Category: Speculative

The Penitent by C. David Belt

In 6,000 years no vampire has ever defied Lilith, Queen of the vampires…until now.

Moira and Carl Morgan have saved their city from the horror of Michael and his evil wives, but victory has come at terrible cost.

And there are consequences to every choice, every victory.

Word has spread that someone has broken Lilith’s power, that someone has defied the ancient Queen.

And she’s not happy about it.

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Title: The Penitent (The Children of Lillith, book 2)

Author: C. David Belt

Publisher: Parables

Release Date: June 24, 2012

ASIN: B008ELF124

Size: 340 pages, ebook

Genre: Speculative

Series: The Unwilling (bk 1)


Wayne of Gotham by Tracy Hickman

Two men separated by murder: Thomas, the rebellious doctor and heir to the vast Wayne empire, and Bruce, his son, whose life is forever altered by witnessing his parents’ murder. The slaying of Thomas and Martha Wayne is the torturous point on which Bruce turns to become Batman.

The Dark Knight’s file on the case has long been closed, the foundations of Bruce Wayne’s secret life secure in the simple genesis of a mugging gone horribly wrong.

These foundations are shaken, however, when an unexpected guest invades the grounds of Wayne Manor, raising questions about the event that ended the lives of the mother he loved and the father he worshipped, and sparked his unquenchable drive to protect and avenge.

To discover his real family history, Batman must face down old foes, his only confidant, and the evil heart of Arkham Asylum, and shoulder the new burden of a dark legacy.

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Title: Wayne of Gotham

Author: Tracy Hickman

Publisher: It Books

Release Date: June 26, 2012

ISBN: 978-0062074201

Size: 304 pages, 6×9, hardcover

Genre: Fantasy


Flight from Blithmore by Jacob Gowans

Henry Vestin is neither a fearless adventurer nor a daring swordsman, he’s a master carpenter who only wants to marry Isabelle Oslan. Isabelle’s father, however, will stop at nothing to prevent their marriage.

When her father’s plotting attracts the interest of a king and an emperor, Henry mounts a heroic rescue which makes himself, Isabelle, and their friends the most wanted criminals in the land of Blithmore.

Embarking on a daunting journey to flee his country and escape execution, Henry discovers he must become more than a carpenter. He must learn to lead when friendships are tested, to have strength when spirits are broken, and to press onward when he has nothing left but love.

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Title: Flight from Blithmore

Author: Jacob Gowans

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: June 24, 2012

ISBN: 978-1478120223

Size: 410 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Fantasy


Beauty and the Beast by Jenni James

A prince by day and a wolf by night—

Prince Alexander has been turned into a werewolf and has one year to find someone to love the beast and break the spell, or he will be a wolf forever. He has nearly given up achieving the impossible, knowing no girl would ever fall in love with such a monster.

Just when he is about to abdicate the throne to his cousin, he meets Cecelia Hammerstein-Smythe, while a wolf, and begins to hope for the first time in months. Can he balance both worlds as a human and beast, gaining the love and trust of a girl who has every reason to despise him?

Cecelia detests the prince. She only knows Alexander as the arrogant monarch—the tyrant who has made her life miserable—though perhaps he’s changed right before her eyes. He’s not as full of himself as he once was. The prince is gentle now… but then again, so is the beast.

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Title: Beauty and the Beast (Faerie Tale Collection)

Author: Jenni James

Publisher: StoneHouse Ink

Release Date: June 4, 2012

ASIN: B008940W3Y

Size: 142 pages, ebook

Genre: Fantasy


Evading Babylon by Chad Daybell

Go ye out from Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations. Doctrine and Covenants 133:7

In the near future, the world as we know it will suddenly change. Natural disasters will lead to economic difficulties, leaving the United States on the edge of collapse. During this time of strife, members of the LDS Church will be invited by their leaders to survive the civil unrest by gathering to holy refuges.

