consistent effort by his ex-wife (referred to only as D in the novel) to form a wedge between him and his son, Paul Franceso is a loving father. He makes sure that seven-year-old Alex knows how much he loves him, and he pays his vindictive ex-wife far more money than the courts require for child support just to make sure that Alex has everything he needs in life. Even when D violates court orders and denies him access to his son in any number of ways, he chooses not to pursue legal recourse for fear that it would upset his son. Everything changes, though, when he suddenly receives word that a Canadian court has given his wife full custody of Alex after he failed to show up for a court appearance he was never told about. Thus begins the greatest trial of his life. As he puts his legal team to work in order to right this legal wrong, he is shocked to learn that D is planning to move his son to New Zealand to live with a man he knows nothing about. In dismay, he watches Canadian justices ignore their own laws to allow what he knows to be the international flight of his ex-wife with his son to the other side of the world.

Now fighting an international legal battle on both sides of the globe, Paul is dismayed to learn that the American government is almost powerless to help him in his plight, despite the fact that he has managed to get a Canadian court to give him full custody of Alex. Realizing by this time just how well his ex-wife has planned every step along the way of his son’s abduction, he is forced to deal with a truly nightmarish scenario – the smuggling of his missing son from New Zealand into a South Asian country that has not ratified the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction treaty. Such a move would not only strip him of any real legal recourse for getting his son back, it could also place Alex’s life and liberty in extreme jeopardy.

All things considered, Paul is more fortunate than the vast majority of Chasing Parents, for he has the financial resources to pursue his abducted son all the way across the world – and a network of true friends willing and able to support and assist him each step of the way. The lack of any financial support from the American government in international child abduction cases makes it all but impossible for those Chasing Parents lacking the means to finance the search effort themselves to ever succeed in finding and being reunited with their abducted child. Because of the political complexities of international law, the Chasing Parent often has to go it alone, and this is but one of many huge monetary and legal obstacles such a parent faces. The traumatic roller coaster ride of emotional highs and lows is obvious, and you experience these right alongside Paul every step of the way thanks to Thomas’ rich and immersive writing style.

Chasing the Cyclone is much more than just a superb, can’t-put-down novel, though; it is a book with a purpose. It was primarily written to draw attention to the importance of the growing problem of international parental child abduction, to expose problems in "the system" that need to be addressed by the American government as well as the international community of nations, and to help those who might also suddenly find themselves in the wholly unexpected position of Chasing Parent. Thomas includes a lot of supplemental factual information at the end of the novel, including contact information for agencies and organizations that can help, his own summation of the systemic and legal changes that need to take place to combat this growing problem, and advice for all parents sharing joint custody of a child – including a list of warning signs indicative of a potential abduction by the other parent. Thomas has become an outspoken advocate on this issue, and Chasing the Cyclone makes for a clear and profoundly effective call to action. I would go so far as to encourage every loving parent to read this book, as the bond between this father and son is one to be emulated. 



'Chasing The Cyclone' Review by: Harriet Klausner


. . . Inspired by a true story that will shake the audience further, this is an exciting cautionary thriller that grips readers from the onset . . . 



An eye opening chilling thriller based on fact. 


Paul Francesco has been successful in business, well liked by friends, and adored by his family. However, several years ago when Paul suffered from neurofibromatosis, he met D. Her nurturing led to a short marriage and Alex. After the divorce, D and Alex moved to Vancouver while Paul remained in Los Angeles. 

Following a visit with a dying friend in Northern California, Paul tries to reach Alex but fails to make contact. He soon learns of a court date in British Columbia in which he failed to attend because he was unaware of it. D perjured herself to gain full custody. He begins an effort to regain access to his seven years old son only to find the Canadian court and police systems at best are indifferent. Instead of D being the criminal, they prefer to continue to label Paul as a deadbeat absentee father. He soon meets other parents suffering from international apathy after the illegal abduction of an offspring left them legally with rights, morally with rights, and parentally with rights; but realistically with no rights. Paul is a hunter hunting the predators who took his child for he will never give up until he catches the cyclone he chases internationally even as he is made further to look like the insane criminal by 
the abducting party who actually are the one's who committed an assortment of crimes against both Paul and his victimized child.



