Missteps Mending Devilish Ways

by J.L. Michael

Faithful missteps and ungodly falls—life can be like that.

In the fading roar of the 1920s, photographer Alexandra Bathenbrook's life is a whirlwind of adventure, glamour, and chaos. Tabloid journalists trumpet her mishaps, occultists believe she is a diabolic adaptation of Eve, and an otherworldly stalker is keen on dissuading her love interests. Such hiccups might sway her insouciant nature if not for the pettier dramas sullying her trailblazing career.

Operating out of her London office, her bold camera play will capture the violent birth of Saudi Arabia, the rise of European fascism, and the inaugural World Cup soccer tournament set in Uruguay. Yet, as a wayward daughter of prominent Satanists, her disquieting upbringing proves tricky to escape. Courting the aid of the era’s most interesting somebodies, Alexandra will confront ancient conspiracies, her own dark heritage, and endeavor to evade an inevitable choice: embrace her hellish destiny or risk an end to life’s wonderful nonsense—for everyone else.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 27, 2026

About the author

J.L. Michael is a Maine author partial to old-school jazz, vintage travel posters, and historical literature that champions daring quests into realms unknown. The majority of the author’s time is spent pursuing the honor code of an impossible dreamer, which includes acting as an able Healthcare Director, committed spouse, and steadfast (though imperfect) role-model to an eight-year-old best-thing-ever. When not thrashing away on a keyboard, J.L. can be found lounging beachside atop the hood of a Jeep Wrangler, contemplating a next escape to distant exotic lands and the unsolved mysteries of the universe.