Jake Desmet Adventures Books

New Pittsburgh in 1898, a crucible of invention and intrigue, the hub of American industry at the height of its steam-driven power. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood and earthquake, New Pittsburgh is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the abandoned mine tunnels beneath the city, supernatural creatures hide from the light, emerging to feed in the smoky city known as 'hell with the lid off.' Jake Desmet and Rick Brand, heirs to the Brand & Desmet Import Company, travel the world to secure treasures and unusual items for the collections of wealthy patrons, accompanied by Jake's cousin, Veronique 'Nikki' LeClerque. Smuggling a small package as a favor for a Polish witch should have been easy. But when hired killers come after Jake and a Ripper-style killer leaves the city awash in blood, Jake, Rick and Nikki realize that dark magic, vampire power struggles and industrial sabotage are just a prelude to a bigger plot that threatens New Pittsburgh and the world. Stopping that plot will require every ounce of Jake's courage, every bit of Rick's cunning, every scintilla of Nikki's bravura and all the steampowered innovation imaginable.

Sunken treasure, haunted shipwrecks, experimental technology, and steam-powered adventure! When Brand & Desmet airlift occult valuables out of Havana during the 1898 naval conflict with Spain, they get far more than they expected. A shipwreck with experimental tech and magical relics sparks a race to retrieve the goods—and the winner might turn the tide of the war and the balance of power. Jake Desmet, Rick Brand, Nicki LeClercq, quirky inventor Adam Farber, and agents from the Department of Supernatural Investigation race goons, ghouls, and ghosts to salvage the cargo, finding themselves in the crosshairs as attacks come from all sides. Amid the struggle for control of the Caribbean, supernatural forces battle for the upper hand. European warlocks covet the spoils of war, while the island witch dynasties seek to break free of foreign empires. Can Rick, Jake, and their friends retrieve the missing shipment, or will dark magic and betrayal sink their chances? Spark of Destiny is a steampunk action/adventure filled with clockwork creatures, armed airships, vengeful ghosts, cursed relics, strange cryptids, nefarious schemes, found family, loyal friends, and plenty of explosions!