Steampunk adventures and espionage with Her Majesty's Agents
Tales from the Archives S02E05: A Trick of Strong Imagination
A Trick of Strong Imagination by Alyson Grauer In this episode: Althea Galway, a brilliant but overlooked statistician, is sent on a seemingly routine assignment to a winter carnival—only to uncover a mystery laced with illusion, danger, and memories from her own hidden past. As the dazzling world of the Traveling Galloway Circus draws her in, Althea must rely on more than numbers to unravel the truth behind the spectacle. What begins as a calculated investigation quickly becomes a deeply personal journey into magic, memory, and self-discovery. About the Author: Alyson Grauer is a writer, actor, podcaster, and tabletop gamer. She studied theatre and history at Loyola University of Chicago. Together she and her husband have formed the duo Whimsy & Artifice,
Tales from the Archives S02E04: Emperor’s Hand
Emperor’s Fist by JR Murdock In this episode: Agent Reginald Coffey and Special Liaison Meiying Ling find themselves navigating the dense, mystic jungles of China, where gears and steam-powered gadgets clash with age-old dark magic. Tasked with investigating a growing disturbance, the duo uncovers a sinister
Tales from the Archives — S02E03: The Wrong Camera
The Wrong Camera by Catherine Ford In this episode: When Blythe receives a beautiful, intricate camera for her birthday, she believes it’s the beginning of new adventures. But the lens reveals more than memories—it shows chilling glimpses of the future. As word spreads, those desperate to
Tales from the Archives — S02E02: Women of the Empire
Women of the Empire by JR Blackwell In this episode: Archivist Wellington Thornhill Books finds himself entangled in an unexpected late-night “experiment” with the enigmatic Dr. Josepha Raven Blackwell. Framed as part of her unorthodox research into the phenomenon of hysteria, their after-hours encounter is
Tales from the Archives — S02E02: Sins of the Father
In this episode: Sins of the Father by Tee Morris A thrilling prequel tale by Tee Morris, featuring a young Wellington Books. In this powerful origin story, witness the moment when young Books makes a daring stand against the dark legacy of his villainous father.
Motor City Steam Con 2017: A Spectacular Return to Detroit’s Steampunk Scene
Our journalists have just returned from their third sojourn to Detroit, Michigan—just like our intrepid agents Eliza D Braun and Wellington Thornhill Books. Though they did leave a great deal less destruction in their wake. Their first visit was to the now defunct Up in
Eliza D Braun and Wellington Books Face Their Final Showdown in Operation: Endgame – Cover Reveal
So here it is…the cover of the ‘final’ adventure of Eliza and Wellington coming in October. Join Agents Books and Braun on their final adventure with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences! There is no time to rest for Eliza D Braun and Wellington Thornhill Books.
New Egyptian Steampunk Anthology Out Now: Featuring Silver Linings and Stories from Top Steampunk Authors
Diversity is steampunk is one of our main goals. We have worked to offer a place for voices from around the world, to dive into our world. So it was wonderful to be approached to be part of this anthology but the editor Mathew Bright.
Countless Hues of Crimson is Here: Steampunk Erotica with a Pineapple Twist!
