Published: 12 May 2026
ISBN: 9780645404197
Imprint: Story Playscapes
Pages: 434
Categories: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Private Investigators
Fiction / Romance / Small Town & Rural
Fiction / Visionary & Metaphysical
Trim Size: 229 x 152 mm (9 x 6 in)
Age: Adult
Reviews
“True to her literary finesse, Susan Marshall has masterfully connected the metaphysical world of Private Detective Adira Cazon with us here and now. The cover art of the new Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse is not only breath-taking, it is also highly immersive. We can choose to ‘inhabit’ this story and the experiences of its Romantic Spirit via dusk or dawn covers. The addition of Susan’s stunning metaphysical poetry, makes the experience complete. Adira Cazon remains my favourite, most relatable private detective to date. A true collector’s item, to be cherished.”
-Hendrick Jorgensen, Independent Reviewer.
“The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse is bespoke and creatively unique. A true collector’s edition, it allows you to escape into the rich settings and and journeys of our strong protagonist and tour de force, Private Detective Adira Cazon and to celebrate the Romantic Spirit’s journeys through the deep mysteries of dusk and dawn. A truly indulgent and immersive experience for the reader.”
-Maggie Vasalla, Independent Reviewer.
Share this:
The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe Edition
Adira and the Dark Horse
Book One of ‘An Adira Cazon Literary Mystery’ series
Susan L. Marshall
Format & Edition:
12 May 2026
”I always wonder what hope I will find across the terrain. It changes all the time. Right now, the wind plays with it, tossing its dirt into the air, challenging the terrain to ground itself. I remind myself that in fierceness, there is also a delicate beauty. You just have to look in the right place to find it.”
Adira and the Dark Horse, by award-winning and Amazon best-selling author, Susan Marshall, is suspenseful as both a slow burn and a fast paced, lyrical journey of Romantic spirit, courage, community and love in danger. A fusion of metaphysical mystery and small town romance, it is an atmospheric and gripping page turner in search of truth and justice.
In hiding from the dangerous dark horse in Redbank, Private Detective Adira Cazon’s spirit is restless in memories of her origin, Mira: upheaving sand and heart; panic and sweat; traumatic tragedy and her missing mother, Maricelle’s light in tallow. Somewhere in the present poetry of fallen red, green and gold; forest custodian, Jacquelyn’s close connection with nature; as well as the weathered letters from Empress Celine of Mira, lies a deep dark truth.
As Redbank faces the threat of an illegal trade operation and Girl flees from persecution in Mira, Adira’s own two worlds collide. On the run, Adira swears to protect Girl and soon discovers a much deeper connection to land, silk, a pleading people and the spirit of Girl’s ancestor, Aisha, in danger and romantic love.
Under the constant constellation, Orion, Adira seeks refuge and remnant love. As the dark horse lures, her spirit is scarred by the estrangement of her husband Mitch. Has he betrayed her?
Adira is determined to outwit the dark horse …
Story Playscapes is proud to present its Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse by Susan Marshall. This curated publication captures the beauty, existence and journey of the timeless Romantic Spirit in the person, the community, the mystery and love itself. It features the full, unabridged book and the addition of Susan’s metaphysical poems: A Mosaic of Dawn’s Eve and Evergold Dream. This edition is adorrned with a premium hardbound cover with dusk cover art; a dust jacket with dawn cover art and premium paper for a luxurious and bespoke addition to any bookshelf.