Gargoyle Hunt,
Book 3 of the Secret Supers
Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers have a week to catch the crooks and salvage his reputation.
Excerpt
Toby was standing under the arched stone entrance holding a brown paper bag. Instead of his trademark black T-shirt exposing his muscular arms and cat tattoo, he wore a long sleeved, dress shirt. He smiled and walked toward her, looking hunky despite the wary expression in his shadowed eyes. Estelle longed to hug him.
“Toby!” Questions burst from her, “Are you okay? What happened in London?”
“Hi babe! Sorry I’m late.” He waved the paper bag, wafting the salty small of greasy fries to her nostrils. “Picked up a steak pie and chips. Ate half of it already.” He glanced over her shoulder, straightened and stared.
Estelle turned to see what had caught his interest. In a short scarlet dress and matching red shoes with stiletto heels, Cynthia Mortimer sailed toward them. A mismatched pair of men accompanied her. A tall, distinguished-looking man with iron gray hair and a charcoal gray suit clasped her left elbow. A sallow-complexioned man with slick black hair, a head shorter than her, walked at Cynthia’s right side.
Cynthia’s gaze clamped onto Toby and she eased away from her escorts. Batting her inch-long fake lashes, she arrowed straight for him and stood temptingly close. In her high heels, her eyes were level with Toby’s. She spoke in a throaty, seductive voice, “You must be new. I didn’t see you at the banquet on Sunday.”
“Visiting from California,” Toby drawled, eying her as if he were mesmerized.
“I’m Cynthia Mortimer, Doctor of Philosophy. You must attend my seminar tomorrow afternoon.” Her tone as sweet and cloying as molasses, she purred, “I am open to questions after the lecture.”
Seething with envy and furious with Toby, Estelle clenched her fists. Her palms itched to scorch her rival with fire.
The distinguished man tapped Cynthia’s arm. “Come along, my dear. We’ll be late for the performance.”
The shorter man inserted, “Yeah. You can’t miss the opening act. Songs are real swell.”
With a parting flick of her eyelashes, Cynthia walked away on the arms of her escorts. Still enthralled, Toby rotated, his gaze following her. Cynthia’s slender legs looked impossibly long between her miniskirt and the stiletto heels.
“Toby!” Estelle hissed.
He turned to face her. “I have to talk to her.”
“What?” she screeched, clenching fists hot with flames.
“Chill! Winterbourne said she could help find the crooks. Not sure if I trust him.” Toby rubbed her arm. “Find somewhere private and I’ll tell you about my day.” He groaned, “Ain’t been easy so far.”
Starrella/Estelle is back! This time she’s on a six-week summer course at Oxenford, England with her friend, Diane. Student by day and super hero by night. Author Aurora Springer throws up something new for every book. This time someone is animating stone gargoyles. And unlike prior creatures, the gargoyles can see right through Starrella’s invisibility cloaking.
Fortunately, Toby flies over for a week, because she’s going to need his help. There are also a great many thefts occurring at the college which Starrella, Toby and her friends try to figure out. I loved the sleuthing feel of this book. While sleuthing, they discover some people are not who they claim to be.
Also, the on-and-off-again romance between Estelle and Toby finally gets settled. (I can’t tell you how it is settled, that would be a spoiler.)
This was another delightful read. Aurora brings to life book 3 of the Young Adult Starella series. I love her creative details. It’s fantasy on steroids!
5 stars
Buy Links
Books by Aurora Springer
Atrapako on Eden
Feisty scientist solves puzzle of scaly aliens on the remote planet of Eden.
The Lady is Blue, Book 1
Dragons of Vkani, Book 2
Grand Master’s Trilogy
Super psychics in space: One young woman challenges the super psychics ruling the galaxy, and finds an impossible love
Grand Master’s Cat, Short Prequel
Grand Master’s Pawn, Book 1
Grand Master’s Game, Book 2
Grand Master’s Mate, Book 3
Secret Supers
Teen superhero, Starrella, and her flying horse combat alien crooks.
Super Starrella, Book 1
Starrella Falls, Book 2
Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3
Standalone Novel
For refugees from an overcrowded Earth, dreams of a better life on an alien planet transform into a terrifying battle for survival.
Novellas and Short Stories
Captured by the Hawk A space operetta, fun and fast-paced.
Rosemary’s Quest Young adult fantasy: teenage witch meets demon king and white wizard.
Gifts of Jangalore Short story set in the Grand Masters’ universe.
Author Bio
Aurora Springer is a scientist morphing into a novelist. She has a PhD in molecular biophysics and discovers science facts in her day job. She has invented adventures in weird worlds for as long as she can remember. In 2014, Aurora achieved her life-long ambition to publish her stories. Her works are character-driven romances set in weird worlds described with a sprinkle of humor. Some of the stories were composed thirty years ago. She was born in the UK and lives in Atlanta with her husband, a dog and two cats to sit on the keyboard. Her hobbies, besides reading and writing, include outdoor activities like gardening, watching wildlife, hiking and canoeing.
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