The Case of the Red Flame by Lila Fogle Series: Tristan Beaufort Humorous Mysteries #1
on August 1st, 2026
Genres: Comedy, Fiction, Adult, Mystery/Suspense
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Lucy is an apathetic young woman who is hired to assist eccentric private detective Tristan Beaufort, a man whose wildness, endless optimism, and occasional naiveté seem at odds with his chosen career. Her job is to keep a written account of his cases, to play the Watson to his Holmes.
They are hired by a woman who suspects her wife, Professor Jennifer Darvis, is having an affair. What begins as a simple investigation of adultery soon spirals into a case of conspiracy, arson, and murder.
Professor Darvis is a delusionally self-assured academic whose writings regarding the existence of a shadowy organization known only as The Quadrette have failed to find an audience outside of her students, for whom she has made her book assigned reading. However, an FBI agent shows up on her doorstep, insisting that her theories have spawned a series of murders, and requesting her help in preventing further deaths.
Soon, Tristan and Lucy find themselves unravelling a plot surrounding Darvis which seems as though it could not exist, despite the evidence they encounter at every turn. Their adventures will bring them up against the police, the enigmatic FBI Agent, and the leader of The Quadrette herself.
Exclusive excerpt from The Curse of the Red Flame
Darvis was never one to be ordered around. If she wasn’t thirsty before, she sure as hell was now. It was the kind of all-consuming thirst that only room temperature grapefruit flavored vodka could satisfy, with its sharp, acidic, yet pleasing palette, made all the more accessible by its warm temperature. Darvis would be damned if she let Agent Cooking Wine tell her what she could and couldn’t do.
“Agent Cooking Wine,” Darvis said, as she poured herself a highball full of vodka. “That’s quite a mouthful, we’ll need to think of a way to shorten it.”
“Agent Mirin is short enough.”
“C. Dub.” Darvis gulped from the glass. “I think that’s what I’ll call you from now on. Agent C. Dub.”
“That’s the same number of syllables.”
“It’s much shorter.” Darvis looked on the fool with pity. “But then I suppose that’s why I’m a tenured professor, and you’re a step up from mall cop.”
“Please, professor, this is very serious business,” Agent Mirin pleaded. “I am begging you to treat it as such.”
Darvis sighed. “Very well, what is all this ruckus about?”
Agent Mirin was visibly relieved at Darvis’ attempt to take the case seriously.
“You wrote a book a few years ago—”
“Ah yes!” Darvis exclaimed, kicking back in her chair. “My award-winning expose on the mathematical webwork which holds us in the spider’s clutch.” She furrowed her brow, and looked at Agent Mirin with concern. “I suppose I’ve made the higher-ups at the FBI nervous.”
“No, ma’am.” Agent Mirin grew ever more frustrated. “We are here because someone has taken your book too seriously, and is on a crime spree inspired by your writing. We’ve had two bodies turn up already, each linked undeniably to your book. The madman shows no sign of stopping, and the director would like your help in catching him. Otherwise, I’m afraid the carnage will continue.”
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