In the midst of the turmoil, recently returned missionary Nathan Foster joins a secret team of men who help the Saints escape modern society’s implosion. Nathan is expected to devote all of his time and energy to this cause, but he faces a major personal obstacle in doing so—Marie Shaw.

Nathan has admired Marie since their high school days, and now she’s showing genuine interest in him as well. However, more national trouble erupts including acts of bioterrorism on U.S. soil that not only threatens to tear apart their relationship, but puts their lives in deep peril.

Title: Evading Babylon (Times of Turmoil, book 1)

Author: Chad Daybell

Publisher: Spring Creek Books

Release Date: June 15, 2012

ISBN: 978-1932898965

Size: 287 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction


The Lady and the Fool by Kristen D. Randle

When young Thomas falls afoul of his hot-tempered Lord, the beautiful Lady Avvin seizes the opportunity to corral her minions and drag them off on a mad-cap escape.

Flaunting tradition and probably good sense, she leads her motley crew off on a journey of mayhem and mystery—straight through to the very heart of magic. The adventure is nearly enough to break the sanity of poor practical-minded Giddy. But who can fight magic?

Plenty of broad shoulders and broken hearted villains in this one—love gone awry, honor in peril.

Will Avvin save Thomas? Can anyone? And will all end happily ever after? For certainly, in the end, Avvin gets more than she ever bargained for. Or does she?

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Title: The Lady and the Fool

Author: Kristen D. Randle

Publisher: Ponymoon Press

Release Date: June 16, 2012

ISBN: 978-1477676127

Size: 320 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Fantasy


The Vampire and the Highland Empath by Clover Autrey

Roque leaned over the woman and smoothed back her hair with a tenderness he didn’t know he still possessed. Soft as silk.

“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

Snaking an arm beneath her shoulders, he lifted her—and plunged his teeth into the vulnerable hollow of her neck.

Ecstasy flooded his veins. He hadn’t tasted blood in so long, the beast fully awoke. Hungry. So hungry.

Edeen, an empath from 13th Century Scotland, is caught in a sleeping enchantment for almost a thousand years. The venom of a vampire is the only thing that can wake her, but it turns out there are worse evils than vampires when she awakens in 1941 Scotland with a supernatural Nazi on her tail.

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Title: The Vampire and the Highland Empath (book 2)

Author: Clover Autrey

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: June 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1477641262

Size: 172 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Highland Sorceror Series: Highland Sorceror (bk 1)


Immortals and Melodies by Heather Jensen

“I found myself wishing for the power and whimsy of fairy tales. If only things were as simple as we’re led to believe as children. I remembered the story of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Both were saved by the power of a kiss, drawn out of their lifeless state to live happily ever after. Desperately, I bent and left a soft kiss on Trey’s lips. It was foolish. I knew that, but even that knowledge couldn’t prepare me for the agony that ripped at my heart when he didn’t respond.” -Aurora

Catalyst frontman Trey is no stranger to chaos, but even the life of a rock star couldn’t prepare him for the consequences of loving a vampire. Trey’s life is in danger; threatened by the very group he must join to stay alive. His struggle to continue his career and release a new album with the band is marred by events that force him to ask a powerful Synod Elder for help.

Aurora has to keep Trey alive until she can make him a vampire, but her own kind will stop at nothing to prevent it. The head of the Emissary is having her followed, and if she can’t figure out who is behind the violent attacks, Trey might not make it to the full moon. As Aurora battles her own kind, she’s also plagued by the risk she’s taking by changing Trey. Will her moon-given power be enough to carry Trey through the change, or will he be left floating in the wake of destruction?

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Title: Immortals and Melodies (book 2)

Author: Heather Jensen

Publisher: Self

Release Date: May 25, 2012

ASIN: B0086GMMAQ

Size: 264 pages, ebook

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: Blood and Guitars (bk 1)


Earthbound by Theresa Sneed

Heaven—a perfect place, beautiful and serene in every way, except one. As the time draws near for the first of the spirits to leave their home in heaven, a group of rebellious dissenters begins to appear at every blue-planet planning meeting, demanding that all spirits are ruled by compulsory choice as mortals on the planet, instead of having the freedom to choose for themselves.

