In the slightly tired city of Riga, Latvia, Senior Inspector Gatis Veiss finds himself embroiled in a mysterious case that blurs the lines between past and present. When a construction worker tragically falls from the 22nd floor of a high-rise building, the incident seems like a straightforward accident. But as Gatis digs deeper, he uncovers unsettling clues that hint at something far more sinister.
Gatis, a dedicated detective with a complicated personal life, is compelled to investigate the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the fall. His journey leads him through the streets of Riga, and through digital domain. Alongside his investigation, a parallel narrative unfolds, transporting readers to medieval Livonia, where knights and pagans grapple with their own battles and betrayals.
"Fallen" masterfully intertwines modern-day detective work with historical intrigue and sci-fi, creating a rich tapestry of suspense, mystery, and personal reflection. As Gatis navigates his way through cryptic symbols, he must confront not only the ghosts of the past but also the complexities of his own life.
Dive into a story where every clue matters and the past never stays buried and leaves its mark on present. Join Inspector Veiss as he unravels the threads of a conspiracy that spans centuries, challenging his perceptions of justice, loyalty, and destiny.
'There was a stain on the floor that used to be a vampire, and Aaron Evans was starting to feel like he really wasn't being paid enough.'
*****
Aaron is only in Supernatural Investigations for the pay. It's stressful and dangerous, and he's certain it's aging him beyond his years. When the remains of a high-ranking vamp from London's most powerful underground gang show up on his turf, even the excellent pay seems like poor recompense for trying to prevent all-out war in his city.
All he has to work with are his wits, some stolen evidence, and an enigmatic vampire investigator who appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Nikolai Meier is surly, uncooperative, but frustratingly competent, so Aaron has no choice but to make it work.
But Nikolai has secrets, and those secrets may prove just as deadly as failure.
***
#ONC2024 Entry for Prompt 56: 'In a world where humans and magical creatures coexist, a detective must solve a murder case that threatens to plunge the two communities into war.'
Cover Artwork is my own.