She keeps her head down and cleans up messes. When the body count starts rising, will trying to make a living get her flushed?
Julia Xero is stuck in survival mode. After losing the only person she loved, the introverted orphan longs to escape her toxic employment for the zen of crime and trauma scene decontamination. But when she lands her dream job and is called to a bloody rooftop with a decapitated corpse, she’s horrified to come face to face with an otherworldly shark-toothed assassin.
Furious to learn she’s been enlisted by a clandestine race of beings against her will, Julia’s dismay fountains when she finds out they implanted her with a neck bomb to ensure her lips stay tightly sealed. Fit to be tied, and her thunderous confrontation with her boss hitting a dead end, the stubborn young woman begins plotting ways to leave the energy-powered entities in her dust.
Can she outwit an ancient civilization before her carotid goes boom?
The Secret Humankind is the gritty first book in The Discoveries of Julia Xero urban fantasy thriller series. If you like fish-out-of-water heroines, complex worlds, and dark truths, then you’ll love Gloria Oliver’s multi-faceted mystery.
Grab The Secret Humankind to match wits with monsters today!
Excerpt
I've felt anxious on many occasions in my life. Every time a prospective parent had come by the home (at least until I realized I was too plain and shy and later too old to be seriously considered). Meeting new foster parents and their kids (constantly worrying whether it would be a good or a bad home). Other jobs I'd hoped to get.
Currently, I stood at the bittersweet precipice of fearful hope and protective pessimism.
I stared at the emblazoned glass doors with the Remington Safe and Clean gold and purple logo. One miraculous step closer, but still with no guarantees. At least the weird sensations of being watched or followed hadn't returned. I felt nervous enough already—and didn't need my 'spidey sense' adding more to it. I hoped my black slacks and cream top didn't make me look too drab.
I reached for the door, but it yanked open on its own.
"You're here!"
The receptionist's squeal of joy and flashing smile made me step back. We'd only met the one time. No one that friendly could be genuine. "Uh, hi."
Professional Reviews
Complex, but enjoyable!
This book was so well written. Julia is a lot prickly, but soft hearted behind her hard shell. Her background is sketchily told, but explains much about her. I liked her much better by the end of the story. There is A LOT going on in the book from new jobs, to murders, to ‘mean-girl’ spouses, to ‘magic’, to an unknown Plot. What’s not to like? I give this book 5 stars, but I’m glad the next one in the series is not out yet, my heart has to slow down a bit after this one. Great job Gloria!
Exciting Start to a New Series!
A very exciting and interesting new series! Characters that are flawed and powerful, human and supernatural alike. Intrigue and mystery. Very well developed and interesting new series that I am definitely looking forward to reading more of. A race with power over humans , protectors and of course the bad guys who don’t care what the humans want as long as their race flourishes. A heroine and team that step up. Ready for more!
Marvelous!
What a delightful and unexpected story. I love the characters and the twists. I also love the glossary at the end of the book.
Book Four in Belinda Lawrence mystery series. Confirming the Professor was murdered proves to be a challenge and, gradually, as they get to know those associated with the Manor House, Belinda and Hazel discover another murder and an intricate web of
