The Odd Society Series

An Enchanting Victorian Fantasy   Victoria Haversham leads a life of privilege. A luxurious home. Beautiful gowns and jewelry. Even a fine education.   But her father's single-minded determination to marry her off transforms Victoria's pleasant life into torment. He never suspects Victoria means to create her own future.   Police Inspector Rob McDuff patrols London with a keen mind and a heavy burden. Caught in never ending routine in a city full of crime.   Then he discovers a misdeed unexplainable by normal methods. An investigation that leads him to Victoria's door.   Will McDuff seal Victoria's fate? Or will their collision create a new destiny for them both?   The Odd Society: Book One   An excerpt from Independent by Means of Magic:   Some plans are best laid in secret "There may be no good time for such things," Victoria's father said. "I'm afraid I have terrible news, Victoria. It's about your wedding." "What's happened, Father? I do hope Wilfred is well." "My dear, that word can have many meanings," he said, his mouth and eyebrows deepening into a scowl that lifted Victoria's heart. "He is well finished with polite society. That means he's well finished with any daughter of mine." "Is there no hope?" her mother said, tears standing in her eyes. "No salvation?" "None. An inspector will likely be round to ask whether we have anything to contribute to the investigation. I told him we had no secrets of Mr. Abernathy's or our own to keep. I am sorry, Victoria. Other suitable arrangements will be made, I can assure you of that." "Yes, Father," Victoria said, her voice and face reflecting her mother's heartbreak perfectly. "I'll speak to the inspector if it will help. I trust it will all work out for the best in the end." Victoria stood, holding her napkin to her face, and walked quickly out of the room. "Shouldn't have let him barter me off to the highest bidder, Mother," she said under her breath. "And you should never have let him bring us back to this awful place."

An Enchanting Victorian Fantasy   In a whirlwind of change, Victoria Haversham plans to leave London behind. Dreaming of a life with her newfound family in paradise. Determined to choose her own future.   A bit worse for wear but healing, Rob McDuff prepares for upheaval of his own. Besides departing Britain for the first time, he faces a reunion he long believed impossible.   But a dangerous enemy they both thought defeated secretly begins his own recovery.   Gathering allies and information that threaten to derail Victoria and Rob's adventures before they begin.   Will Victoria and Rob recognize the danger before they're trapped forever?   The Odd Society: Book Two   An excerpt from Protected by Means of Magic:   Return of a Menace   Sister Amelia was nearly her composed self, though she looked far from happy.   "Father Hall sent me with a most urgent message. For you too, Miss Jean, and I would think Miss Victoria would want to know as well. It seems someone has been asking after you at your boarding house, Mr. McDuff."   Everything in McDuff's body seemed to stop at once, and a clammy chill overtook him. Jean spoke before he could manage to draw his next breath.   "How did he hear of this? Did he say who, or what the person looked like?" "Father Hall was strangely shy about that," Sister Amelia said. "He said he'd much prefer to explain it himself, but if you asked I should go ahead. He left word there with a Mrs. Richards?" McDuff nodded, and his neck creaked with tension. "She was my landlady there, yes. Father Hall didn't mention leaving word of any kind except that I wouldn't be returning." "That's what he said, exactly so. And that he should have told you both, but he'd hoped and prayed it would come to nothing. But he did leave word in case anyone ever came round. That happened yesterday evening."

The Spark of a Kindred Spirit Father William Hall loves his tiny Victorian Era London parish, and helping those truly in need. But the endless social obligations of securing funding chafe at his rather stubborn and independent personality. Then a surprising offer appears, tempting enough to risk scandal. Will Father Hall accept the chance to change his life?   Also available in the collection A Tapestry of Holiday Tales: Winter Adventures from the Odds and Endings Bookstore   An excerpt from A Meeting of Two Renegade Minds: The Discovery of a Fellow Independent Spirit The unusual woman stopped in front of Father Hall, looking directly into his eyes rather than pretending demure postures. No wonder the bishop had been so sternly disapproving. "Father William Hall?" she said in a pleasantly deep voice, her French accent strong. "The very one. How may I be of service to you?" She blinked, then smiled, transforming her square jaw and pale skin from rather stern to something approaching beautiful. "I am Dr. Jean Marchér." She pronounced it Zhon Mar-shay, and Father Hall's curiosity took over even more of his mind and customary good sense. "Yes, I am perfectly aware that's normally a man's name. My parents were far more fond of Jeanne than I, so I changed it to suit me. Since they didn't protest, no one else has standing to do so." Father Hall hesitated for only a second before holding out his hand.