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The UFO Gambit
The UFO Gambit, by T.E. MacArthur, opens with a chilling prologue set in 1977, when a determined twelve-year-old, Rita, sets out to document mysterious lights near a rural airstrip only to encounter something far stranger and more dangerous than she imagined. Decades later, the story shifts to Tessa Wells-Lancing and Jack de Sombras, partners in a private security and investigative agency that specializes in unusual cases. When a neighbor shows up with a bizarre complaint followed by news of two bodies on her land, one of them possibly extraterrestrial, the pair is drawn into a case that blends small-town drama, murder mystery, paranormal investigation, and flashes of government conspiracy. What follows is a lively mix of eerie encounters, sharp banter, suspicious reporters, reluctant law enforcement, and a deepening tangle of secrets that may be stranger than either of them is ready to admit.
I had a blast reading this story. The dialogue pops. Sometimes it’s sarcastic, sometimes warm, and the chemistry between Tessa and Jack makes the book feel alive. The humor comes in quick, dry bursts, cutting through the tension in a way that feels authentic. The pacing moves at a comfortable clip, mixing moments of investigation with vivid character beats. The small-town setting, with its mix of quirky locals and tense undercurrents, adds a rich backdrop. What I especially enjoyed was how the author balances the mystery of the aliens with grounded details, whether it’s the cold damp of a Northern California morning or the awkward silence of a too-long stare from a deadpan coroner.
On the ideas side, the book toys with belief and skepticism in an interesting way. Tessa is open to the supernatural but keeps her feet on the ground, while Jack wears his disbelief like armor, though cracks appear when the evidence pushes too far. The paranormal isn’t just a gimmick here. It’s part of how characters test each other’s trust and boundaries. There’s also a sly thread about privacy, paranoia, and how information gets twisted in the hands of the wrong people, something that feels pointed without being preachy. A few scenes lean into banter when I was itching for more direct answers, but that’s also part of the book’s charm: you get pulled into the rhythm of these characters’ lives rather than just chasing the plot.
The UFO Gambit is a smart, funny, and surprisingly layered mix of mystery, paranormal thriller, and relationship drama. It’s perfect for readers who like their strange tales grounded in believable characters, with a side of dry humor and a touch of danger. If you enjoy shows like The X-Files but wish Mulder and Scully argued more like an old married couple, this is your jam. It’s not just about whether aliens are real; it’s about what you believe, who you trust, and how far you’ll go when the truth lands right in your lap.
Pages: 220
The Vessel
The Vessel is an enthralling supernatural thriller that takes readers on a twisted journey into a world where ritualistic surgeries, ancient ceremonies, and dark forces collide. The story revolves around the mysterious “Vessel,” a sacred object tied to the resurrection of a powerful preacher. As characters grapple with betrayal, bloodshed, and unholy pacts, they find themselves caught in a web of destiny and madness, where the line between salvation and damnation is often too thin to discern.
The Vessel dives headfirst into its grim world, setting up a dark and mysterious atmosphere that holds your attention. The narrative unfurls through a mix of intense action and philosophical musings on faith, power, and the human soul. While the premise feels familiar, MacArthur breathes new life into the genre by blending medical procedures with arcane rituals, making the stakes feel terrifyingly real. The novel keeps you hooked with its unpredictable turns and high-stakes tension.
What struck me most about The Vessel was its exploration of complex moral dilemmas. The antagonist, the Surgeon, plays a pivotal role in the ritualistic resurrection of the Preacher, and his actions blur the line between sacred duty and personal ambition. At one point, when the Surgeon prepares for the final procedure, the language used to describe the grotesque rituals is haunting yet fascinating. “The Vessel was safe — for another brief moment of time,” the Surgeon reflects, and this fleeting moment captures the fragile, almost tragic nature of the Vessel’s existence. It’s not just a physical object—it’s a symbol of human frailty, both in the ritual and in the characters themselves.
MacArthur’s ability to evoke vivid imagery is another highlight. When the “sacramental surgery” is described, it’s not just a medical procedure; it’s a grotesque spectacle, a macabre blend of science and religion. The sheer intensity of the scenes, especially those involving the transformation of the Carrier, left me feeling both disturbed and captivated. The ritualistic atmosphere is thick with tension, enhanced by the author’s attention to detail. The process of “implanting the Sacred Vessel” is described with an eerie reverence, as if the characters are part of something far greater than themselves, whether they believe it or not.
