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- 📚 Exclusive access to the prequel short story Beware the Ides of April. Join Charlotte and Ben on another case!
- 🎧 Free audiobook version of Beware the Ides of April, narrated by multi-award winning actor, Kristin Atherton.
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About the free short story
Beware the Ides of April is a near-future sci-fi mystery short story exclusively available to Picklesverse subscribers. This prequel to Artificial Selection takes place two weeks before the events of the novel. The stories can be read in any order.
It’s 2101 and Charlotte Vance works for ArkTech, the company famous for ending the climate crisis. As the Head of Awkward Questions, she doesn’t have a normal job, but she enjoys it anyway. Ben, ArkTech’s artificial intelligence, wants to understand human behaviour and it’s up to Charlotte to help him.
In Beware the Ides of April, Ben notices people are swimming in a restricted area of the Fenland Sea. Why are they taking the risk? And why does it always happen on the Ides? Join Charlotte and Ben as they investigate the mystery.
Reader reviews for Beware the Ides of April
“So compelling and I’m now very excited to read about these characters again. It’s all very intriguing! And funny!”
“It’s great, entertaining, intriguing and it leaves you wanting more. I love the relationship between Ben and Charlotte.”
“I just finished Beware the Ides of April and I’m hooked. Loved the humour. I really enjoyed the blend of tech, aquaculture and historical references.”