The Seer

The Seer

It’s February 1942. War grips the world. Asian hate runs rampant, and New Orleans is a dangerous place for Chinese-British scientist Thomas Ling as he collides with self-proclaimed psychic Beatrix Patterson. She’s a good liar with an excellent memory, which in truth is her only gift—well, that and conning the well-heeled out of their money and secrets.

Hired by the US Army to use her connections to expose Nazi saboteurs and sympathizers, Beatrix recruits the reluctant Thomas. Together, they pit their skills against a government conspiracy, terrorist cells, kidnappings, and murderous plots. As Beatrix grapples with the truth of her own past, she must come to terms with her ruse. Exposing the Nazi war machine about to invade the country could cost Beatrix everything she’s worked so hard to build. But the information she and Thomas uncover could change the outcome of the war.

The question remains: will anyone believe a liar and a suspected traitor?

ISBN: 978-1611534191
240 pages
6″ x 9″
Price: $15.99

Book Discussion Questions

  1. Beatrix Patterson admits that she’s a liar. Have you ever lied for a reason? Is a lie ever justified?
  2. Dr. Thomas Ling jumped at the chance of being a courier for an important document. Have you ever done anything totally out of character? What were the ramifications?
  3. Have you ever had a supernatural experience? Would you, if you were in Thomas’s shoes, think Beatrix was a wu? Beatrix tells Thomas, “Science cannot explain everything.” What are your thoughts on that?
  4. While riding the trolley in New Orleans, Beatrix plays a harmless game of trying to tell everything about someone from a snatch of conversation. Have you ever done this?
  5. Have you ever made-up stories about what might be happening in the lives of strangers?
    Do you use logic or intuition as to whether to trust people? Has your logic ever been wrong? How about your intuition? Beatrix uses both, or so it seems. Do you think she trusts one more than the other?
  6. Over 80 years ago, there was considerable racial prejudice against anyone of Asian descent. Reflecting on our current climate regarding anyone who looks, talks or act differently, are we making progress toward equality?
  7. Beatrix talks to the gold wedding band that belonged to Mrs. Howard as if this object could tell its secrets. What if your heirlooms or treasures could tell stories? Would you be willing to listen? What might they want to tell you?
  8. Beatrix buys carnations from a street vender. The heady perfume reminds her of something. Do smells bring back memories for you?
  9. Major Davies thinks he can hide secrets, but Beatrix accuses him of fraud regarding the negotiations between Mr. Brockman, Andrew Higgins and the US government. She knows he’s lying by a micro change in his expressions. Have you ever seen deception on another person’s face or in their eyes? What did you do?
  10. Beatrix and Thomas go to the internment camp. Have you ever visited a prison or been in a locked area? Did you feel more afraid inside than out?
  11. Beatrix is slowly trusting Thomas and finally confides in him about her past. When meeting new people how do you analyze who to trust and those whom won’t value your honesty?
  12. One of the cooks at Poydras House tells Thomas, “My mama always said a few bad people can make all people look bad.” Have you ever had others generalize about “bad” people yet you did not share their opinion? What did you say to them?
  13. As the book progresses, Beatrix realizes she no longer can lie to Thomas. Do you have a loved one or friend that you could never lie to? Have you ever tried? What happened?
  14. The sisters in the book have been misguided by the notion that through their acts they can provide for their invalid sibling. Have you had a rocky or smooth relationship with your family? Is one of your siblings bossier than the other? How do you handle that?
  15. Beatrix forgives and helps the sisters. What would you have done in this situation when you knew in your heart that they’d committed crimes?
  16. What do you think happens to Thomas and Beatrix after the book ends? They have only known each other for a short time so do think they could possibly have a relationship?