The characters themselves are deeply flawed and intriguing. Take Tessa, for example. She is tough and determined, yet her vulnerability shines through, especially in moments of personal reflection. Her internal struggle, like when she wrestles with her feelings for Jack, adds an emotional layer to the otherwise cold, ritualistic world. Her interactions with Jack are particularly compelling as they navigate their roles in this twisted saga. Sometimes the dialogue teeters into melodrama, but it’s clear that MacArthur has a knack for writing characters that feel real, even in such an outlandish setting.
The Vessel is a gripping tale of dark rituals, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of playing with powers far beyond human understanding. It’s a book that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and supernatural thrillers who enjoy complex characters and intricate plot twists. While it can be quite intense and unsettling, it’s definitely worth the read for anyone looking to explore a chilling, thought-provoking narrative. If you’re into stories that mix suspense, horror, and metaphysical questions about life and death, The Vessel is a must-read.
Pages: 276 | ISBN: 978-1-64456-813-2
L’homme Fatal, Rather Than Femme Fatal
A Place of Fog and Murder follows a female detective as she asserts herself in a profession dominated by men while fighting to save a missing woman. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m a tremendous fan of the Thin Man movies, as well as the writings of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. But those were produced in the 1930s and 40s, and thus suffered from the misogyny of the time. I fell in love with the idea of reversing the trope: make the woman the smart, wise-ass detective and let her “drop dead gorgeous” client be a L’homme fatal rather than a Femme fatal. To me, that’s the most interesting challenge – making the heroine the muscle of the story without emasculating a male character … at least not if he himself will be a hero. Nobody likes a wimpy hero. Even those heroes who profess to be cowards turn out to be surprisingly strong.
It is also the witty repartee, the snappy comeback, and the Chandler specialty — profound and striking descriptions wrapped up in unique comparisons. “It was one of those dusty trails that tricks you with a childhood horseback memory while choaking you to death,” or “her eyes were as dark as a dark alley and just as likely to be hiding something deadly.”
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
Studying my Chandler and Hammett. Watching the noir movies of the period. Looking up slang collections. Writing a sentence, then fluffing it up with the right vernacular. Then, throwing myself on the mercy of two great editors: both authors themselves, Sharon E. Cathcart and Ana Manwaring.
Your book is such an interesting blend of noir crime fiction and steampunk. How did you go about achieving a balance between the two genres?
The time period seems ripe for futurism. People were so very hopeful that the technology of the age would save them from the Great Depression. And in many ways, historically, it did. This was also the moment when movies became talkies and started using more special effects. This is when we got Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. Combined, you get what is called these days Dieselpunk. Period authenticity mixed with technology that was “not yet?” Absolute fun!
Can fans expect to see more of Lou Tanner in the near future? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I am working on a sequel to A Place of Fog and Murder. Tentatively it is being called No Requiem for the Tin Man. Of course, that could change, but I rather like the name. I’m also working on the follow up to my other novel, released through Indies United Publishing House, called The Skin Thief – A Paranormal Romantic Thriller.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Noir meets Dieselpunk in this twisting tale of 1935 San Francisco. From the corrupt power of its fashionable ultra-rich to the merciless reach of its dirty underworld, deadly secrets hide behind the thin veneer of propriety and a thick wall of fog.
From the charmingly deranged mind of T.E. MacArthur, author of the paranormal thriller The Skin Thief, comes a bold, new take on the hard-boiled detective, femme fatale, and art deco science fiction. A Place of Fog and Murder is MacArthur’s salute to Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and the effervescent Myrna Loy.
A Place of Fog and Murder
T.E. MacArthur delves into the atmospheric 1930s noir setting of San Francisco in her novel, A Place of Fog and Murder. The story follows Lou Tanner, a pioneering female private investigator who, in her maiden case, is plunged into the search for a missing woman. Navigating the labyrinthine world of government operatives, unruly gangsters, and less-than-cooperative police officers, Lou is confronted by quite the cast of characters, each harboring their own clandestine motives.
MacArthur intricately weaves themes of justice throughout the narrative, examining its breach through heinous acts like murder and the subsequent path to its restoration. The tale illuminates the contrasting lengths two distinct characters will traverse to see justice prevail. Lou embodies integrity, evident in her unyielding commitment to the case even when faced with potential death and her unwavering moral compass.
Set against a backdrop that melds steampunk and sci-fi elements, A Place of Fog and Murder presents an intriguing take on 1930s San Francisco—complete with robots and authentic period slang. MacArthur’s character development shines, especially with Lou, whose genuine reactions to traumatic events provide a depth of realism.
With engaging writing, authentic characters, and a suspense-filled mystery plot, A Place of Fog and Murder, by T.E. MacArthur, is a must-read for fans of the whodunnit and mystery genres.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B07RG7YW17
LITERARY TITAN 