Morrel & Morcerf and the Spear of Destiny (Five Points Stories Book 6) Action & Adventure MM Romance by Kyle Baxter is Live
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Book Title: Morrel & Morcerf and the Spear of Destiny
Author and Publisher: Kyle Baxter
Cover Artist: Kyle Baxter
Release Date: October 28, 2022
Genres: LGBTQ+ Action & Adventure Fiction, MM Romance
Tropes: Race Against the Clock, ex-military, king incognito
Themes: Community, Family
Heat Rating: 2 flames
Length: 98 449 words/ 373 pages
It is a standalone book. It is part of a connected series—shared universe—but you do not need to have read the previous books to follow it.
Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited
Gay Mystery Archaeologists Chase Nazi Gold!
Blurb
Alois d'Pierrepont and Marton Prawer have been attending black market antiquities events trying to recover treasure stolen by Nazis during World War II. Marton is particularly interested in a certain missing Picasso.
Following the trail to France, the two stumble into far more than they bargained for when a shady auction they're attending in Paris’s Latin Quarter is raided by Interpol. Alois’s uncle Frederick, from Bring Me Edelweiss, is soon hot on the case along with his lover Joel McIntyre.
After recovering the journal of a Nazi general the four men race across western Europe, chased by fascists desperate to find the treasure for themselves. Gunfights and car chases ensue as the group uses a map in the journal to track down the treasure and its contents, rumored to include the fabled Spear of Destiny.
Excerpt
Alois d’Pierrepont knelt at the door to the study and pulled a small black pouch from his breast pocket. With a grunt, he undid the button on his Versace “Black Baroque” evening jacket. It fit a little too snugly for squatting. Opening the bag, he selected two picks, inserted them in the door lock, and went to work.
“How’s it going?” Marton Prawer asked, appearing beside him and flashing his winning smile.
Alois looked up at his boyfriend. I’d go a lot quicker if you wouldn’t hang on my shoulder, he thought. “Just bloody fine, dear,” he grumbled between gritted teeth.
They’d come to the party to find evidence that the host collected Nazi memorabilia. Marton was obsessed with returning stolen loot to the Jewish people. A noble pursuit. And being a history buff and amateur archaeologist himself, Alois found him fascinating and intense.
The owner of this house had a reputation for acquiring antiques with a sketchy provenance. But reputation was not proof, so the two young men were looking for something they could leverage for information. Something that might get them an in to the black market antiquities scene. To be fair, Alois was at a loss as to how to accomplish that, but Marton was determined. Seems a bit of a stretch.
It was a good thing he was able to use his own contacts to get an invite to this party, but . . . May wind up paying for that. That particular person, a socialite named Denis, was a pill and likely to bring it up to gain his own leverage. He let out a long, deep breath. So far, it’s worth it. After all, they’d made it here. But still, the games people play. It’s all so exhausting.
He wiped beads of perspiration off his forehead and frowned. Locks never gave him this much trouble. Then again, he wasn’t used to performing under pressure. Before, it was always a lark, a trick he picked up as a kid running around his grandfather’s drafty old home, picking the locks on all the doors for fun. Though he’d long ago gone pro and bought a professional lockpick set, this was different. They were on a mission.
“Take a breath.” Marton’s voice was easy and soothing.
Alois shook out his hand and let out a long exhalation, then went back to it. After a moment, the tumblers clicked easily like they’d been waiting for him. The lock let out a satisfying chunk.
“Sorry, just a bit nervous.” Alois chuckled as he stood. “Never done this ‘in the field,’ as they say. Before, it was always a party trick or me larking about. Never actually tried housebreaking before.”
Marton looked up at Alois and gave him a kiss on the lips. “You did great.” He ran a hand along the front of Alois’s slacks, teasing him until he hardened. “I’ll give you something special when we get back to your place.”
A deep moan escaped Alois’s chest. “I’m looking forward to it already.” Grabbing the door handle, he stepped inside the office and flicked on the light.
They stepped into a nondescript modern office.
“Oh,” Marton said in surprise.
“What, were you expecting a Nazi flag on the wall?” Alois asked, nudging the shorter man in the side. “Or an autographed photo of Hitler?”
Author Interview
Tell us a little about yourself.
My first instinct when getting this question is to quote Julie Brown, from Earth Girls Are East, ’Right now I'm a freshman in my fourth year at UCLA, but my goal is to become a veterinarian, 'cause I love children!” But that aside, I’m an artist, playwright, and writer. I was born in Hawaii, but as an Army brat I grew up all over, including Germany, Texas, and Augusta, Georgia. After stints in Louisiana and New York, I am back living in Honolulu with my black Labrador Retriever Brady.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
When I was younger I had problems with my teeth. It kept me from smiling or at least covering my smile with my hands. Now I have a great smile
getting my teeth fixed was a huge game changer and boosted my confidence.
