A Sinister Consequence

by Paul W. Feenstra

A Gripping Victorian-Era Mystery Set in Colonial New Zealand

Step into the shadowy streets of 1879 Wellington, New Zealand, where secrets lurk behind every door and danger waits in the dark. Leonard Hardy, an enterprising but troubled junior reporter for the Evening Standard, is haunted by personal tragedy and driven by a relentless curiosity. When an unidentified body is discovered near his colonial cottage on Mount Victoria, Leonard’s quest for the truth plunges him into a world of crime, corruption, and conspiracy.
As he investigates, Leonard confronts ruthless Asian gangs, white supremacists, and corrupt police—powerful forces determined to keep the colony’s darkest secrets buried. With the help of the newspaper’s resources, he uncovers a sinister web of social injustice, immigrant exploitation, and the criminal underworld. The stakes increase when a mysterious stranger appears and he discovers how his beautiful Mae’s fate becomes intertwined with his own.
Caught between slavery, violence, and betrayal, Leonard must unravel the mystery before he becomes the next victim. Will he survive the perilous streets and expose the truth, or will the colony’s secrets claim another life?
Perfect for fans of historical fiction, crime thrillers, and atmospheric mysteries, “A Sinister Consequence” is an emotional, page-turning adventure into New Zealand’s ominous past.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

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.