Discover the Mystical World of Percy St.-John and the Chronicle of Secrets

Embark on an enchanting adventure with Percy St.-John, a young orphan in 1906 England, as he navigates a mystical Benedictine monastery, uncovers ancient secrets, and befriends an eccentric guardian angel. "Percy St.-John and the Chronicle of Secrets" is a captivating young adult novel, perfect for fans of Harry Potter, offering intrigue, humor, and a rich tapestry of characters. Join the quest for the ultimate secret in this must-read mystical detective story (or listen to our audio book narrated by AI and read along).

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In the press

A fast-paced and engaging historical mystery.

Kirkus Reviews

well-devised mystery at its core

“Told in Gabriel’s first-person narration, this short novel is reminiscent of literary classics, with a healthy dose of supernatural elements, endearing characters, and an intriguing, well-devised mystery at its core”

Literary YA thriller

Booklist

welcome addition to the scene

“Literary thrillers are rare in the YA space, and this charming page-turner is a welcome addition to the scene.”

Fun YA Novel

The Epoch Times

Dustin Bass, The Epoch Times

"Percy St.-John and the Chronicle of Secrets: Thieves and Monks, Angels and Demons, makes for a Fun YA Novel.

... For teenagers and tweens, this story should be a fun and short read"

 
 
 
 
 
 

Part 1

Prologue and chapter 1 & 2

00 Prologue

Wherein Percy’s Life Changes Forever

A Road, near Brixly,
in SurreyNovember 1906

„Good Heavens, it’s cold!” he groused to himself, pulling up the collar of his coat ‘round his ears. He walked briskly along the lonely road, an icy night wind biting his face. The duties of a village vicar are often painful, he muttered. He’d just been to the widow Colby’s house, comforting the old woman in her serious illness. God bless her, he mused, the poor old thing’s not likely to endure much longer.“

As he walked the road narrowed to a wagon rut passing through thick shrubs and trees to either side. Looking down and breasting the wind, the vicar stopped short, aware of something in front of him...

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01 Chapter One

Wherein I Begin to See People Who Are Not There

Five Years Later. The Benedictine Monastery of St. Ambrose,

Near Chaumont, Switzerland
April 1911

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I don’t remember much about it myself. That day, I mean. I recall the icy cold and the sleet against my face. I remember the crying woman in the red scarf — the one who kissed me and said “I love you” and then disappeared across the stone bridge and down the road. ...

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02 Chapter Two

Wherein Percy is Accused

Just then the great bell began to ring, almost shaking us off our feet. Percy glanced at me wide-eyed. “Vespers (4.30 p.m.), and we’ll be late again for sure!” he shouted, covering his ears with his hands.

I couldn’t hear him above the noise of the bell, but there was no need to tell me what to do. We dashed for the hatch and slid down the ladder at a speed only a little short of a free fall. I went first and I remembered thinking that if I stopped Percy would surely crash into me and knock me loose.

Once at the foot of the tower, we scurried across the church and into the chapel, where the monks had gathered ahead of us. Once again Percy and I brought up the rear, under the disapproving eyes of the older monks. We sat without looking up.

There was already a special excitement in the air. It was the Day of Ashes* and the entire monastery was entering into the joy of ...

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More to come

all ebooks and audiobooks will be released soon...

About the Author

Dr. Edward A. Allen

Quote: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2995727.E_A_Allen

Dr. Edward A. Allen is a retired CIA Intelligence Officer. During Bush and Clinton Administrations, he served as the CIA’s Senior Analyst for European Security Affairs, and as Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Europe. He has lectured widely on International Relations and has published more than a score of historical articles in scholarly journals—notably The Journal of British Studies and French Historical Studies. He now lives in his native Northwest Arkansas, where he raises cattle, promotes Historic Preservation, continues to lecture on International Relations, and teaches Modern European History and World Civilizations.