King Jim

by Matt Press

Where Sci-fi Meets Private Eye
Thursday, June 14th, 1934

My name is Henry Hollis, if you didn’t already know that. Maybe this little message in a bottle won’t get read by anyone for fifty or a hundred years, or ever, but I’ve got a few things to get off my chest, starting with a growing dislike for certain citizens of the new German Reich. They call themselves Nazis, and grin when they say it like the word is the new and improved term for sunshine or roses. My advice, keep an eye on these over-dressed, two-bit thugs. There’s also a certain ruby-red alien from a distant planet who’s made a real hash of my life for the last few weeks. Whatever hell-scape he came from got the lucky end of his one-way ticket to dear old planet Earth. Then there’s the small matter of a man by the name of Frank Moffer, who thinks I’m an existential threat to all the hateful bile and rage that he holds near and dear. Truth be told, he’s probably right. But, for my money, this month’s pain-in-the-ass prize goes to the governor of Indiana — a fellow by the name of Jim Mosby, who likes to call himself “King Jim.” Ain’t that cute?

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2019

About the author

I can't remember a time when I wasn't conjuring up imaginary worlds and telling stories. I've always loved breathing life into characters and places that existed only in my head. By the age of ten I was writing fantasy stories and by the age of thirteen I was deeply involved in storytelling games, a pastime that continues to fire my imagination and keep me in good company. After growing up in South Bend, Indiana, I went off to spend my undergrad years at the University of Iowa, then I did my graduate studies at Indiana University. After that, I spent a solid decade learning about adulthood and myself and the real world. Eventually, and for more than twenty years, I came to live and work in Bloomington, Indiana, where I owned a property development company. These days, I live in Arlington, Virginia, where I dedicate my work-time to writing and the rest of my time (and heart) to my wife and two children.

Check out my facebook page for more info and updates: www.facebook.com/authormattpress

Reviews

[Christine Rains · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Hollis has just recovered from getting shot, but that doesn't mean anyone is going to take it easier on him on his job. In the eyes of most of the world, he's just another private investigator, but Henry deals with monsters from both Earth and beyond. Governor Jim Mosby, or King Jim as he likes to call himself, is moving office to Henry's town, and he's bringing some friends of the new German Reich. Yet what are they really doing in New Eden?

This is the second exciting book in the paranormal historical thriller series, Desperate Days, and it's even better than the first. Henry has a little experience with the weird now, but sometimes it's the human monsters who are scarier. Well, maybe not as frightening as Mr. Boots! Henry's gut tells him something is off, and he has to convince everyone else of it. I love the big cast of characters, from amazing to loathsome. I'm particularly interested in seeing more of the new Wildflower Society secretary and the young doctor, Grace. I liked how the Nazis' fascination with the supernatural is woven into this story, adding international layers to the overall plot. I can't wait to see what trouble Henry must deal with next!

[Emily Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one even more than the first. I hope there's more to come!