The Grendel Affair
A SPI Files Novel #1
by Lisa Shearin
Ace Books
December 31, 2013
ISBN-10: 0425266915
ISBN-13: 9780425266915
Available in: Paperback
We’re Supernatural Protection & Investigations, known as SPI. Things that go bump in the night, the monsters you thought didn’t exist? We battle them and keep you safe. But some supernatural baddies are just too big to contain, even for us…
When I moved to New York to become a world famous journalist, I never imagined that snagging a job at a seedy tabloid would change my career path from trashy reporter to undercover agent. I’m Makenna Fraser, a Seer for SPI. I can see through any disguise, shield, or spell that a paranormal pest can come up with. I track down creatures and my partner, Ian Byrne, takes them out.
Our cases are generally pretty routine, but a sickle-wielding serial killer has been prowling the city’s subway tunnels. And the murderer’s not human. The fiend in question, a descendant of Grendel—yes, that Grendel—shares his ancestor’s hatred of parties, revelry, and drunkards. And with New Year’s Eve in Times Square only two days away, we need to bag him quickly. Because if we don’t find him—and the organization behind him—by midnight, our secret’s out and everyone’s time is up.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES
Contrary to popular belief, most authors do have day jobs just like everyone else. I'm happily ensconced at an advertising agency as an editor/proofreader. In my previous corporate life I've been a magazine editor, advertising copywriter, and writer of corporate marketing materials of every description. Writing's what I love, so writing's what I do. And I consider myself blessed beyond belief that I get to do what I love and get paid to do it.
One thing many writers find is that they have little time for anything that doesn't involve writing (especially when there's a deadline looming). Not a problem really, since we spend most of our time attached to a laptop or a notebook & pen because we love it. But when I'm not at my desk, I like to read (when I can make the time) and sing in my church's choir and ensemble. And I've made some of my closest friends over crossed blades. My Olympic fencing weapons of choice are the foil and epée. Though nothing says fun like a good rapier & dagger duel. My husband and I have spent some great times with our fencing club buddies doing demos at museums, schools, movie premiers, the Biltmore House, and Renaissance faires.
I'm a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and the North Carolina Writers' Network. I live in North Carolina with my always patient and ever-encouraging husband, two cats, two spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and a Jack Russell terrier who rules us all.