A Questionable Virtue: A Victorian Mystery of Colonial New Zealand

by Paul W. Feenstra, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

“A deadly conspiracy. A lost love. One reporter’s battle for truth in the British Empire’s wild frontier.”

Step into the shadowy streets of 1886 Wellington, New Zealand, where secrets, scandal, and suspense collide. In this riveting Victorian-era historical novel, Newspaper reporter Leonard Hardy’s world is shattered after a fateful encounter with a young, enigmatic, and immoral woman with deadly intentions. When his reputation and relationship with his beloved fiancée are threatened by ruthless adversaries—including a cunning rival reporter and a criminal underworld intent on manipulating horse racing—Leonard must fight to clear his name, restore his honour, and remain alive.

As the British Empire’s influence looms over a thriving colonial outpost, Leonard uncovers a global criminal enterprise that tests the limits of his courage and sanity. With the odds stacked against him and the law powerless to protect the innocent, he must outwit those who would see him destroyed. Will an enigmatic Chinese Tong offer salvation, or is Leonard doomed to lose everything he holds dear?

Perfect for fans of Victorian-era mysteries, historical thrillers, and atmospheric crime fiction, A Questionable Virtue delivers unexpected twists, rich period detail, and a compelling protagonist you’ll root for until the final page. Discover the dark side of Wellington’s underbelly and experience a story that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Audible Audio

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

Paul W. Feenstra is a New Zealand historical fiction novelist whose character-driven stories are meticulously researched and deeply human — creating a dramatic and entertaining window into our complex past.

Born in Wellington to Dutch immigrants, Paul relocated to the United States in 1985 and spent over 27 years working in Hollywood as a multiple Emmy-nominated television post-production professional. Recognised for his contribution to his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious World Class New Zealand network. He has been sought after as a public speaker by educational institutions, professional networks and organisations across New Zealand, sharing his unique experiences from a remarkable career.

His sixteen novels span medieval England, colonial New Zealand, Victorian London and WWI espionage. The Falls Ende series — seven books of medieval historical fiction set in 12th century England — is his most ambitious work. It is a completed series, from Primus through to Outlaw. The Leonard Hardy mysteries explore Victorian-era colonial Wellington. The Moana Rangitira novels examine early colonial New Zealand and its impact on native Māori. The Austin Willems series begins with A Gentleman at Heart in Victorian London, with a second novel, A Dangerous Game, currently in development.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys photography and wrestling bears.