Do you have a favorite quote (either from your own books or ones you’ve read)?
One of my all-time faves is said by Mr. Bennett in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?” It’s comedic and self-awareness and a perfect glimpse of all her work, the realistic, detailed portrayals of characters and relationships.
How long have you been writing and what made you fall in love with writing?
I wrote my first book just after high school and submitted it to Del Rey publishing. It was immediately rejected—of course. But I’ve always created my own stories whether in writing, drawing to painting.
Did you always want to be a writer?
Oh, yes, I have, though I’ve had other dreams along the way as well. I wanted to be a painter for it, but after getting my work in a few shows decided I didn’t like the business side of it. Then I pursued acting in New York, but similarly discovered I wasn’t going to get the roles I wanted and made another change.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Pretty simple, I’d like to make enough money at it that I could quit my day job. Writing full-time is the dream. As it is I can put out two books a year, but that is sometimes a struggle.
What’s your favorite part of writing?
That point in the process when the story takes hold and everything you see and hear informs the work, and you find you are always working on it in some form or fashion. Even as you walk along listening to something completely unrelated.
Tell us about your writing style.
I hope it’s sharp and detailed. The characters are very real to me and have their own complicated inner lives and backstories. I was a big fan of Douglas Marland’s work on soap operas, particularly As The World Turns. I got my late mother into that show. Initially, she was put off because it felt overly complicated but she grew to love it as much as I did. But that is what made his work feel real to me. Real life is complicated and messy.
What does your writing process look like?
On my days off, after coffee and walking the dog I sit at the computer and start, I usually take hourly breaks and play video games or check social media.
When/where is your favorite time/place to write?
I write at my desk in my living room, my black Labrador Retriever snoozing beside me. It’s heaven.
Why did you choose to write LGBTQ romance/fiction?
I’m queer myself so that is where my interest lies.
Do you write any other genre?
No, there are enough people writing hetmance. I’ve no interest in that, and I can incorporate many other genres under LGBTQ romance/fiction. Morrel & Morcerf and the Spear of Destiny is a gay action/adventure. Manhattan Mistletoe Mystery was a true crime book and Mistletoe in the Marigny had magic inferences.
Describe a scene in your writing that has made you laugh or cry?
There’s a car chase about a third of the way through Morrel & Morcerf and the Spear of Destiny that I love. Bring Me Edelweiss has a scene that is a deliberate homage to Lady Catherine's visit to Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. I adore it.
Give the readers a brief summary of your latest book or WIP. What genre does it fall in?
Morrel & Morcerf and the Spear of Destiny is an LGBTQ romance/fiction, gay action/adventure. It tells the story of two young university students who are trying to repatriate treasure taken by the Nazis during World War II. They’re hitting up black market antiquities auctions and stumble into more than they bargained for.
Give us a little insight into your main characters. Who are they?
Alois is the himbo with a heart of gold, but he’s not dumb, just naive. Marton is passionate, the one dedicated to the cause. Joel and Freddie, are my boys. Freddie is ex-special forces, but Joel has hidden reserves of strength, never count him out.
Will we be seeing these characters again? Is this book part of a series?
All my characters show up again, even if only in passing. Joel and Freddie are returning from a previous book, Bring Me Edelweiss—that ebook will be free on Amazon the week leading up to the release of Morrel & Morcerf and the Spear of Destiny. This is part of a series, but the books are only loosely connected, more standalone stories within a shared universe. You can read any of them without reading the previous books.
Which actor would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I like Kit Connor from Heartstoppers as Alois. Marton would be played by Cobra Kai’s Taylor Buchanan. Gus Kenworthy would be great as Freddie, and Andrew Garfield would play Joel.
What genre/s do you enjoy reading in your free time?
I bounce back and forth, at present I am reading true crime—again. Before that, it was romance, and before that action/adventure. I also enjoy historical fiction; The Sunne in Splendour is in my TBR queue.
What was the last book you read? What did you like about it?
The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass. It’s a delight.
Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?
I’m a career waiter, but years ago when I was young I worked in a gay bathhouse in Houston. Things were always interesting there.
How do you relax?
Long walks with my dog while listening to audiobooks.
What hobbies do you have outside of writing?
I draw and paint and work on DIY projects around the house. I own my own home, so there’s always something that needs fixing. My honey-do list is long.
About the Author
Kyle is an artist, playwright, and writer. As a playwright, Kyle has had his plays performed in New York at the NY International Fringe Festival, and the Midtown International Theater Festival. As an artist and illustrator, he has had his art exhibited in both New Orleans and New York.
Born in Hawaii, Kyle is an Army brat and grew up in Erlangen, Germany, as well as Augusta, Georgia, and several cities in Texas. After stints in Louisiana and New York, he resides again in Honolulu with his black Labrador Retriever Brady.
Author Links
Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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