Book 1
Scrooge and Cratchit, Detectives
Two years after Dickens' tale, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is trying hard to make the change to be a better man (like anyone who sets a goal to be better.) Heading straight to him and his new partner, Bob Cratchit (though at 49%) is a huge friend accused of murder. Hiram Grumbles, their friend, barges in and asks for a loan to help him escape England. Scrooge gives him the loan but quickly regrets it.
Of course, Bob Cratchit is helping him stay on the straight and narrow. Cratchit, having a better salary, has become quite strong and buff, admired by women. He, though, is still a loving husband and father.
That night, the ghost of Jacob Marley appears to Scrooge in his home and coerces him to travel to Cornwall to the spooky, dangerous tin mines. There to solve the mystery on behalf of Grumbles. With no choice, he invites Bob Cratchit, who was also visited by a friendly ghost (one you'll recognize from Dickens) and the two journey west to the oceanside tin mines. Unbeknownst to them, their newly hired office boy, Lockie, follows, and becomes quite the hero too. By the way, Lockie is an excellent pickpocket with a past of his own.
So the trio meets other profoundly interesting character, the dying owner, his curmudgingly wife, and many angry miners. Christmas is soon to arrive. Scrooge worries about his business, danger awaits at every turn. Romance arrives unexpectedly. The plot twists abound. Who is the mastermind villain? Wait until you see what the now healthy Tiny Tim does.
Will any of the heroes survive?
Book 2
Scrooge and Cratchit, Detectives
5 STAR Professional Review - From the outset, I found myself immediately being transported to Victorian London. The descriptionf of the stovepipe hats, the pipe smoking, the wintery storm, and the description of the pub that the two detectives visit early on all serve to instantly transport the reader and immerse you in that world. I could not put the book down. Bravo, Mr. Locklear, Dickens would be proud!
PLOT Scrooge and Cratchit, after solving the notorious Cornwall tin mine mystery have decided to add "Detectives" to their busines of loaning to people. Immediately, a beautiful young wife comes to them believing something horrid has happened to her husband. Just outside Scrooge's window, is a foul character listening.
When Lockie confronts the man, he shoots at Lockie, then acts like a dog and runs off. When Scrooge and Cratchit journey to the couple's home, they find the husband apparently dead. The gruff chief police inspector, Shamus Shackle, arrives. Later, that same inspector accuses Lockie of the murder and has him locked up.
Only when Cratchit and their excellent lawyer friend, Abel Leggitt, arrive is Lockie freed. Now the real crime-solving begins. Another man is murdered by a dog-man. Babies and young children are being sold on the black market, Scrooge's dear dwarf friend, Bobbie Wheeler, has had his daughter kidnapped.
The crimes and mysteries keep piling up. Scrooge encounters the DARK MALEVOLENCE in full force. What could possibly save him?
Lockie and his love of his life, the highly intelligent scientist, Lucy Tamperwind, get married. What vile events confront the couple? The plot twists abound.
Utilizing considerable Victorian era banter and words, the tale explodes in a powerful climax.
Book 3
Book 4
Book 5
Book 6
Book 7
Book 8
Book 9
Book 10
Book 11
Book 12
Book 13
Book 14
Book 15
Book 16
Book 17
Book 18
Book 19
Book 20
Curt Locklear
I am an accomplished author with five books published. One is a first place winner in international competition. One series is a trilogy set during the Civil War with strong female and male protagonists and some truly vicious antagonists. Of course, the civilians are caught in the middle of war.
The second series is a Victorian mystery series. Highly rated.