HYBRID: Third Tuesday Author: Michael Balter

Award-winning author Michael Balter returns to the Lake Oswego Public Library for an evening of crime fiction, true stories, and behind-the-scenes intrigue. Balter is the author of the acclaimed crime thriller series featuring Marty Schott and Bo Bishop—a series set partly right here in Lake Oswego.

In this engaging author talk, Balter will share the remarkable real-world stories that inspired his second novel, The Vatican Deal. Drawing from years of research and firsthand experience, he’ll explore the secretive Chiurazzi Foundry and its treasure trove of historic sculpture molds, the extraordinary deal he made to license the Vatican seal, the scandal that brought down the head of the Vatican Bank, and one of the most violent and consequential mob wars in modern Italian history.

Balter will also give the first public reading from his upcoming third novel, scheduled for publication this summer—bringing Marty and Bo back to Lake Oswego once again.

Michael Balter is an award-winning author known for his sharp wit and high-stakes crime fiction. His debut novel, Chasing Money, earned multiple honors, including the 2024 Crime Thriller of the Year Award. A sequel, The Vatican Deal, won the CIPA EVVY Gold Medal for Thrillers & Suspense and became an Amazon #1 Hot New Release. Born in Berlin, Balter has led an extraordinary life as a Vietnam War–era air-traffic controller, Silicon Valley pioneer, and Oregon entrepreneur. He lived in Lake Oswego for nearly twenty years and now makes his home in Charlevoix, Michigan.

This event will take place in-person at the Library and will be livestreamed on LOPL's YouTube channel.

The library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. This presentation is made possible by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library.

For more information, please contact Alicia Yokoyama, Adult Services Librarian, at 503-534-4228 or ayokoyama@lakeoswego.city