Retired Cape May County Technical School (CMCTS) teacher, Diane Zimmerman has released her debut novel, “The Other Side of Tenderness,” a steamy mafia love story/murder mystery. Set against the backdrops of both Atlantic City and Las Vegas, “The Other Side of Tenderness” follows the turbulent life of mafia casino owner Nick Rusano, as he attempts to shield his true identity from the story’s love interest, a naive woman being stalked by a vicious serial killer. This is not a story for the faint of heart as violent scenes are depicted.
Zimmerman draws back the curtain, stealthily taking us into the inner sanctum of the gambling world and entertaining us with a colorful cast of dishonest dealers, unscrupulous tricksters, and unruly tourists. Multiple scams are gleaned from her early employment in the casino industry.
Diane Zimmerman retired from CMCTS in 2018 after serving 22 years as an exploratory teacher and substitute school nurse, but she credits her inspiration from her days growing up in Ducktown, Atlantic City’s Italian American neighborhood once historically populated by multiple infamous organized crime figures.
“I have only fond memories of my old neighborhood. It was the safest in the city,” said Zimmerman. “Everyone knew each other, looked out for each other, and protected each other.”
“The Other Side of Tenderness” is available now.
