Abbott in Darkness

John Abbott is a new employee of The Sarovar Company, assigned to investigate corruption at the remote Arrowhawk Station. He discovers evidence of theft and worse, but when the guilty parties realize he's getting close, they come after him and his family. With no way back to Earth, the only direction for John and his family to go is forward—into danger.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2022
Publisher: Baen Books

John Abbott is fully committed. He is buried in debt due to his education expenses and has recently relocated his modest family forty light-years from Earth to secure a lucrative position with the affluent interstellar corporation, The Sarovar Company. His initial task is to conduct a discreet investigation into allegations of corruption at the remote Arrowhawk Station, where Company traders purchase the renowned Sarovari Weave from the three-sided, crab-like Weavers. During his investigation, John uncovers evidence of theft and even more heinous acts, but as the guilty parties become aware of his proximity, they launch a relentless pursuit to eliminate him and his family.

Can John apprehend the thieves and put an end to their corrupt trade? Can he prevent a war between The Company and the Weavers from erupting? Can he establish a prosperous life for his family in this isolated wilderness without succumbing to corruption? With no means of returning to Earth, John Abbott and his family are left with only one direction to proceed—into danger.

D.J. Butler has received widespread acclaim for his works. Larry Correia has compared his writing to that of Jim Butcher, praising its combination of elements from both genres. "Butler and Ritchey return to Depression-era Utah for a second thrilling tale of murder and folk magic (after The Cunning Man). . . . The interplay between Hirams earnest Mormonism and the more secular Michaels growing unease with folk magic adds depth to the father-son dynamic, and the false leads and eccentric side characters make for a delightful mystery. This well-crafted historical fantasy is sure to please." - Publishers Weekly

"An attempt at charity during the Great Depression turns into a protracted fight against supernatural forces in this admirable paranormal mystery. . . . the richly imagined magic system and glimpses of Mormon culture create a fully realized world. Historical fantasy fans will delight in the zigzagging plot of this mystery." - Publishers Weekly

"An amazing tale that grabs you by the throat and wont let go! Butler & Ritchey.

ISBN-13: 9781982126094