Inspired by a true story that will shake the audience further, this is an exciting cautionary thriller that grips readers from the onset with the call Paul makes to the Vancouver Registry. From there, Paul falls apart as he has a new issue to contend with, the international abduction of his child by the 
kid's mom. Overall fast-paced, there are some related advocating that somewhat slows down the incredible pace yet enhances the moral fiber of Paul's quest.

With tips to avoid such a calamity, readers will be stunned by Peter Thomas Senese' powerful condemnation of governments who ignore the global child abduction lucrative market.

'Chasing The Cyclone' Review by: Shelley Gammon

. . . Chasing the Cyclone" is the second book I've read by Peter Thomas Senese, and like "The Den of the Assassin," it's a real page turner . . . This was a book I could not put down. Thomas has a gift in writing a compelling novel that not only keeps the reader engaged, but educates as well . . .

In Pursuit of Justice

"Chasing the Cyclone" is the second book I've read by Peter Thomas Senese, and like "The Den of the Assassin," it's a real page-turner.

Paul Francesco, the story's lead character and narrator, is working on developing his own television series when he discovers that his ex-wife has filed a sole-custody motion in an attempt to take their son, Alex, far away where Francesco would have no way to see or talk to him until he turned 18.

Their marriage was brief and it wasn't long before Francesco realizes what a conniving, manipulative, gold-digging shrew he had married on impulse and divorced by necessity... but not before she emptied out one of his bank accounts and fled the country.

So begins this edge-of-your-seat tale of international child abduction. Francesco, disgusted by his ex-wife's behavior, can only stomach referring to her by her first initial, D... a woman with an innate ability to get what she wants from any man, whether it be his money or his help in depriving another man from his hard-earned money. She plays the part of the weak, sympathetic, abused, poverty-stricken hausfrau and milks it for all it's worth.
Having been successful in Wall Street, Francesco clearly has at least a cool million at his disposal, and ends up spending nearly all of it in pursuit of his son, who is only 7 years old and wise beyond his years.

An average American would not have the resources to find one child, no matter how much they loved them, in a sea of over 7 billion people. Because Francesco's ex-wife, a Canadian citizen, was in Canada when she fled Canadian soil to go to the other side of the world, the U.S. government has no jurisdiction and no way of helping him. Because of his financial resources and an unusually high number of close friends that put themselves in regular peril to help him, Francesco is not entirely helpless - no matter how helpless he often feels while chasing D and Alex around the globe.

Francesco hires private detectives in every country D. travels to, keeping 24/7 vigils on her residence and travels to ensure the safety of his son. Through every twist and turn, D and her lawyers manage to find loopholes in local and international law to keep Alex from ever seeing his father again.

Throughout the story, the reader is not only taken on the roller coaster ride with Paul Francesco, but also gets a crash course in international child abduction laws - and what countries are safe havens for would-be kidnappers and child traffickers.

Every time there seems to be a glimmer of hope, D pulls another stunt that ends up quickly depleting Francesco's resources. You can feel his panic as he is desperate to find and regain custody of his son before he is completely out of funds.

Underlying the unfolding drama is a father's love for his son and a ferocious determination to overcome any obstacle keeping them apart.

This was a book I could not put down. Thomas has a gift in writing a compelling novel that not only keeps the reader engaged, but educates as well.



The Examiner. 
Review by Barbara Thompson.

. . . I highly recommend Chasing the Cyclone as a must-read. You will not be able to put it down. It may very well change the way you look at life, child custody, and interactions with your child's other parent. I cannot endorse this book strongly enough . . .

Peter Thomas Senese never intended to become an expert on international parental abduction or an advocate for abducted children and chasing parents. Still, he has stepped up to that role in hopes of preventing other children from enduring what his son experienced and helping other parents to battle the storm that is parental abduction.

First and foremost, Chasing the Cyclone is a story about a father's love for his son, a son's unwavering faith in his father, and promises. The plot is based on the author's own experiences in dealing with international parental abduction but the prevailing theme throughout the book is the bond between father and son. A father who literally goes to the ends of the earth to protect his son and a son who never loses faith that his father will be there for him.