Daniel is a courageous Freedom Fighter, who vehemently opposes the No Choice movement. Sophie is taken aback by his strong desire to do what’s right and his intense blue eyes. But she also has a strange attraction to the handsome and ostentatious Coe, a leader of the No Choice movement, who has his sights on her and will stop at nothing to claim her as his own.

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Title: Earthbound (prequel to No Angel)

Author: Theresa Sneed

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Release Date: May 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1599928548

Size: 254 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Paranormal Romance

No Angel Series: No Angel (bk 1)


The Waxing Moon by J. Lloyd Morgan

A faraway kingdom.
A brave warrior.
An unexpected danger.
An ancient secret.
A desperate plan.

Fear is running rampant in Bariwon. The people of a small village near the northern mountains have vanished. Newly commissioned royal guardian Snapdragon is sent with a scouting party to investigate. His responsibility is to protect the non-soldiers, including Seraphina, a stunning young nursemaid. When the party arrives, they make a shocking discovery.

During the chaos that follows, Snapdragon discovers his feelings toward Seraphina are more than protective. Soon, he is forced to make difficult choices that will impact the future of everyone in Bariwon.

Title: The Waxing Moon

Author: J. Lloyd Morgan

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Release Date: May 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1599928562

Size: 342 pages, 5.5 x 8.5, softcover

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Hidden Sun (bk 1)


Mythworld: Invisible Moon by James A. Owen

Invisible Moon, takes place in a small haven called Silvertown, in upstate New York, where a journalist named Meredith has just received news of the murder of her father – Michael Langbein. But before he died, he sent her a clue to his death and to the strange and terrifying changes taking place all around the world: a page from the mysterious Prime Edda.

With the help of her lover Shingo, and the photographer Weird Harold, Meredith begins to investigate as a terrible winter settles over the world… and everything begins to change. Technology no longer works. Electricity fails. Vehicles are turning into mythological creatures… and so are the people – including Meredith herself, who may be turning into the Russian witch, Baba Yaga…

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Title: Mythworld: Invisible Moon (book 2)

Author: James A. Owen

Publisher: Coppervale Press

Release Date: April 10, 2012

ASIN: B007T5361Y

Size: 140 pages, ebook

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Mythworld Series: Festival of Bones (bk 1)


Rage of the Dragon by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Skylan Ivorson is the gods-chosen Chief of all Vindras clans. But the gods from whom the Vindrasi draw their earthdwelling power are besieged by a new generation of gods who are challenging them for the powers of creation. The only way to stop these brash interlopers lies within the Five Bones of the Vektia Dragon—the primal dragon forged during the creation of the world—which have been lost for generations.

With the Gods of the New Dawn amassing a vast army, Skylan finds allies in former enemies. Calling upon the ogres to fight their common foes, the Vindrasi soon find themselves in the middle of an even larger war. Skylan and his Vindrasi clan must sail the Sea of Tears into the heart of the Forbidden Empire of the Cyclops, to implement a cunning yet delicate plan that risks his life and leadership at every corner. But a new enemy lies deep in the sea, one who draws upon powers never harnessed by land dwellers.

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Title: Rage of the Dragon (Dragonships of Vindras #3)

Author: Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis

Publisher: TOR Books

Release Date: April 24, 2012

ISBN: 978-0765319753

Size: 368 pages, hardcover

Genre: Fantasy

Dragonships of Vindras Series: Bones of the Dragon (bk 1), Secret of the Dragon (bk 2)


All For You by Lynn Kurland

FALLING THROUGH TIME IS DANGEROUS…

Peaches Alexander is thrilled to receive an unexpected invitation to a weekend party given by the handsome, eligible Duke of Kenneworth. The only problem: Stephen de Piaget, a stuffy medieval studies scholar who seems determined to get in the way. Peaches has absolutely no desire to get involved with Stephen, until a quirk of Fate sends her hurtling through time…

UNLESS THERE’S SOMEONE TO CATCH YOU.

