Roland Merullo is the author of eight novels, most recently American Savior (Algonquin Books, 2008) and Breakfast with Buddha (Algonquin, 2007). His first novel, Leaving Losapas—based on his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Micronesia—was called “the debut of the year” by Robert Stone and “the novel of the year” by Boston Magazine. Andre Dubus III calls Merullo’s new suspense novel, Fidel’s Last Days (due out Jan. 2009), “a taut, expertly-crafted page-turner,” and Dennis Lehane says: “a wry, humane, thinking-man’s thriller. One of the best books of the year.” (updated 10/2008)