And here is another new Novel annoucement:

[I. J. Parker]

An Eighteenth Century Thriller Anyone?

 

If you are not exclusively interested in Japanese history, here’s a book that has something for everyone: duels, romance, murder, intrigue, battles, irritating relatives, and eccentric elderly gentlemen.

 

On Kindle:          THE LEFT-HANDED GOD

 

 

Freiberg 1763: the allied armies of Empress Maria Theresa meet the Prussian advance. During the first skirmish, a young officer falls.  The dying man begs a young ensign to deliver a letter to his father, but Ensign Franz von Langsdorff, subsequently severely wounded himself, returns home a cripple, unable to honor this promise or support his impoverished family. In her disappointment, his widowed mother inflicts her ill temper on his sister Augusta, who struggles to hold the household together.

 

Eventually, the kind-hearted elderly lawyer Stiebel helps the wounded Franz to heal from his physical and psychological wounds, but by then someone is trying to kill for the letter. Together, Franz and Stiebel decide the letter must be delivered quickly at all cost.

 

Franz and his mentor travel to Mannheim (pursued by Franz’s mother and sister) where the killer waits. The letter holds a dangerous secret concerning a plot against the monarch. Before Franz can hand it over, the plotters interfere, and the assassin sets a trap for Franz and his sister.

 

This coming-of-age novel contains real historical characters and events and portrays eighteenth century life as a dark comedy of manners where a young man confronts his deepest fears and a young woman finds unexpected love.

 

 

 

 

[Caroline Trippe]

Well, I guess I will just have to wait....no Kindle in my immediate future, I'm afraid!  One day I may have no choice, the way things seem to be going, though ! 

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks, Benjamin.  :)

[Benjamin Sobieck]

Looks terrific. Congratulations!

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks again, Dana. I like it, too, but credit goes to the painter.

Caroline, bless you! The poor book has only one sale. Alas, it's on Kindle only. I may do a POD print edition if I don't become totally discouraged.

[Dana King]

You did the cover? Then double the kudos. I'm not a cover guy, but that one struck me. Wel done.

[Caroline Trippe]

Is there any way to get a copy other than through Kindle?  I would love to read this one! The cover is beautiful too!

[I. J. Parker]

Thank you, Dana.  I had hoped so, but so far sales are not happening. The one sale I notice is by one of my Akitada fans. I'm pretty disappointed. It's a nice book and should have a lot of appeal.

"They" ?  I'm deeply gratified. I did the cover myself.  :)

[Dana King]

Not to disparage your Japanese mysteries, but this may have broader appeal to readers. They did a great job with the cover. Good luck.