Stephen de Piaget has been leading a double life: respectable professor by day, knight-in-training during holidays and summer terms. When Peaches goes missing, Stephen knows he’s the only one that can rescue her from medieval peril. Little do they know that the greatest danger they’ll face won’t be the business end of a sword, but their own unruly hearts….

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Title: All For You

Author: Lynn Kurland

Publisher: Jove

Release Date: April 24, 2012

ISBN: 978-0515150650

Size: 320 pages, 4×6, softcover

Genre: Speculative Romance


Ninth Crossing: Discovery by Kate Gordon

When a woman says she loves a man more than her own life, it’s understood she’s speaking metaphorically. But then, she just might be serious.

Reagan Sullivan is a thoroughly modern woman. She’s thirty-one, an honors graduate of Yale, and a six year veteran of the Secret Service, sworn to protect the vice president of the United States—who happens to be a widower. A good looking widower. Despite these accolades—and distractions—Agent Sullivan is a no-nonsense woman in every respect.

Her younger sister, Heather, currently a Rhodes Scholar PhD. candidate and an Olympic rowing medalist, is also a product of the twenty-first century. Together they’re an unbeatable combination … and not bad on the eyes either.

When Reagan meets two Irish elves—one of whom kidnaps her from a ladies bathroom in Oslo, Norway—all bets are off. These elves are nothing like you imagine. Both are well over six feet and strikingly handsome. And both think Reagan is quite fetching herself. And they’re not guarding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they do have a twinkle in their eyes and romance in their hearts.

If that wasn’t enough, when Reagan meets her fifth great grandmother, Eimile, born in Ireland in 1630 … and she turns out to be the current-day queen of the Western Realm … and she puts Reagan’s life in danger to save the kingdom … well, things get a little more airy-faerie.

But not everything is so calm in the Western Realm. A Civil War is brewing, the vice president of the United States is in danger, and Reagan has to come to grips with a discovery that changes her life forever. Humor and light-hearted romance, yes, but a serious story about corruption, power, and the length to which men—and women—will go to achieve their ends. Elf or human.

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Title: Ninth Crossing: Discovery

Author: Kate Gordon (Gordon Ryan and Kate Armitage)

Publisher: Pegusus Publishing

Release Date: April 13, 2012

ASIN: B0094XNPPG

Size: 184 pages, ebook

Genre: Paranormal Romance


Exodus: Leaving Home by Orson T Badger

In the year 2032: tyranny threatens to flood the Earth. Only a group of resistance fighters, called Freemen, can save humanity.

Psychopath, James Morstyn, newly appointed head of the Enlightened League of Nation’s, Compliance Army, has discovered mysterious documents. With the assistance of Miah, his biowired juggernaut spy, he sets out determined to find their origin while annihilating the last vestiges of resistance to the new global rule and destroying mankind’s last hope for freedom.

Outlaws to the Enlightened League of Nations (ELN), David and Cindy Corb must escape the League’s murderous compliance patrols on Earth and find a way to join the Freemen or die trying. The Freemen prepare a last desperate refuge for a people being systematically enslaved or killed by the blossoming evil of the ELN.

Thousands flock to their ranks hoping to avoid certain misery and death. But the Freemen are running out of time as Morstyn prepares to destroy them all in a last battle for freedom.

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Title: Exodus: Leaving Home (book 1)

Author: Orson T Badger

Publisher: Self

Release Date: April 17, 2012

ISBN: 978-1469931364

Size: 368 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Science Fiction


A Royal Elf of Abalon by Anna del C. Dye

The deep relationship between Amaria, the princess of Abalon, and Marken, the chancellor’s son, comes to a halting stop after their kingdom is almost annihilated. However, death isn’t the only thing this battle brings. Elfs come to their rescue and, as a souvenir, take the princess home with them.

