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The Unicorn Curse
Meet Lowan, a telepathic alien working as a private detective in the 1930s!
The Bearance, a rusty costal freighter, sank in a storm a month ago. Now, a killer codenamed Poseidon is murdering the remaining members of the crew—viciously, with a harpoon—and he’s looking for Teddy Bear. Why? The killer wants the unicorn staff, an antique ivory and gold artifact worth as much as a million dollars, which he plans to sell at a high-stakes auction aboard his luxury yacht. Lowan, desperately in need of a few days off, is resistant to investigating. But when he learns what’s at stake, he procures an invitation and joins the auction in disguise. He finds himself trapped aboard the killer’s yacht, and each of the five other auction attendees will stop at nothing to win.
S. E. Grosskopf’s writing is strongly influenced by the old pulp fiction magazines and Golden Age radio dramas of the 1930s-1950s. If you like fast-paced action and mystery with a dash of urban fantasy and quirkiness, then you’ll love these books. This is the thirteenth book in the series. The books follow chronologically. Reading them in order is recommended. It is especially recommended to read Book 6: The Unicorn Staff before reading this one.
The Bearance, a rusty costal freighter, sank in a storm a month ago. Now, a killer codenamed Poseidon is murdering the remaining members of the crew—viciously, with a harpoon—and he’s looking for Teddy Bear. Why? The killer wants the unicorn staff, an antique ivory and gold artifact worth as much as a million dollars, which he plans to sell at a high-stakes auction aboard his luxury yacht. Lowan, desperately in need of a few days off, is resistant to investigating. But when he learns what’s at stake, he procures an invitation and joins the auction in disguise. He finds himself trapped aboard the killer’s yacht, and each of the five other auction attendees will stop at nothing to win.
S. E. Grosskopf’s writing is strongly influenced by the old pulp fiction magazines and Golden Age radio dramas of the 1930s-1950s. If you like fast-paced action and mystery with a dash of urban fantasy and quirkiness, then you’ll love these books. This is the thirteenth book in the series. The books follow chronologically. Reading them in order is recommended. It is especially recommended to read Book 6: The Unicorn Staff before reading this one.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 1, 2025
This book is such an exciting read! It is a continuation of the unicorn staff arc started in Book 6, and I really appreciate how neither book feels like a cliffhanger. When someone contacts Marx after a homicide connected to the last person to have the unicorn staff, Marx recommends Lowan and Sen for protection. But when that person disappears after contacting Lowan and more homicides occur, Lowan and Marx find themselves looking for a missing criminal, the unicorn staff, and a mysterious murderer. Lowan goes undercover with Captain Kramer to locate all three on the murderer’s yacht while Marx works with the U.S. Coast Guard to back them up. But things get even more dangerous when additional criminals appear on the scene.
I love all the different layers to this story, and I especially love all the rich historical and locational details in this book. I love how both draw you into Lowan and Marx’s 1930s world, from the rundown streets in the poorest sections of Milford Falls to opulent hotels to an expansive yacht. And the scenes at sea are so well described, you can feel the wind and the tumultuous ocean.
I love how the characters continue to develop in this book.
Lowan has a brief conflict with Marx over Marx’s recommending him and Sen after the events of the previous book which have left Lowan in further pain, but fortunately the conflict doesn’t last long (I’m very glad for that!) I love Lowan and Marx’s scenes together, especially the one at the end, I love how they support each other, and I love Lowan’s concern for Rita. It is especially interesting (and occasionally humorous) seeing Lowan and Kramer work together in this book.
Marx’s character feels especially relatable in Book 12. His response to Lowan’s being upset with him near the beginning is so realistic. I love how protective Marx is toward Lowan and others, and how he is concerned for Kramer in spite of Kramer’s treating him badly. In this book, Marx faces seasickness and a sea battle in addition to dangerous criminals. And without giving too much away, I love what he does in the sea battle! It is one of my favorite parts of this book.
I also like the poetic justice of what happens to one of the murderers.
I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful escape into a very well-written 1930s world with mystery, action, a good amount of humor, and lovable, relatable characters.
I love all the different layers to this story, and I especially love all the rich historical and locational details in this book. I love how both draw you into Lowan and Marx’s 1930s world, from the rundown streets in the poorest sections of Milford Falls to opulent hotels to an expansive yacht. And the scenes at sea are so well described, you can feel the wind and the tumultuous ocean.
I love how the characters continue to develop in this book.
Lowan has a brief conflict with Marx over Marx’s recommending him and Sen after the events of the previous book which have left Lowan in further pain, but fortunately the conflict doesn’t last long (I’m very glad for that!) I love Lowan and Marx’s scenes together, especially the one at the end, I love how they support each other, and I love Lowan’s concern for Rita. It is especially interesting (and occasionally humorous) seeing Lowan and Kramer work together in this book.
Marx’s character feels especially relatable in Book 12. His response to Lowan’s being upset with him near the beginning is so realistic. I love how protective Marx is toward Lowan and others, and how he is concerned for Kramer in spite of Kramer’s treating him badly. In this book, Marx faces seasickness and a sea battle in addition to dangerous criminals. And without giving too much away, I love what he does in the sea battle! It is one of my favorite parts of this book.
I also like the poetic justice of what happens to one of the murderers.
I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful escape into a very well-written 1930s world with mystery, action, a good amount of humor, and lovable, relatable characters.
October 3, 2025
This book swept me back into the glamour and danger of yesteryear. Waves crashing, ladies in elegant gowns and gloves, men in hats and sharp suits—all gathered aboard a luxury yacht where murder lurks beneath the surface. If you enjoy historical mysteries filled with atmosphere, intrigue, and that old Hollywood glamour of the 1930s, this book is an absolute treat. Murder, greed, disguises, and a touch of decadence—what more could you want in a high-seas mystery?
Highly recommended for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits with a nautical twist.
Highly recommended for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits with a nautical twist.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews