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The Mermaid Detective #1
Waterkeeper: An Oriceran Universe Novel
A mermaid in Austin. A missing fugitive. And a very small office mate who gambles, borrows indefinitely, and definitely doesn’t pay rent.
Candy Lovelace just opened her own detective agency in Austin, Texas. New office. New name. New life.
She’d like to keep it that way.
Too bad her legs occasionally turn into scales, her dog can sniff magic, and her brand-new workspace already comes with a problem—Eureka, a gambling gnome-ish who refuses to leave, runs a shady import/export side hustle, and treats personal property like a suggestion.
Her first case should be track down a magical fugitive who can tear through concrete and skipped bail. Bring him in. Get paid.
Instead, Candy finds herself dodging klepto pixies, arguing with her unwanted business partner, and chasing leads that don’t add up—because someone is lying, and it’s going to cost more than money.
As the case spirals, Candy is forced to dig into the one thing she’s been avoiding—her past, her missing mother, and the truth about what she really is.
In a city where magic hides in plain sight, staying undercover might be the most dangerous move of all.
Set in the bestselling Oriceran Universe, this fast-paced urban fantasy delivers sharp humor, high-stakes action, and a mermaid detective who bites back.
Pick up your copy of The Waterkeeper, book 1 in the Mermaid Detective series, today!
Candy Lovelace just opened her own detective agency in Austin, Texas. New office. New name. New life.
She’d like to keep it that way.
Too bad her legs occasionally turn into scales, her dog can sniff magic, and her brand-new workspace already comes with a problem—Eureka, a gambling gnome-ish who refuses to leave, runs a shady import/export side hustle, and treats personal property like a suggestion.
Her first case should be track down a magical fugitive who can tear through concrete and skipped bail. Bring him in. Get paid.
Instead, Candy finds herself dodging klepto pixies, arguing with her unwanted business partner, and chasing leads that don’t add up—because someone is lying, and it’s going to cost more than money.
As the case spirals, Candy is forced to dig into the one thing she’s been avoiding—her past, her missing mother, and the truth about what she really is.
In a city where magic hides in plain sight, staying undercover might be the most dangerous move of all.
Set in the bestselling Oriceran Universe, this fast-paced urban fantasy delivers sharp humor, high-stakes action, and a mermaid detective who bites back.
Pick up your copy of The Waterkeeper, book 1 in the Mermaid Detective series, today!
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2026
About the author
Martha Carr
584 books783 followersOkay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 1, 2026
Wanted a not too serious read and this one immediately delivered. Set in Austin TX, which adds that nearby, familiar feel to all the magical chaos. Early on I hit a “Splash!” on the page and had to pause. Is that just a sound effect or a quiet nod to Splash? Either way, it sets the tone for a whimsical reading experience right from the start.
Candy Lovelace is a mermaid PI in Austin who gets drawn into a crime lord level case. She needs to find and protect Danny from well even he is not quite sure but powerful people and creatures want him dead. That is what makes this book great. The not so hidden creatures.
Her office partner she never wanted, but learns his community is a gnomeish. A gnome and a pixy. What a combo, yea that is what Candy said too. Apparently it would take some serious alcohol to delve into that subject.
She also has a show stopping sidekick of a dog named Blue Bell. Come on every detective like book I have ever read with a dog sidekick is a winner.
So we learn the magic, save a guy from mob like folks and uncover a mother mystery that is the root of more than you think. A paranormal set in a local town doing fantastical things, sign me up for yet another series. I should be keeping track of these.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Candy Lovelace is a mermaid PI in Austin who gets drawn into a crime lord level case. She needs to find and protect Danny from well even he is not quite sure but powerful people and creatures want him dead. That is what makes this book great. The not so hidden creatures.
Her office partner she never wanted, but learns his community is a gnomeish. A gnome and a pixy. What a combo, yea that is what Candy said too. Apparently it would take some serious alcohol to delve into that subject.
She also has a show stopping sidekick of a dog named Blue Bell. Come on every detective like book I have ever read with a dog sidekick is a winner.
So we learn the magic, save a guy from mob like folks and uncover a mother mystery that is the root of more than you think. A paranormal set in a local town doing fantastical things, sign me up for yet another series. I should be keeping track of these.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
October 20, 2026
good
When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. I kind of got lost between when Candy had no friends and when she did get friends. I’m sure that happened somewhere in the book, but I didn’t really pay attention. For somebody who thought she had to do everything on her own she finally realized that she does have friends that will help her out with her business. I will read the next book in the series.
When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. I kind of got lost between when Candy had no friends and when she did get friends. I’m sure that happened somewhere in the book, but I didn’t really pay attention. For somebody who thought she had to do everything on her own she finally realized that she does have friends that will help her out with her business. I will read the next book in the series.
May 5, 2026
Great start
I already love this series and it's only the first book. The characters and storylines drew me in and kept me reading. Candy is a very strong lead with just enough fun, bad-assery, and niceness, plus her new found friends and pets very much add to the story with their quirks. I cannot wait to see where the story and characters go from here.
I already love this series and it's only the first book. The characters and storylines drew me in and kept me reading. Candy is a very strong lead with just enough fun, bad-assery, and niceness, plus her new found friends and pets very much add to the story with their quirks. I cannot wait to see where the story and characters go from here.
May 6, 2026
another fascinating heroine from Martha
I love the way Martha always finds a way to make you laugh when reading her books. Her Oriceran characters keep expanding. I really appreciate the way she gets inside the head of her characters and lets us see things that maybe another author wouldn’t.
I love the way Martha always finds a way to make you laugh when reading her books. Her Oriceran characters keep expanding. I really appreciate the way she gets inside the head of her characters and lets us see things that maybe another author wouldn’t.
September 23, 2026
when an individual becomes a community
Loved this storyline. I got cases and a hard line detective with a personal mystery also. She’s a loner and tough until she starts collecting her community. Love the story development and the cast of characters. Really enjoyed how they learn and grow into an ace team. They’ve got skills and will find the answers. Excited for more!
Loved this storyline. I got cases and a hard line detective with a personal mystery also. She’s a loner and tough until she starts collecting her community. Love the story development and the cast of characters. Really enjoyed how they learn and grow into an ace team. They’ve got skills and will find the answers. Excited for more!
May 6, 2026
A Great Read
This has the makings to become my favorite Oriceran series. It has it all quirky but believable magicals, a sympathetic heroine, secret lore, and fun action. This is Martha Carr at her best — well done!
This has the makings to become my favorite Oriceran series. It has it all quirky but believable magicals, a sympathetic heroine, secret lore, and fun action. This is Martha Carr at her best — well done!
August 11, 2026
I really wanted to like this novel. A mermaid that us a private investigator and solves crimes, yes, please. However, I didn't connect to the writing style, the characters, or the world building. Not a fan
October 12, 2026
Finding your way
Interesting story with a mermaid who is a private investigator. Love her dog Bluebell and the tiny helpers in her basement. Along with a retirement home full of magical beings itching to help.
Interesting story with a mermaid who is a private investigator. Love her dog Bluebell and the tiny helpers in her basement. Along with a retirement home full of magical beings itching to help.
April 28, 2026
Great start to a series
Great read, loved all the different characters. Humour, adventure, bit of romance, just the kind of story I like to curl up with
Great read, loved all the different characters. Humour, adventure, bit of romance, just the kind of story I like to curl up with
April 29, 2026
Martha Carr does it again
The beginning of new series, and i am already hooked Can’t wait for the next episode. Thank you for your efforts
The beginning of new series, and i am already hooked Can’t wait for the next episode. Thank you for your efforts
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews