First published 2024
Robert Archer walks home through London after celebrating New Year's Eve in 1823. He encounters three shape-shifters prowling the dark streets. Only intervention from a mysterious lady night-slayer saves him from harm. The next morning brings grim news. Someone has discovered a murdered man near the spot where Robert met the were-beasts. Robert assumes the shape-shifters killed the victim. Then the accused creatures appear at his door. They wear expensive Bond Street clothing and speak like gentlemen. They ask Robert to help clear their names. Robert agrees to investigate the crime. His search pulls him into the hidden world of London's supernatural inhabitants. He learns that shape-shifters guard secrets that could destroy them. Trust becomes a luxury Robert cannot afford. Every ally might betray him. The investigation forces Robert to question everything he believes about monsters and men.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, fantasy, supernatural, paranormal, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, hidden-world, investigation, mistaken-identity
Setting: London
Period: 1823
85 pages · Kindle Edition · JA / AG Publishing
Content warnings: violence