The Undesirables

by Lumen Reese

Maren Abernathy -a lovely, British telegraph operator- hates Hitler. But she happily salutes a painting of der führer when she receives a promotion to the International Communications department of the Nazi-occupied town of Marquet in the Rocky Mountains. What she doesn't know is that the promotion she worked so hard to get puts her on a trajectory to unearth a deadly secret; and with all American boys shipped off at age eighteen to serve in the German military, that leaves only the women and Maren's team of those historically wronged by the Nazis to fight back.
Her girlfriend Beatrix, a secret Jew from the neighboring mining town of Pine Hills, would be referred to as a 'smart rat' in the Nazi code that Maren transmits. She warns Maren about the town's mayor, who recommended her for the promotion and works closely with her. Sterling Stratus, as town gossip says, killed his wife and mangled his son in the span of a few days. Andrew Stratus lost a hand, that much is indisputable, but to uncover the Nazis secret, Maren has to get to the heart of the fifteen year old cover-up.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2019

About the author

Writer of science fiction, fantasy, horror and contemporary fiction from Michigan.
I think a story should be entertaining, but should handle social and class issues in order to be an accurate portrayal of our world. I value honest resolution over shock-value, and happy endings wherever possible, especially for my LGBT characters. None of my books will ever use artificial intelligence, because AI is theft. You can find me on Instagram @ZoominLumen
Or follow me on Goodreads for announcements.

The Crocus Trilogy will continue in 2025 with Book Two: THE GRAVEDIGGER KNIGHT & THE SAILOR OF ENDLESS SEAS.

And the Honoré Sloane series will continue in 2026 with: TWO SPARROWS FOR A PENNY.

Also coming in 2026: RED RIVER; a southern-gothic horror.