The Illusion of Fear by Kel E Fox

The best cure for a broken heart is to solve an art crime. Obviously. After his partner is killed on a mission gone wrong, disavowed spy and magician Del Fevre exiles himself to Acrusi, the only city in the world where his agency can’t find him. But his plans for a peaceful hideaway where he can make illusion art and avoid awkward questions are thwarted when his arrival coincides with a mysterious art theft, and Del might be a suspect. Danger, daring and a handsome detective conspire to make Del’s exile anything but peaceful. The Illusion of Fear is a prequel novella for the Whisperers series, a romantic gaslamp fantasy with art crime and political intrigue.

Adult • Fantasy/Romantic and Erotic • Fantasy/Steampunk, Gaslamp, and Flintlock • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+ • Diversity Representation/Mental Health

Content Warning: Kidnapping, panic attacks (magically induced), violence