An Untoward Induction by Michael McGuire

Elliot May is a bitter, fifty-year-old unraveller of mysteries in the Kingdom of Brogonough. Unfortunately, his three decades of success have ultimately been bad for business, as months now pass between problems to solve. His only friend, Cullath, has grown tired of Elliot's new pastime - the boundless consumption of ale and spirits - and encourages him to take a look back. As Elliot writes his memoir, learn how an honor-bound twenty-year-old squire, about to be knighted, ended up spending the next thirty years chasing clues, solving puzzles, and breaking rules. As he writes his pages he will recall meeting a mysterious, beautiful prisoner in the castle dungeon, attempt to exonerate his friend's uncle - who faces death - and accept a change in the course he expected his life to take. Also follow the older Elliot as he pursues a new mystery, one which will take him into the Kingdom of Dennivar in pursuit of an assassin named The Dove. He and Cullath will join with a bright teenaged girl, Emmy, and attempt to avert a war between Brogonough and Dennivar. Will Elliot fight off his indifference, and his demons?