Peter Thomas Senese is a gifted storyteller who takes readers on a heart-pounding journey around the globe through the eyes of Paul Francesco, a father whose 7-year old son is abducted by his mother. The writing is raw and the emotions are real.

The story is filled with twists and turns that will leave readers scratching their heads, seething in anger, and hugging their children a little tighter. Hopefully it will also help readers understand the complicated issues surrounding parental abduction, the flaws in the current system, and the sanctity of the relationship between a child and both parents.

I highly recommend Chasing the Cyclone as a must-read. You will not be able to put it down. It may very well change the way you look at life, child custody, and interactions with your child's other parent. I cannot endorse this book strongly enough.

I have spoken at great length with Peter Thomas Senese recently and Chasing The Cyclone is an accurate portrayal of international parental child abduction, and the roadblocks that chasing parents encounter. The story is clearly drawn from and inspired by his and his child's experiences. Read more of my interview with Peter Thomas Senese. 

Peter is currently working with director JJ Rogers and a seasoned group of filmmakers to produce a documentary titled Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms of International Parental Child Abduction which they hope to show at several prestigious film festivals in 2010. 

Chasing the Cyclone is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com and will be available in bookstores in October, 2009. For more information on international parental abduction, please visit the Chasing the Cyclone website. 




'Chasing The Cyclone' Review by: Valerie Matteson: 




... Fascinating to read . . .. Highly recommended reading ...
Heart wrenching, frustrating and touching account of a terrifying event in a parent's life. 

Peter Thomas Senese uses a first-person, diary-like style to tell us the account of a father who has a very successful film and publishing career and is embarking on a new TV series to help with literacy when, not for the first time, he is unable to reach his son through his ex-wife.

Since six years before when his son was first born, Paul Francesco has spent thousands of dollars "supporting" his ex-wife and son not only in regular child support but also any time "D" asked for the monies to help with rent, new car, etc. Paul obviously loves his son very much but his ex-wife who is Canadian and lives in Vancouver has often "missed" bringing his son to the US for visits or being available for phone calls. 

Worse, Paul begins to find that D has been very underhanded in lying to the Canadian courts about Paul and making child support payments and his attitude toward his son. Anyone who has friends or has been divorced with children knows that you can never totally "divorce" the ex-spouse as you need to be in contact for the good of your children. However, Paul's ex-wife, D, has done nothing but milk Paul for money and slander and libel him with worse to come. 

Reading the story of how Paul has to hire investigators, security protection, lawyers and so on to fight court battles in Canada, US, and New Zealand plus chase after and find D, his son and D's boyfriend, is a complex and terrifying account of one father's determination to have the best for his son.

I was especially impressed that Paul does not talk bad about his ex-wife to his son. I'm not sure I could do the same. I was also awed by the support Paul received from his many friends who helped make his long search more endurable and possible.



One of the things I have learned in reviewing this book is that parental international child abduction is a very severe form of child abuse by one parent against the child. In many, too many cases, the child, the Chasing Parent, or members of the team trying to reunite with he child are murdered. 

Fascinating to read particularly knowing the novel is based on the author's own experiences. 

Highly recommended reading. 



Review by: Stewart Meisner 
Child Advocate

... Chasing The Cyclone is a wonderfully written story combining all the elements of great storytelling: a compelling plot, unique characters, excellence in the use of language, and a highly educated and easily accessible display of important information that becomes relevant to the reader . . . is a wonderfully written story combining all the elements of great storytelling: a compelling plot, unique characters, excellence in the use of language, and a highly educated and easily accessible display of important information that becomes relevant to the reader . . .



An Incredible Display of What is A Great Legal Thriller 

Peter Thomas Senese has written one of the most profound, interesting, complex, and engaging books I have ever read in his story of international parental child abduction "Chasing The Cyclone". 

I will warn you now that this book is not for the faint-of-heart, or for those of you, who like me, may become deeply enmeshed with a well-written story's main character that you will feel the anger, pain, and overwhelming frustration caused by the chaotic storms a parent must race into in trying to rescue their abducted child. One of the highest complements, and perhaps oddest as well that I can give to Peter Thomas Senese is that I must have thrown your book at the wall or a piece of furniture on at least five or six occasions! Yes, I felt became one with your protagonist Paul Francesco as he was Chasing The Cyclone. (Incidentally, this is the perfect title for this book). 

