Author Hal Graff Releases Second Novel in Harold Gatewood Espionage Series

"Love and Death in Cuba" continues the international intrigue and mystery of the former baseball player-turned-spy

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Author Hal Graff has released the second novel in his Harold Gatewood Mysteries series, titled "Love and Death in Cuba." The book follows Gatewood, a former professional baseball player, as he travels to Cuba to scout talent for the Universal Baseball Games. However, Gatewood becomes embroiled in a series of escalating events, including assassination attempts, interactions with terrorist groups, and a plot involving an American billionaire seeking to destabilize the Cuban government. The novel combines elements of political intrigue, mystery, and romance, using real-world geopolitical settings as a backdrop.

Why it matters

The Harold Gatewood Mysteries series has built a loyal following, with this being the second installment. The series blends sports, espionage, and international intrigue, providing readers with a unique and engaging narrative. As the series continues to expand, it offers insights into the complexities of global politics and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the middle.

The details

In "Love and Death in Cuba," Hal Graff's protagonist, Harold Gatewood, travels to the island nation to scout talent for the Universal Baseball Games on behalf of Major League Baseball. However, Gatewood becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, including renewed assassination attempts, interactions with international terrorist groups, and a plot involving an American billionaire seeking to retaliate against the Cuban government. The novel explores the broader efforts to destabilize Cuba's leadership, with Gatewood at the center of these events.

  • Hal Graff's "Love and Death in Cuba" is the second installment in the Harold Gatewood Mysteries series.
  • The novel was released on February 12, 2026.

The players

Hal Graff

The author of the Harold Gatewood Mysteries series, including the newly released "Love and Death in Cuba." Graff holds a doctorate in business administration and has earned twelve professional insurance designations. Before his writing career, he played professional baseball.

Harold Gatewood

The protagonist of the Harold Gatewood Mysteries series. Gatewood is a former professional baseball player who becomes embroiled in international espionage and intrigue.

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What’s next

Graff has stated that the Harold Gatewood Mysteries series is planned to include a total of thirty-one novels, so readers can expect more installments in the future.

The takeaway

The Harold Gatewood Mysteries series, with its blend of sports, espionage, and international intrigue, offers readers a unique and engaging narrative that provides insights into the complexities of global politics and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the middle.