The Kickstarter of 2015 was a rousing success, and the Ministry raised enough money to do two books. However we also made enough to reach our somewhat ridiculous goal of funding Countless Hues of Crimson. If you remember Dawn’s Early Light, this is the book
Tales from the Archives: 2016 Christmas Special: Home Alone for the Holidays
A Very Happy Christmas from the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday
From Steampunk Unlimited to the Maryland Renaissance Festival: October Adventures with Our Authors
Our authors are rolling towards the end of their events this year. Only one more remains Philcon in November. October has been a busy month, but in a wonderful way. First our journalists went to Strasburg, Pennsylvania to attend Steampunk Unlimited. This is the fourth
Pre-Order The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh: Verity Fitzroy and the Ministry Seven’s First Novel
September 30th, the ebook of The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh will arrive, and with it the first novel of Verity Fitzroy and the Ministry Seven. Shortly after it will be in print and audiobook versions. For the moment, here is a sample of The
Cover Reveal for Countless Hues of Crimson: A Scandalous New Adventure in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
So it has come to this point in the Ministry adventures. The cover reveal for the story our journalists never expected to write. However, their Kickstarter backers pushed them up to the level where they said they would write it, so they’re going to have
Motor City Steamcon 2016: A Steampunk Adventure in Detroit with Tee and Pip
Back in 2013 Tee and Pip attended Up in the Aether, a steampunk convention in Detroit, Michigan. They fell so much in love with the city and the people, that Detroit ended up in their book, Dawn’s Early Light. So when they were invited back
Verity Fitzroy Takes the Lead in The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh: A YA Adventure for Fans of Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
So this is a new adventure for the Ministry, and now we have a new cover as well. Designed by Starla has once again done a wonderful job for us, and we hope you’ll take a moment to pre-order The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh
How Reviews Help The Ghost Rebellion Find New Readers: Join the Conversation and Share Your Thoughts
The Ghost Rebellion is out there in all its formats, and we are starting to get reviews in. From My Words…in words and pages. I want to add, I love that we have a couple that still function and interact as individuals paired together. They
Verity Fitzroy and the Ministry Seven: A New Prequel Series from the Authors of The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
So now the Ghost Rebellion is out in the wild, and we’re very excited to see how many people are enjoying it, but our journalists are not resting on their laurels. Right now they are hard at work on Operation: Endgame the final book for
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Continues: Eliza D Braun and Wellington Books Face New Perils in Book Five
Finally, the fifth book of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences is available. The book that our readers and listeners helped us bring to life. From authors Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris, the award winning steampunk series continues… The chase is on! After rescuing Queen Victoria
The Full Beauty of The Ghost Rebellion Cover Art: A Sneak Peek at the Print Version
A few months ago we revealed the beauty of the cover for The Ghost Rebellion by Starla Huchton, but really that is only half the story. Today we can share with you the full beauty of the cover art, which is revealed in the print
Verena Vorsatz as Eliza D Braun From The Ghost Rebellion Cover Shoot
When Verena Vorsatz visited to pose for our covers, Michael Ward of Go ForWard Photography also took some candid shots. The first one is powerful, and really does capture the spirit of Eliza D Braun The second…well let’s just say character and author have a
Introducing The Ghost Rebellion: How Our Kickstarter Backers Helped Create the Perfect Cover
So here we are, with the first of the fruits of the Kickstarter we funded last year. Backers will be getting their copies in May, but the book will be available to the general public on June 8th. What’s more, you can pre-order the ebook
Behind the Scenes of The Ghost Rebellion Cover Shoot: Photography, Models, and Pineapples
Our journalist, Pip Ballantine takes over the blog today, to share the experience of a book cover photoshoot made possible by our readers and listeners. So after our hugely successful Kickstarter campaign to fund The Ghost Rebellion, we were excited to be ordering up our
Pineapples, Erotica, and Victorian Symbolism: A Deep Dive into Countless Hues of Crimson’s Iconic Cover
If you are not aware…pineapples play a big part in Countless Hues of Crimson (available for sale in December) Yes, Kickstarter backers helped fund the Victorian erotica mentioned in the beginning of The Diamond Conspiracy…and as a symbol for this our journalists in their wisdom
Tally Ho! A New Year with the Ministry
Well last year was a gallop for us here at the Ministry. We launched book four from our journalists, Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine, The Diamond Conspiracy. We picked up best steampunk from the RT Convention in Dallas for Dawn’s Early Light. We started and
Upcoming Adventures in The Ghost Rebellion
We know since the arrival of book four, our readers and listeners have been anxious for news on the next. However, we have been reluctant to talk about it, since so much was up in the air. You see, we always considered the adventures of
Cosplay Spotlight: V Channels Eliza D Braun in Stunning New Photoshoot
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Tales from the Archives — S04E01: Spiritus Sanctus
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday citizen should never become aware of for fear it would
Dawn’s Early Light Wins
Yesterday it the winners of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards were announced, and we here at the Ministry are delighted that the winner of the steampunk category is the third book in the Ministry series, Dawn’s Early Light. You remember Dawn’s Early Light, don’t you?
