SOLVED. Adult Science Fiction. Man travels to alternate reality where electricity is called “ghost fluid”. [s]

[Les]

As I recall, I read part of this paperback book somewhere around 15 years or so ago, it was an older book when I got it at a local used book store. The cover featured a large torpedo shaped device with wings on it much like a dragon fly’s wings. The main character was a man who somehow found himself in an alternate reality where science was a little behind that on Earth during his current time. He could not get home. He was a scientist or perhaps a technician, I don’t remember which. Some sort of conflict or war was going on and our hero was trying to help a group of people build something, possibly a bomb or other weapon. I remember that he was trying to teach them electronics and was frustrated that while they did know about and use electricity, they called it “ghost fluid” instead of electricity and had a bizarre concept of how it worked. They would not accept his explanation of electrons etc. I have searched online for “ghost fluid” more times than I can count, and always come away very frustrated.
I never finished the book which is probably part of why I can’t remember much else about it. It is unusual for me to not finish any book, so I think it might have been a bit on the dull side. But, I was moving house at that time, so it could have just gotten lost in the move. I would like to finish it, so if anyone can help identify it I would be most grateful.

[Becca]

With Fate Conspire by Mike Shupp? It comes up as a hit when searching "electricity" "ghost fluid" on archive.org

[Juels]

With Fate Conspire by Mike Shupp?

ETA: Oops. Someone already suggested the same. :) I guess I concur.

[Becca]

Great minds think alike!

[Les]

Holy cow, you folks nailed it!
With Fate Conspire by Mike Shupp is indeed the book I have been looking for for 15+ years... and it gets bad reviews. :D
Looks like I misremembered it somewhat, but considering how long it has been since I read this book that isn't terribly surprising. From the poor reviews that I see online maybe I did just get tired of it and quit.
Anyway, thanks so much for your help, this has been bugging me for a very ling time. Now I can finally put this to rest and move on.