The Penitent Thief (The Agora Mystery Series Book 2)

My new short story/novelette in the Agora Society series:

The Penitent Thief 

A string of thefts ends in a grisly murder. Certain evidence leads Captain Barnwell to suspect a former thief, Rutherford Nordlinger as the culprit. Carl Brooke becomes personally involved as Nordlinger’s guilt is questioned.
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In the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, CJ Martin brings back the Agora Society and its premiere scholar, Carl Brooke. This is the second in the Agora Series, the first being, Two Tocks before Midnight.

I have a lot of fun writing these stories. I actually have a third mostly completed, but I have several other projects that I’m trying to finish up first.

That’s one of my problems. I have too many pots cooking.

I have books, ebooks, iPhone apps, physical products, and websites that all need my attention. To make matters worse, I went in several directions at once with my writing. I have the Agora Series, the Temporal Series, the Tanaka Series–as well as a new children’s book series about a Messianic Jewish boy detective. It’s all fun, but being spread out so makes it hard for any one series to get any traction. Each series speaks to a totally different audience.

That being said, I am thrilled The Penitent Thief is finished. I actually started this story over two years ago. I had to do a reality check on our finances and for the past year and a half, I really haven’t done much writing. After the first of the year, I returned to writing and The Penitent Thief was the first fruits.

But…

I’m even more thrilled about The Penitent Thief’s first review:

5.0 out of 5 stars “My hands instinctively gripped my knees and I bowed my head down to the carriage floor. It was pure shock, those words…” March 5, 2015

By Don Kidwell TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

This author has it going as to short historical mysteries modeled on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle with a compelling story line, great mix of characters and a superb finish that had me guessing! I’m going to have to go back and grab “Two Tocks Before Midnight” as well which was the first book in the Agora Society series just as soon as I finish reading “Tanaka and the Yakuza’s Daughter” since I’ve got that one waiting for me in my archives. My newest favorite author – great stuff!

I’m simply floored.

Thank you, Mr. Kidwell!