The Diamond Conspiracy: Watch the Official Book Trailer
After an extremely cold night in Virginia’s capital city and weeks of production, Imagine That! Studios and Ace Books present the official book trailer for The Diamond Conspiracy, the fourth volume in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series from Ace Books, written by Pip Ballantine &
Steampunk Tea Event Highlights in Shepherdstown
Back on September 13th, the Ministry had the joy of hosting a steampunk tea at Shaharazade’s Restaurant & Tea Room in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Our journalists Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris were joined by Tiffany Trent, author of the Unnaturalists, and one of the authors
The Diamond Conspiracy: Trailer and Preorder Details
Apparently it has been leaked onto the Aetherwebs, and we here at the Ministry have admitted defeat…but in a good way. The cover for the Diamond Conspiracy is here for all to see! Miss Braun is once again wearing trouser and Mr Books is…what is
Ministry Protocol Wins Best Fiction 2014 Award
Another piece of wonderful news from the Ministry, our anthology Ministry Protocol has won the Steampunk Chronicle Readers Choice, Best Fiction 2014. If you want to watch the award ceremony, then you absolutely can! Thanks to all our wonderful authors that helped make this project
Art and Inspiration: Celebrating Daniela Pillai’s Portrait
Catching up with all the lovely readers and listeners as we approach the release day for the third Ministry novel, Dawn’s Early Light, has been heartwarming. The number of people who have told us how excited they are to have new tales of Eliza and
G A Jack Hammerquist’s Hypersteam Train Drawing
Today we are posting an image made by G A Jack Hammerquist. Our journalists met Mr Hammerquist (Alan Smith) at Octopodicon, prompting us to initiate our search of the archives for this lovely line drawing of a hypersteam train he had sent us some time
First Review – Dawn’s Early Light
The waiting is always the hardest. It is now less than a month until the arrival of Book Three of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. Dawn’s Early Light will be touching down on the 25th of March. We are all on pins and needles
Explore the Ministry’s Fiction Collection
Happy New Year! One of our fine readers asked, and we thought it was a fine idea—so here is our very own reading guide for all the fiction currently in the Ministry files. You will find all the Tales from the Archives, Ministry Protocol stories,
Janus Affair Wins Fiction Award in 2013
The winners were announced, and the Ministry was absolutely chuffed to find out that the Janus Affair has won the fiction category! It was an honour to be in company of such people as John C White, Ben Hamby, and Major Jack Union. Other friend’s
Unveiling a Unique Steampunk Music Experience
This is what happens when steampunks decide to make a music video. Look out for the Ministry novels at 2:15 with our journalists behind them… We have reports they had a wonderful time with so many talented folk, and Mr Morris was able to revisit
Celebrating Jules Verne: The Father of Science Fiction
Today marks the birthday of imaginative mind and part-time consultant for the Ministry, author Jules Verne. Yes, I am sure, good citizens, you find Verne’s works reflecting the Empire and Her Majesty (God save the Queen!) in a rather nasty light; but I do wonder
Discover the Janus Affair: German Release Information
The German edition of Phoenix Rising (called the Sign of the Phoenix) has made it to the bookstores. Our good friend in Austria Katharina Maimer sent us evidence that they got there. It is very exciting for all of us here at the Ministry. The
A Steampunk Book Trailer from Imagine That! / Baldgroove / Brute Force Studios
Currently on TeeMorris.com, our journalist is busy revealing a behind-the-scenes look at his project within a project. As many of you know, our intrepid journalist collaborated with Baldgroove studios in the previous year to produce a right bit of fun the Phoenix Rising book trailer.
What Is Steampunk? A Definitive Answer from the Ministry
Agents of the Ministry, as you may have discerned from the chatter within the Aether, there has been spirited discussion bandying about on what exactly constitutes steampunk. We have our own definition, of course, but even that has been brought into question. Perhaps it is
Happy Birthday, Lady Victoria!
Dearest Victoria, On behalf of Agent Braun and myself, happy 18th birthday from the Archives… …and many happy returns from the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. Do enjoy our adventure… …again.
