The Teratologist

Beneath the glitter of Gilded Age Palm Beach, monsters lurk in the shadows...In 1902, the world is full of new wonders, from telephones to motorcars. It's full of prejudice, too, particularly for people born with physical deformities. Dr. Frank Follett's mission is to study and help them. His specialty is called teratology, derived from the Greek word for "monster." But he never expected to encounter real monsters.Traumatized by his service in the Philippine-American War, he travels to the resort of Palm Beach, Florida, to recuperate. There, he is amazed by two patients who not only have physical challenges, but paranormal abilities as well. A young child, born without limbs, channels the spirit of Follett's late beloved wife. A wealthy young man, born with the appearance of a hairy monster, is also a telepath. Follett struggles to reconcile his scientific mind with the phenomena he encounters.Then the limbless girl is kidnapped by a serial killer who has been striking each tourist season. And the young man becomes possessed by a malevolent entity and goes on a murderous rampage.Follett and fellow tourist Mark Twain risk their lives to try to rescue the young girl and stop the monster's killing spree. The question remains: What is deadlier, supernatural monsters or those of the human kind? Find out in The Teratologist, the first in a series of historical thrillers immersed in horror.

About the Author

Ward is a rare species in Florida: a resident who actually was born here. However, at the age of two he was brought north under the naïve belief that he'd remain small and cute like the baby alligators Florida tourists bring home. After growing up in Connecticut, Ward studied English Literature at the University of Pennsylvania and Kings College, London. He has worked for TV GUIDE MAGAZINE, a Colorado newspaper, an Arkansas TV station, and advertising agencies in Dallas, Miami, and New York City. At one time, he lived in a funky cottage community that had formerly been a pineapple plantation. It was located on Florida's Indian River, in a town that was once called Eden. That name has disappeared from the maps, but has been resurrected in PARIAH, the first of the Zeke Adams mystery novels from Pandamoon Publishing. THE TERATOLOGIST historical horror series has debuted recently from Pandamoon. Ward also has a series of Kindle Short Reads available from Amazon.com. Ward is a founding partner of BPD Advertising in Boca Raton, Florida, a member of the Mystery Writers of America, and an Active member of the Horror Writers Association. His short fiction has appeared in numerous genre, literary, and mainstream publications (see his bibliography at www.wardparker.com). He enjoys reading, photography, beachcombing, kayak fishing, cat wrangling, and spending time with his wife.

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