In the shadowed halls of power and madness, only the bold dare search for the truth.

1890's Melbourne. In the flickering gaslight of Victoria Parliament's inner chambers, a prized symbol of government-the ceremonial Mace-disappears following a night of decadent indulgence involving parliamentarians and officials. Lady Edith Black, a former thief turned Melbourne's most unconventional investigator, is drawn into the mystery. Though her past remains hidden, her talent and determination is unmatched-and her instincts tell her the Mace is merely the tip of something far darker.

The night the Mace disappears, a young woman is discovered near death. The two crimes intertwine and lead Edie to the foreboding gates of Kew Asylum, where her closest friend, Britina-a novice nun assigned to care for patients-has made a disturbing discovery: patients are vanishing without explanation. When Britina becomes a risk to a sinister plan, she is swiftly silenced, declared criminally insane, and locked away among the very souls she sought to protect.

To rescue her friend, Edie must step into the asylum's grim world of medical secrets, patient abuse, a chilling conspiracy...and enemies willing to kill to keep their secrets buried.

But exposing the truth could cost more than her freedom.

It could cost her life.

Asylum Murders is the second Lady Black mystery-a richly layered historical thriller where madness masks murder, and justice must be stolen from those who believe themselves untouchable.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Michael G. Colburn’s Lady Black Mystery series is back with its second twisty installment, "Asylum Murders." In the gaslit streets of 1890s Melbourne, Lady Edith “Edie” Black has reinvented herself. Once a notorious London thief, she now poses as a widowed aristocrat while secretly establishing herself as a private investigator. When Parliament's ceremonial mace disappears during a night of debauchery involving high-ranking officials, Edie is hired to recover it discreetly. Meanwhile, Edie's friend, a novice nun assigned to the infamous Kew Asylum, witnesses disturbing disappearances among the patients. When the nun is framed for murder, Edie must infiltrate the asylum and find the true murderer to save her.

Michael G. Colburn has studied and written about the creative process for several decades. His books include the bestselling "Invent, Innovate & Prosper," and "How Julia Found Happiness and Financial Success." He now devotes his time to writing The Lady Black Crime fiction series. He lives with his wife in Vermont. When he is not writing, they like to travel and take long-distance walking trips, exploring paths and cultures worldwide. Learn more at: www.michaelgcolburn.com