Some Librarian Love
It is always nice to get appreciative comments on the Ministry’s work, but when Wellington ran across this mention he had to have a sit down an a cuppa. You see, there are three pillars in our dear archivist’s world; the British Library (you can
Tales from the Archives – Twelve
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday citizen should never become aware of for fear it would
Tales from the Archives — A 2011 Christmas Special
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday citizen should never become aware of for fear it would
The Kaiser Calls: A Look at Phoenix Rising’s German Cover
Good Heavens! Our dear friend and ally from Europe, the lovely Katharina Maimer, pointed out to Miss Braun and I the cover of Phoenix Rising… from our German publisher! This is quite a delightful surprise as we had not heard of its release date in Europe
Winning the Airship Award: Phoenix Rising’s Success
When our journalists set out to write their first novel together, they were optimistic Phoenix Rising would perform well. What they did not expect is for their book, just six months after its release, to win the 2011 Airship Award for Best Steampunk Literature of
Tales from the Archives — S01E11: From Paris, With Regret
In this episode: From Paris, With Regret written and narrated by Starla Huchton On assignment in the City of Light, Ministry agents Eliza D. Braun and Harrison Thorne chase down a murderer condemning descendants of a royal bloodline to a horrific death. The Ministry of
Tales from the Archives — S01E10: Darkest Before the Darkwater
In this episode: Darkest before the Darkwater, written and narrated by Tee Morris A group of survivors from the airship Guy Fawkes find themselves washed ashore on an uncharted island. In their search for survival they uncover one mystery after another. Featuring Alyson Grauer as
Tales from the Archives — S01E09: The Shadows of Calcutta
In this episode: The Shadows of Calcutta, written and narrated by Phil Rossi Agent Robert Smith, on return from a mission in Nepal, is diverted to India where he is charged to find a missing agent. Alex Tanner had been investigating a series of thefts
Tales from the Archives — S01E08P2: Night’s Plutonian Shore
In this episode: Night’s Plutonian Shore, written and narrated by Jack Mangan We rejoin our epic tale across the America’s as Agent Bruce Campbell remains on the trail of Usher assassin, Mikael Scharnusser, who has fellow Ministry agent Brandon Hill captive. With a narrow window
Tales from the Archives — S01E8P1: Night’s Plutonian Shore
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday citizen should never become aware of for fear it would
Tales from the Archives – S01E07P2: Hanuman’s Gift
In this episode: Hanuman’s Gift part two, written and narrated by Helen E. H. Madden After hearing Agent Harrison Thorne’s impossible tale of cursed monkeys and undead women Whitby must file away the physical evidence. However it just may be that Hanuman’s Gift was not
Tales from the Archives — S01E07P1: Hanuman’s Gift
In this episode: Hanuman’s Gift, written and narrated by Helen E. H. Madden Deep in the Archives, Augustus Whitby toils through his duties in the Archives, dreaming up romantic stories far more plausible than the supposed “investigations” of the field agents. A story from Agent
Tales from the Archives — S01E06: A Ruby in Rain
In this episode: A Ruby in Rain, written and narrated by Grant Stone From the farthest edge of the Empire, New Zealand agents Lachlan King and Barry Ferguson are called to interview a recent arrival to Auckland’s prisons. An infamous gambler, according to the constable’s
Tales from the Archives — S01E05: The Seven
In this episode: The Seven, written and narrated by PC Haring. Agent Brandon Hill is on assignment in South America, enjoying the local culture and women, when a mystery that could lead to El Dorado falls into his lap. Before the intrepid agent knows it,
Tales from the Archives — S01E04: The Sun Never Sets
In this episode: The Sun Never Sets, written and narrated by Val Griswold-Ford Agent Isaac Martin receives a note, imploring him to investigate the nearly completed clock tower at the Palace at Westminster. He and his partner, Agent Andrew Kensington, start looking into the construction
Tales from the Archives — S01E03: The Astonishing Amulet of Amenartas
In this episode: The Astonishing Amulet of Amenartas, written and narrated by Nathan Lowell Agent Heathcliff Durham finds himself crisscrossing Africa, looking for an Amulet that could spell disaster for any who come near it. Battling blistering heat, starvation, wild animals, and despair, he is
Tales from the Archives — S01E02: Dust on the Davenport
In this episode: Dust on the Davenport, written and narrated by O.M. Grey Agent Simon R. Boswell, still considered the green agent of the Ministry, takes on his own a supposed haunting in Islington. Hauntings tend to be nothing too serious for agents specializing in
Tales from the Archives — S01E01: The Evil That Befell Sampson
In this episode: The Evil that befell Sampson… It is revealed just how Miss Braun ended up being exiled from her native country, New Zealand, and working for the Ministry in its London Offices. It’s a tale of nefarious doings, stalwart ladies, and the sound