Like Clockwork

by Ali Abbas

Commander Raymond Burntwood of the Royal Navy has returned to England where he meets the reclusive heiress Lady Ariana Grayhart. After the scandal of a night spent dancing together, Ariana returns home to Northumberland. Raymond’s superiors—seeking information about Ariana’s father—dispatch the commander under the cover of courting the heiress.

All is not as it seems in the Grayhart household. Captain Grayhart is an invalid, the servants maintain a monkish silence, and secrets are layered upon secrets. Everyone has their own agenda, from Raymond's friend and confidante Du Bois, to the family lawyer Sir Berwick, and Ariana herself.

In the midst of it all, Raymond must unravel the truth of Captain Grayhart's decline and save Ariana's reputation and fortune. In doing so, he learns dark secrets about himself that could tear his world apart.

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2017

About the author

Ali Abbas is the author of “Like Clockwork”, a steampunk mystery published by Transmundane Press.

His other published works include: “Image and Other Stories” a collection of seven short stories that examine themes of love, loss and the haunting nature of bad decisions; and “Hajj – My Pilgrimage” a light-hearted and secular look at the pilgrimage to Mecca that is at the heart of the Islamic faith.

His short stories “An Absolute Amount of Sadness” and “The Girl Who Gives Me Sunsets” have been published in anthologies from Mad Scientist Journal. “Désolé Habibti”, a paranormal romance, has been published in the “On Fire” anthology, and "Finding Galatea" in the Transcendent anthology, both from Transmundane Press.

Reviews

[Amy]

This steampunk suspense novella was written with an economy of well-chosen, expressive words. I'm usually not a fan of mystery, but I enjoyed this one unfold. Join Commander Raymond Burntwood as he figures out the secrets of the Grayhart family and their silently efficient staff.
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I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14474356

[Gina Stamper]

Exciting and Complex! I love a novel that can deliver on multiple genres without one not fitting. I felt like Ali Abbas really managed to bring the Gothic, the Suspense, and the Steampunk all together in this novel. It felt like a complete story with a lot going on. There were not moments of dead space, every moment really felt like it was a valid part of the story as a whole.

I liked the vivid descriptions Abbas used throughout his writing. It really helps the reader feel like they are a part of the story the whole way through. A solid Suspense Novel.

[R.K. Emery]

What a vivid new world Ali Abbas has brought us into!

Be prepared to become addicted to this story from the very beginning. Ali Abbas has created characters who are engaging and unique. The story itself has so many aspects you would not expect. Yes, its a Gothic/Stempunk Story, but there is so much more woven throughout.

The twists and surprises are plenty and will keep you flipping pages til the very end.

[C. Gonzales]

Ali Abbas has great attention to detail and makes everything from the setting, to the characters feel very real. It makes for a wonderfully written and very action packed novel.

Wonderful characterization with main characters who are very compelling.

Abbas has really created an imaginative Steampunk/Gothic novel that has plenty of twists and surprises.

[Ali]

Disclosure - I'm the author