Blinded by fury, the overprotecting queen orders the extermination of the mighty elfs. Her captains know they can never win, so they are pleased when Amaria intervenes so desperately that she loses her mother. The unprepared princess is left to care for a kingdom that will demand her true love.

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Title: A Royal Elf of Abalon

Author: Anna del C. Dye

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: April 17, 2012

ISBN: 978-1475216318

Size: 460 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Elf and the Princess (bk 1), Trouble in the Elf City (bk 2), Elfs in a Conquered Realm (bk 3), Curse of the Elfs (bk 4)


Into the End by Bonnie R. Paulson

America’s end is near.

After being weakened by countless natural disasters, America opens its airspace for aid. But instead, what is left of the devastated west coast finds itself nearly obliterated from above.

The key may belong to tests designed by a Pacific Northwest psychologist, Rachel Parker. Rachel loses the love of her life in a house fire as they escape with their children to the nearby Rocky Mountains following the first round of air raids. In refuge, she faces her husband’s best friend, Joshua, but doesn’t want to face his ill-harbored feelings or her own inability to face fear. Her sister, Brenda, escapes the fallen city, and, mistaken for Rachel, is captured.

Terrified and alone, Brenda is protected by the enigmatic Daniel even while he helps keep her captive. Through torture and mind games, Brenda discovers information about her sister’s work that could spin the free world into a tumultuous frenzy where the unknown is safer than reality.

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Title: Into the End

Author: Bonnie R. Paulson

Publisher: CreateSpace/Self

Release Date: March 31, 2012

ISBN: 978-1470142469

Size: 296 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Speculative


Anasazi Exile by Eric F. Swedin

Archeology wasn’t supposed to get him killed.

For two decades, Harry Deacon had served as a skilled and loyal soldier, and it’d cost him his marriage and many dead friends. His new career of digging for artifacts and esoteric knowledge seems safe enough—until he finds an Anasazi tomb in Chaco Canyon that shouldn’t be there. Only hours after Harry emails news of his discovery to a fellow archeologist at a conference in Scotland, she and her students are murdered—and Harry and his assistant are attacked by two hired killers.

Harry must turn to his old skills as his life becomes a frenzied struggle for survival when more assassins close in. Who was buried in the tomb and where did he come from? What was in the strange container housed in the coffin?

As Harry begins to solve the mystery of Chaco Canyon, he learns an astonishing secret: the history of our planet is NOT what we’ve been taught!

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Title: Anasazi Exile

Author: Eric F. Swedin

Publisher: Borgo Press

Release Date: March 19, 2012

ISBN: 978-1434444035

Size: 308 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Science Fiction


The Kingdom and The Crown by S.R. Ford

Blood has coated the land in slippery sheets from the moment Tolucan took the throne. Lies, rumors, and sorcery destroyed the treaties which had been in place for two-thousand years. Friendships were forgotten, alliances were betrayed, and an entire race was plunged into the terrifying realms of annihilation.

Now only three of their kind remain. They do not know they are the last and they are kept in hiding. What is to become of them? It is rumored they will overcome the king and restore the peaceful days of old. Will they? Can they? We can only hope.

Tolucan’s power is spreading across the continent while it is reported that dragons have been sighted along the mountainous skyline to the north. It seems the time is drawing near sooner than I had expected…

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Title: The Kingdom and The Crown

Author: S.R. Ford

Publisher: CreateSpace/Self

Release Date: March 29, 2012

ISBN: 978-1470154943

Size: 512 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Fantasy


A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

An ordinary family man, geologist, and Mormon, Soren Johansson has always believed he’ll be reunited with his loved ones in an eternal hereafter.

