Great first chapter. The world building is spot on. And best of all, the seed of George's desire has been sown. This is going to be a definite read if, like me, you enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories but always wished he and Watson were gay.
Thank you so much! I am thrilled that you found the world-building spot on. The comparison to Holmes and Watson is a massive honor—and I must admit, exploring that unspoken, intense dynamic between Victor and George in a time when their very desires were deemed a crime is exactly the heart of this story.
The seeds are indeed sown, and the restraint is only going to get harder to maintain. I'm so glad to have you on this journey into the fog! 🕵️♂️🍂🖤
The fascination I have developed to Victor Blackwood in just 1 chapter is scary, raw and nailbiting! He is not just investigating but also a part of the crime and a possible murderous plot! Absolutely jaw dropping! 😈🔥😍
I am absolutely thrilled that Victor managed to pull you into his dark world so quickly! "Scary, raw, and nail-biting" is exactly the atmosphere I wanted to create. In the fog of 1906 London, nobody is truly innocent, and as you noticed, the Inspector is playing a very dangerous game. >
The shadows are only going to get deeper from here. Thank you for walking this tightrope with him! 😈🔥
Arden, of particular note are the first few paragraphs of this serial. So vitally important, so well done. For me, these paragraphs are the hardest paragraphs to write of a whole piece, partly because they matter so much, partly because they are just hard to write. Write them first, and they can misdirect. Write them last, and they can lack vibrancy. You show a discipline to this part of your craft that I try to emulate. Fodor, ❤️
Thank you so much for these incredibly kind and thoughtful words. Hearing this from a fellow writer means the absolute world to me.
You hit the nail on the head—the opening paragraphs are a delicate tightrope walk. Finding that perfect balance between capturing the reader's attention right away without giving too much away, while keeping the prose vibrant and alive, is a constant challenge. It is easily one of the most demanding stages of the process, and knowing that the discipline and effort I put into my craft resonates with you is the highest compliment I could receive.
Thank you for standing by my stories and for being such a wonderful part of this journey. Your support truly keeps the flames of these stories alive!
Thank you so much, Kabir! Coming from the author of Murder in Chiaroscuro, this means the world to me. I’ve always been deeply inspired by the classic gothic and detective atmosphere of London, so hearing that the Sherlock Holmes echoes resonated with you is a huge compliment.
The light and shadows are only going to get trickier from here on out. Thanks for reading, my friend! 🩷
Great first chapter. The world building is spot on. And best of all, the seed of George's desire has been sown. This is going to be a definite read if, like me, you enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories but always wished he and Watson were gay.
Dear Polli,
Thank you so much! I am thrilled that you found the world-building spot on. The comparison to Holmes and Watson is a massive honor—and I must admit, exploring that unspoken, intense dynamic between Victor and George in a time when their very desires were deemed a crime is exactly the heart of this story.
The seeds are indeed sown, and the restraint is only going to get harder to maintain. I'm so glad to have you on this journey into the fog! 🕵️♂️🍂🖤
Warmly,
Arden 🏳️🌈
The fascination I have developed to Victor Blackwood in just 1 chapter is scary, raw and nailbiting! He is not just investigating but also a part of the crime and a possible murderous plot! Absolutely jaw dropping! 😈🔥😍
Dear Prachit
I am absolutely thrilled that Victor managed to pull you into his dark world so quickly! "Scary, raw, and nail-biting" is exactly the atmosphere I wanted to create. In the fog of 1906 London, nobody is truly innocent, and as you noticed, the Inspector is playing a very dangerous game. >
The shadows are only going to get deeper from here. Thank you for walking this tightrope with him! 😈🔥
Warmly,
Arden
Arden, of particular note are the first few paragraphs of this serial. So vitally important, so well done. For me, these paragraphs are the hardest paragraphs to write of a whole piece, partly because they matter so much, partly because they are just hard to write. Write them first, and they can misdirect. Write them last, and they can lack vibrancy. You show a discipline to this part of your craft that I try to emulate. Fodor, ❤️
Dear Fodor,
Thank you so much for these incredibly kind and thoughtful words. Hearing this from a fellow writer means the absolute world to me.
You hit the nail on the head—the opening paragraphs are a delicate tightrope walk. Finding that perfect balance between capturing the reader's attention right away without giving too much away, while keeping the prose vibrant and alive, is a constant challenge. It is easily one of the most demanding stages of the process, and knowing that the discipline and effort I put into my craft resonates with you is the highest compliment I could receive.
Thank you for standing by my stories and for being such a wonderful part of this journey. Your support truly keeps the flames of these stories alive!
Warmly,
Arden ❤️
Great chapter!
I love this kind of mystery novel (as you know since you've read my own "Murder in Chiaroscuro")
The Sherlock Holmes echos are amazing.
Thank you so much, Kabir! Coming from the author of Murder in Chiaroscuro, this means the world to me. I’ve always been deeply inspired by the classic gothic and detective atmosphere of London, so hearing that the Sherlock Holmes echoes resonated with you is a huge compliment.
The light and shadows are only going to get trickier from here on out. Thanks for reading, my friend! 🩷