Mrs. Hawking – the series by Phoebe Roberts
The Mrs. Hawking series takes a bold new approach to the classic genre of the Victorian mystery caper. Begin with a Sherlock Holmes of sorts, a deductive genius following the threads of wrongdoing as concealed by the careful manners of a straitlaced culture. Blend into this the psychological complexity of a brooding, Batman-esque avenger, driven by old wounds and a fierce indignation over society’s injustice. And to complete the image, give it a twist– make her a woman, her endeavors cloaked by a mask of harmless respectability, when in reality she is a defiant, Steampunk-style shattering of the delicate Victorian mold. Join Mary as she enters the world of Mrs. Victoria Hawking, and see for yourself what a compelling combination this makes!
This series has its own site. For more information on process, development, and behind-the-scenes looks, please visit Mrshawking.com.
1.1 Mrs. Hawking by Phoebe Roberts
The year is 1880 in the reign of Queen Victoria. Young Mary Stone has just arrived alone and friendless in London, unsure of what to do with herself after a lifetime of keeping house for her late parents in India. She has no choice but to accept a position as a house girl for Mrs. Victoria Hawking, an aloof, mysterious society widow who seems to want nothing to do with her. But when she discovers Mrs. Hawking’s true business, as a secret champion to the otherwise helpless women of London, Mary is drawn into a world of new heroic purpose battling against devious blackmailers, rescuing kidnapped children, and struggling against the restrictive place their society forces on women.
Genre: Historical Action Caper
Date drafted: 2012
Most recent draft: 2015, v6
Universe: Breaking History (Mrs. Hawking)
1.2 Vivat Regina by Phoebe Roberts
Mary Stone is doing her best learn the trade of her mistress’s work as a covert agent for women victimized by Victorian society. Mrs. Hawking’s nephew Nathaniel, too, struggles to find what contribution he can make to his aunt’s work, and neither one seems to be serving to their mentor’s satisfaction. But when a mysterious lady under a false name comes to them with a next-to-impossible mission, Mrs. Hawking and her assistants must bring together all their varied strengths in order to see that justice is done.
Genre: Historical Action Caper
Date drafted: 2013
Most recent draft: 2014, v5
Universe: Breaking History (Mrs. Hawking)
1.3 Base Instruments by Phoebe Roberts
Coming soon in 2015!
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Mrs. Loring by Phoebe Roberts
Fairfield, CT, 1919. Young society wife Elizabeth Loring had everything she ever wanted, until her husband’s death in World War I left her too shattered to live her life or care for her now-fatherless newborn daughter. At a loss, she has come to convalesce in an upscale mental hospital that provides comfort but traps troubled women in a cage of their own helplessness. But when she meets a young woman named Ginny in danger of being consumed by both her illness and the hospital itself, Elizabeth finds a new identity as a force of independence and strength in the face of an oppressive institution.
Genre: Historical Drama
Date drafted: 2013
Most recent draft: 2014, v4
Universe: Breaking History (Fairfield)
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Puzzle House Blues by Phoebe Roberts and Troy Lucia
Coming soon!
Genre: Historical Drama
Date drafted: 2014
Most recent draft: 2014, v5
Universe: Breaking History (Fairfield)
Phoebe Roberts 