Then, he dies.

Soren wakes to find himself cast by a God he has never heard of into a Hell whose dimensions he can barely grasp: a vast library he can only escape from by finding the book that contains the story of his life.

In this haunting existential novella, author, philosopher, and ecologist Steven L. Peck explores a subversive vision of eternity, taking the reader on a journey through the afterlife of a world where everything everyone believed in turns out to be wrong.

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Title: A Short Stay in Hell

Author: Steven L. Peck

Publisher: Strange Violin Editions

Release Date: March 23, 2012

ISBN: 978-0983748427

Size: 108 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Speculative, Horror


The Haunted by Michaelbrent Collings

They have the beginnings of a perfect family. A husband, a wife, a baby on the way.

But something will stop them from being happy as they move into their new house: the power of the undead that roam the halls of their home.

The demons that have come to claim them.

The darkness that seeks to destroy them.

The haunted.

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Title: The Haunted

Author: Michaelbrent Collings

Publisher: Self

Release Date: March 2012

ISBN:

Size: ebook

Genre: Horror


Dispirited by Luisa M. Perkins

Cathy sees things that are invisible to everyone else:

Her new stepbrother’s bizarre behavior.

A ghostly little boy.

An abandoned house in the woods.

But she doesn’t see how they’re all connected. And what she doesn’t see might just kill her.

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Title: Dispirited

Author: Luisa M. Perkins

Publisher: Zarahemla Books

Release Date: March 15, 2012

ISBN: 978-0984360369

Size: 254 pages, 5.5×8.5, softcover

Genre: Speculative


Highland Sorceror by Clover Autrey

Charity Greves has the gift of healing. So when a naked bleeding Highlander materializes out of the air into her kitchen, she does what any rational free-thinking herbalist under the same circumstances would do—she heals him.

She didn’t expect to be drawn back to the 13th Century where a dangerous whacked-out witch holds the handsome Highlander captive. Nor is she prepared to be drawn so strongly to him that she’ll do whatever it takes to save him.

Imprisoned by the witch, Toren Limont the High Sorcerer and Protector of the Faes’ magic, uses the last of his magical reserves to go forward in time and find a healer the witch doesn’t have any influence over. He merely seeks the small respite a healing can give him in order to continue to withstand the witch’s tortures long enough for his clan and siblings to flee. Until Charity falls with him through time as either his salvation or his entire clan’s downfall.

Title: Highland Sorceror

Author: Clover Autrey

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: February 17, 2012

ISBN: 978-1470088200

Size: 182 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Fantasy, Romance


The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley by Kindal Debenham

To Whom it May Concern,

As several accounts of my actions have appeared in other, less scrupulous journals, I have taken it upon myself to publish a personal account of the events they have endeavored to describe. You will find enclosed the true story of my investigations regarding the attempt on the life of Lord Pevensley, as well as my efforts on the behalf of the Everston Academy of Ethereal Sciences. I have entitled it, appropriately, The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley.

You will note that my account differs from several popular versions in many respects. For example, I am not, as some have alleged, a werewolf, vampire, gear driven automaton or other type of Changeling or Distillation powered device. I am an investigator, a detective in the service of the truth, and while I am sure that many might find my actions and methods unreasonable or objectionable, I have not been, as some have said, in the service of some dark conspiracy to usurp the established order of things. I certainly have not masterminded these crimes for my own benefit—quite the opposite in fact. What work I have done, I have done for the good of my patrons and clients, as well as for the safety of those I hold dear.

I trust that you will read this account in the spirit of objectivity and fairness. May we both be engaged satisfactorily in the discovery of the truth, or may we face the eternal consequences for turning away from such a mystery.

Sincerely,
Hector Kingsley
Investigator

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Title: The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley

Author: Kindal Debenham

Publisher: Wandering Leaf Publishing

Release Date: February 1, 2012

Size: eBook, 90,000 words

Genre: Steampunk