Media kit for A.L. Falcon, a writer of Historical Suspense
AL Falcon, a physician and epidemiologist nestled in the scenic Upper Midwest, escaped her medical small business into the indulgence of writing compelling narratives. Her debut novel, Passion in the Bone, is a historical mystery of intertwined tales in which vivid characters explore 1860 London.
With an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, Athena draws on her medical expertise to craft authentic stories filled with suspense, intrigue, and drama. She investigates the complexity of human experience, exploring intricate connections between misogyny, emotional manipulation, and the value of human life.
Beyond writing, Athena has a passion for bike commuting, Buddhism, and her double bass named Phoebe. Despite numerous hours of meditation, the puzzle of how to safely transport Phoebe on a bike remains unsolved.
Long Bio
A.L. Falcon is a physician-epidemiologist nestled in the scenic Upper Midwest, where bucolic landscapes inspire her storytelling. With a blend of diverse interests, she crafts narratives that resonate with historical authenticity and psychological depth. Her award-winning debut novel, Passion in the Bone, is a suspenseful historical mystery in which vivid characters inhabit an unglamorized Victorian London impacted by insufficient knowledge of the etiology, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases.
With her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, A.L. Falcon leverages her medical expertise in realistic portrayals of clinical issues besetting the 1860s. Delving into the intricate connection between misogyny and class, she explores the intrinsic value of human life. She challenges readers interested in medical history to confront uncomfortable moral truths, weaving compelling and thought-provoking subplots into explorations of honor and moral conduct.
When she isn’t writing, Athena enjoys bike commuting, a passion that keeps her connected to her community and the natural world around her, while her dedicated practice of Buddhism informs her worldview and creative process. A lover of music, she plays a jazz double bass affectionately named Phoebe. Sadly, despite numerous hours of meditation, the puzzle of how to safely transport Phoebe on a bike remains unsolved.
A.L. Falcon’s unique perspective as a physician-scientist and her love for storytelling flourish in her writing. With her focus on the frailty of the human soul and a heart full of curiosity, she invites you to join her on this journey. Follow her on Instagram at: al_falcon_writer and investigate random scenes that didn’t make the cut at athenafalcon.com.
Passion in the Bone, by A.L. Falcon, plunges readers into the grimy underbelly of 1860s England. At the heart of the story is Louisa, a determined nurse at St. Thomas Hospital, who secretly dissects corpses to expand her forbidden medical knowledge. Her quiet defiance of societal norms takes a chilling turn when she and her friend Ellery uncover a shocking pattern: an alarming rise in the number of unidentified female corpses. Their pursuit of answers unveils a dark web of murder, sex trafficking, and an illegal trade in human remains, all orchestrated by a ruthless figure willing to kill to protect his secrets. As the danger escalates, Louisa and Ellery are left questioning whether justice for these women is even within their reach.
Falcon excels in crafting characters that linger long after the last page. Agnes, in particular, stands out. Her transformation over the course of the narrative is nothing short of mesmerizing. She feels startlingly real, her growth both compelling and authentic. Watching her navigate the chaos of her world added an emotional depth that anchored the story. Beyond the characters, the plot itself is masterfully constructed. Each twist tightened the tension, keeping me engrossed until the shocking conclusion. The novel also shines in its exploration of societal issues. Falcon doesn’t shy away from exposing the harsh double standards of the Victorian era. The constraints placed on women, contrasted with the unchecked power of men, are laid bare in ways that feel both frustrating and true to the time.
The commentary is subtle but powerful, enriching the story without overshadowing its suspenseful core. Admittedly, the opening chapters left me somewhat perplexed. It took a little time for the story threads Falcon introduced to begin to weave into a literary tapestry. However, as the narrative progressed, the payoff was worth the initial disorientation. Once the pieces fell into place, the layered storytelling became one of the book’s greatest strengths.
For readers drawn to mysteries set in historical backdrops, Passion in the Bone is a gripping and thought-provoking read. Falcon’s ability to blend vivid characters, intricate plotting, and social commentary makes this a standout addition to the genre. It’s a story that challenges and captivates in equal measure, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
--Literary Titan ★★★★
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