In the Claws of the Vulture is the inspiring story of one woman’s journey of faith, from her idyllic early childhood years in picturesque Austria, through the dark days of World War II under the German Reich, to a new life in America and missionary work in Eastern Europe.

Marlene Patterson was born in 1930 in Vienna, Austria, as the second of three children. She lived in Austria, Czecho­slovakia, and Germany during World War II and the post­war years. In 1957 she came as a postwar bride to America where she raised a family.

In later years Marlene served as a missionary to the Eastern European countries. During that time, while living in Bavaria, she traveled extensively. She began Women’s Work groups in many cities, training women leaders for the local church. She continues her travels, even though she is retired, to encourage and build up women in all walks of life.

Ms. Patterson lives in Daphne, Alabama, with one of her sons and is working on a second book, Crossing the Threshold, describing all the adventures connected to the missionary work she is even now pursuing.