Blog Archives
The Pillar
T. E. MacArthur’s The Pillar (The Praetorius Agency Files: File No. Two) dives deep into the world of paranormal romantic mystery. The story unfolds in San Francisco, where Jack de Sombras, newly arrived in California, finds himself immediately thrust into intrigue. His partner at the Praetorius Security Agency, Tessa Wells-Lancing, has a case waiting: Darius Trădat, a tattoo artist with a penchant for antiquities, faces cryptic threats steeped in curses and old-world superstitions. But just as Jack and Tessa begin unraveling the mystery, they’re confronted with a grim crime. Was this crime the work of something supernatural or a cunning imitation meant to deceive? And how does this brutal act connect to the deaths of other members of his family?
Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I found this sequel equally compelling. MacArthur deftly balances the paranormal and the mundane, threading humor through Jack’s determined disbelief in all things supernatural. Jack’s contract with the agency, which hilariously bans vampires, werewolves, zombies, and aliens from being classified as valid subjects of investigation, adds a light touch. In contrast, Tessa’s ability to see ghosts and experience prophetic visions grounds the paranormal elements in genuine tension. Their opposing views create a dynamic interplay that adds depth and humor, especially as Jack stubbornly chases logical explanations for everything that goes bump in the night. Yet, he does permit haunted objects and spectral apparitions in his investigations, a concession that plays into the narrative’s eerie atmosphere.
MacArthur weaves a dual storyline at the outset: Jack and Tessa’s investigation into Darius’s threats and a separate case being worked by the San Francisco Police Department. Initially, these threads seem unrelated. However, the author expertly interlaces them, creating a satisfying convergence as events unfold. Watching these parallel mysteries interconnect was a highlight of the novel, as it provided both intrigue and a sense of narrative cohesion.
While I enjoyed this story and found it gripping overall, I felt some pivotal moments were glossed over. For instance, the transition from Jack’s arrival and initial conversation about the case to the chaos of the aftermath, Darius’s murder and Tessa’s injury, was missing an essential and vivid scene. I think this abrupt jump leaves a gap. The tension of Jack and Tessa discovering the murder firsthand, rather than the aftermath, I think, could have added a more visceral impact and deeper engagement with the stakes at play.
The Pillar still delivers a richly textured mystery filled with suspense, humor, and the supernatural. Jack and Tessa’s chemistry, alongside a plot brimming with twists, makes this book a gripping read that fans of paranormal mysteries won’t want to miss.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0DJDKTWYL
No Requiem for the Tin Man
No Requiem for the Tin Man is a gripping, dieselpunk detective novel set in 1930s San Francisco. It’s absolutely dripping with atmosphere and intrigue. Lou Tanner, our protagonist, is a hard-nosed private investigator navigating a world of American Nazis and mysterious clients amid an undercurrent of political tension. The story kicks off when a disheveled, terrified man stumbles into Lou’s office. He warns of unseen dangers and mumbling about “Tin Men.” What follows is a twisty and action-packed investigation that dives into the darker corners of society. Lou Tanner’s sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude leads the charge.
One thing I loved about T. E. MacArthur’s book is how she nails the voice of Lou Tanner. Lou is a true gumshoe. She’s complete with biting sarcasm and a rough-around-the-edges charm that readers will find hard not to admire. Her internal monologues are pure gold. They’re filled with dry humor and sharp observations that bring her character to life. This voice is what kept me coming back to this book, even when the plot delves into the convoluted politics of the time.
The plot was engaging but it sometimes felt like it was juggling a lot. The introduction of various characters and subplots, like the mysterious “Tin Men,” the shady War Department, and the Gruber family, sometimes made it hard for me to keep track of what was going on. There were moments when I found myself flipping back a few pages to remember who was who. But the complexity of the plot also added to the book’s depth and the way everything ties together in the end is satisfying.
What stood out to me was the setting. The dieselpunk version of 1930s San Francisco is familiar and alien at the same time with zeppelins hovering over Market Street and an undercurrent of fascism threatening to boil over. The author does a bang-up job of blending historical elements with speculative fiction to create a world that is detailed and immersive. The descriptions of the city, the constant tension in the air, and the creeping dread as Lou uncovers more about the “Tin Men” all contribute to a mood that is equal parts thrilling and unsettling.
I highly recommend No Requiem for the Tin Man to fans of hardboiled detective fiction that looking for a story with a twist. If you are into strong female leads, adore noir settings, and looking for a story with a bit of dieselpunk flair, then this book is definitely for you. Lou Tanner is a character you will not forget and her adventures in this darkly imaginative world are gripping.
Pages: 275 | ASIN : B0D9MRDLGS
The Skin Thief
The Skin Thief, a thrilling work of fiction with paranormal elements by T.E. MacArthur, follows the story of Agent X138, an intelligence operative for the Athenaeum Intelligence Agency. X138 embarks on a mission to determine the fate of two missing agents in Southwest Colorado. At night, he ventures into the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa de Los Muertos and mysteriously vanishes. Agent Tessa Wells-Lancing is subsequently dispatched to continue the investigation. Determined to succeed, she enlists the help of a man from her past who is not affiliated with the agency. Together, Tessa and Jack endeavor to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences on the mesa. Is there really a supernatural force responsible for the deaths of the agents, or is there a more mundane human explanation?
The author’s writing style in The Skin Thief is exceptional. It captivated me from the opening line, “Agent X138 refused to believe in ghosts, despite the gnawing premonition he was about to become one of them.” The vivid descriptions, particularly of the eerie settings, allowed me to visualize myself in the character’s shoes, and the suspenseful plot kept me engaged throughout the book. I enjoyed piecing together the mystery and attempting to unravel it before the characters did. Moreover, the book’s inclusion of the history of the ancient native people who inhabited the Southwest desert thousands of years ago was a nice touch. The interactions between Tessa and Jack were fascinating, and I appreciated the scenes in which they worked together. Nevertheless, the book left a few unanswered questions, which I hope will be addressed in a sequel featuring Tessa and Jack as partners investigating a new case. The twist at the end of the book, which I failed to predict, was a pleasant surprise. However, the twist resulted in some plot holes in the story, and some events earlier in the book did not align with this new reality.
Overall, The Skin Thief is an entertaining paranormal thriller that will keep readers hooked until the end. With moments of suspense and romance, there is something in this gripping novel for everyone.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0BWK45577
LITERARY TITAN 