Paul Francesco portrays himself to be somebody who keeps others at a distance as he privately keeps the pain of his former wife's ongoing violations of access and visitation court orders concerning his seven-year old son, Alex. Despite the behavior of Francesco's ex, the wanton 'D', Paul never stops trying to be part of his son's life.

Unfortunately for Alex and Paul, 'D', aided by her newest of what appears to be a long string of boyfriends, has set into place what simply amounts to be a diabolical and evil plan that includes a purposeful abduction and kidnapping of the child of the marriage - all with the intent to cause Paul irreparable pain while also scheming to steal significant assets of the unsuspecting father. 

Writing in the first person, Thomas uses a very clever writing technique of putting one of his friends, the irreproachable Jim Eastern (a senior officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) on the courtroom stand in order to further each of the story's main characters, and creatively and compellingly provide important background for the story. 

There, in the courtroom, Thomas executes a near flawless, fast-paced series of barbs that culminate with the unthinkable! A Court Order that essentially helps facilitate the cunning plan of D, and her scamming New Zealand boyfriend, Lester. 

With courtroom action taking place in Vancouver, Peter Thomas Senese pushes the reader with a sense of purpose into the world of deceit and foul intent; the painful world of parental international child abduction, landing in all places in a place where 'the world is turned upside down: Sheepville' (New Zealand).



From the shores of Wellington, we see a tireless efforts of Paul, aided by some really fun and clever characters (Benny, Boa, Jim, Lydia - they make up an odd, entertaining supporting ensemble) as he attempts to recover his abducted son. Unfortunately, things go from bad to worse for young Alex, as he is secretively whisked away from Sheepville, and somehow disappears despite Paul and his crew's best efforts to keep tabs on him. 

With great urgency, the reader's heart screams in pain and anger, as this young child is stolen once again ... this time, unknown to Paul, into areas of China where children are purchased under the blind eyes of law enforcement. 



Landing in Macau, "Chasing The Cyclone" explodes into an incredible thriller of a father willing to do anything possible required to save his son from the most horrific of evils: a world and a fate none of us would ever want to think about for our own children.



"Chasing The Cyclone" is a wonderfully written story combining all the elements of great storytelling: a compelling plot, unique characters, excellence in the use of language, and a highly educated and easily accessible display of important information that becomes relevant to the reader, even if the reader does not know how important the material is when they first open the book. 

During the two days that I sat to read this story of incredible love of father and son, I felt my chest panting, my arms straining, my teeth clenching, and ... smiles, warm, loving, dotting smiles of reflection. "Chasing The Cyclone" is a timeless masterpiece I strongly suggest every parent read: it will remind you just how important and precious your own child it. 



Chasing The Cyclone' Review by: Lee Harrison 





... Peter Thomas Senese has written a powerful and engrossing story that crosses over the genres: autobiographical, thriller and crime whilst also educating the reader on the pandemic that has been and is affecting 1,000’s of children and families worldwide ...

Chasing the Cyclone by Peter Thomas Senese takes the reader of through the unenviable challenges that children and chasing parents face when confronted with the nightmare of parental abduction.
by Peter Thomas Senese takes the reader of through the unenviable challenges that children and chasing parents face when confronted with the nightmare of parental abduction.

We’re swept from country to country depending on where D, Alex’s mother, tries to hide. Alex is left confused: will he ever see his father or friends again? D’s only interest is to devalue and discard the previous life that Alex shared with his father, Paul.

Paul suddenly finds himself as a ‘Chasing Parent’. He follows D’s trail of lies and deception that had been prearranged with the help of her lawyers. His previous life is now frozen as his only focus is reuniting with his son. With the help of a good team, friends and some pretty snazzy footwork on the soccer field, Paul and Alex are able to share a moment to carry them through the next phase of the cyclone. Alex now knows his father is going to keep his promise, and Paul pulls out all the stops to do so.

Peter Thomas Senese has written a powerful and engrossing story that crosses over the genres: autobiographical, thriller and crime whilst also educating the reader on the pandemic that has been and is affecting 1,000’s of children and families worldwide. A very useful resource guide on International Parent Abduction that also accompanies the book.
Highly recommended.