The Seduction of Phaeton Black
Phaeton Black, paranormal investigator, operates in Victorian London. He is charming, clever, playful, ruthless when he needs to be — and, above all, a ladies man. It’s much to his convenience that he lets out a flat below Madam Parker’s brothel. If this sounds a bit outlandish for a historical novel… well, it is. But it’s darn good fun, too.
It appears that an ancient evil called Qadesh has unleashed itself upon London, in the form of a fanged demon that drains its victims’ blood. The stakes are high, and author Stone paces the action briskly, leaving us just enough breath to face the next paranormal threat, whether it’s an Egyptian mummy or a ripper named Jack.
Although the sexy romps, flirtation with a leather-garbed heroine named America Jones, and periodic escapes into absinthe haze far outweigh any attempt at authentic historical details, the fantasy works if one keeps an open mind and just enjoys the ride.
