Alyson Chase might be a relatively unknown figure in the Fantastic Fiction realm. It could be that she is a new author emerging in the genre, or perhaps a character created by a particular writer in the Fantastic Fiction series. Without further details, it's hard to say for certain.
Alyson McLayne might be an author who has works featured in Fantastic Fiction. However, without looking into the Fantastic Fiction database or having more details, it's hard to say for sure what her role or significance is. Maybe she's a new and upcoming talent in the realm of the fictional works that Fantastic Fiction encompasses.
I'm not sure specifically as there could be many novels named 'the wager'. It might be about a bet or wager that drives the plot, perhaps involving characters who risk something significant in a gamble - be it money, property, or their reputation.