Title: Silver Spider

Author: Lena Austin

Cover Art: Marteeka Karland

Publisher: Changeling Press

Release Date: June 5, 2026

Genres: Action Adventure, Mystery /Suspense /Intrigue, New Releases, Paranormal, Romance

Themes: 2nd Chance Romance, Age Gap (Older Woman), Dark Romance, Elves /Dragons /Magical Creatures, LGBTQ+ Bisexual /Nonbinary /Transgender, Murder Mystery, Second Edition, Vampires, Voyeurism & Exhibitionism, Wolf Shifters & Werewolves

Book Length: Novel

Page Count: 122

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Synopsis

The secretive Duke of Aberystwyth has invited Madge Majesty to a murder mystery party, but he’s the first victim!

Madge is a harpy, mystery writer, and amateur sleuth with a nose for murder. At her side is her faithful chauffeur, Hayden, who is a telekinetic ex-thief — and a confirmed bachelor.

Now it’s up to Madge to solve the whodunit. Her suspects are a motley assortment of inverts and very nervous heterosexuals, all of whom have more than just their sexual foibles to hide. Is it the cross-dressing vampire, the packless werewolf, the voyeuristic doctor, the gargoyle majordomo, or the promiscuous man who seems bent on getting everyone into his bed, including Hayden?

Silver Spider
Second Edition
Lena Austin
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2026 Lena Austin

Hayden grinned to himself and followed the handsome younger man down the stairs with amusement. He’d not missed Madge’s implication that he should speak with Reuben man to man. If Reuben had the governess’ rooms, they were of equal rank. He’d be more inclined to talk freely with Hayden, and if they were alone, so much the better.

Surprisingly, Reuben smiled over his shoulder at him. “She’s quite impressive, your employer. Makes it clear she doesn’t mind being in charge a bit, does she? It’s no wonder Jazz likes her, despite her being a foreigner. He certainly must trust her to permit her access to His Grace’s ledgers.”

Though Hayden’s heart twisted just a little with jealousy at the thought of Jazz and Madge in a tête-à-tête, Hayden gave Reuben a bland look. “I understand from Madame’s comments that they’ve known each other for quite some time.” There, that might stop him from being Paul Pry. It certainly was no business of theirs if Madame and Jazz had a previous acquaintance.

Without Hayden’s asking, Reuben rummaged about in the kitchen, familiar with every nook and cranny. He placed a filled kettle on the stove, turned on the gas, lit it up with a kitchen match, and pointed to a cupboard where matching tea sets were displayed like the art they were.

Hayden chose a set with a Greek key, hoping Madame would appreciate his little nod to her home country. Hayden found several canisters of tea, and took his time choosing.

Reuben grinned a bit cheekily at Hayden’s choice and found a matching blue tray to put the tea service upon. “Do you like Greek, Mr. Hayden?”

One of Hayden’s eyebrows winged upward at the question. It was a code phrase among confirmed bachelors such as himself who preferred other men for company in their beds and hearts. Cautiously, Hayden replied. “Yes, I do. Do you also like the works of Michelangelo and DaVinci?” Since both those old boys were known for their preferences being similar to Hayden’s own, they were a good response.

Reuben held Hayden’s gaze steady, and placed a small loaf of tea bread, butter, jam, and a small knife where Hayden could add them to the tray. “I do indeed, but I butter my bread on both sides, Mr. Hayden.” From Reuben’s rigid stance, Hayden could tell he’d suffered for his proclivities a time or two. Hayden understood him quite well.

 

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Someone cursed Lena Austin with “may you have a life so full you’ll have many tales to tell your grandchildren.” Lena’s a “fallen” society wench with a checkered past. She’s been a licensed minister, hairdresser, Realtor, radio DJ, exotic dancer, telephone service tech, live-steel medievalist swordswoman, BDSM Mistress, and investment property manager. Not necessarily in that order. She never finished that degree in marine archaeology, but did learn to scuba — she’s got a lifetime of “Research material!”

Hey, why waste these stories on kids who won’t listen anyway? Writing them down is a nice way to spend her retirement. What? You expected an ex-BDSM Mistress to take up crocheting or something?

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