Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780645404197

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Reviews

""The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse by Susan Marshall is bespoke and creatively unique. A true collector's edition, the combination of its design and story, allows one to escape into the rich, mysterious and romantic settings, missions and journeys, dusk or dawn, of tour de force, Private Detective Adira Cazon. A truly indulgent and immersive experience for the reader."" -Maggie Vasalla, Independent Reviewer. ""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' the atmospheres, energies and pace of the Romantic Spirit's journey, at dusk or dawn, while relishing the mystery and romance of the novel's story. 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.

Author Information

Susan L. Marshall is the founder of Story Playscapes, an Australian publishing house. As a novelist, adult's and children's fiction writer, poet, dramatist, essayist, theatre practitioner and illustrator, she is globally renown within the world of contemporary metaphysical literature. Susan's body of work explores the major themes of: spirit, soul, nature, internal landscapes and the human experience, often drawing upon natural settings for inspiration. Her writing is celebrated for its unique metaphysical artistry, featuring vivid mystical and lyrical qualities, as she attunes herself to setting the Romantic spirit alight in a range of genres. Susan's professional publications are available in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe. At Story Playscapes, Susan has cultivated a global readership through her work on projects and platforms, such as the My Story Meadow Project and the Romantic Spirit Alight Readers' Garden. She nurtures readers and writers interested in learning about the art and techniques of writing and its progressive development into a professional publication. The My Story Meadow project has seen the birth and success of many of Susan's professional publications, including: ""Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall"" (An Amazon best-seller and popular psychology publication) and ""Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry"" (an Amazon best-seller and #1 Hot New Release). Susan's groundbreaking Theatre Playscapes style places the wellbeing of the young adult at the centre of theatre. The premiere dramatic literature of the series: ""Fleur of Yesterday"" is a monumental publication that officially introduces the Theatre Playscapes style, its principles and conventions, via Susan's accompanying essay: ""Theatre Playscapes: A New Theatrical Style."" The innovative series continues with the second dramatic literature, the inspirational: ""All the Hope We Carry."" Susan has completed a range of poetry and fiction that are published at Vocal Media in the U.S.A. Most notably, in December 2025, Susan received at Top Story Award by the editorial team at Vocal Media for her Metaphysical Romance: ""Wild Love at Christmas Eve: A Romance."" Susan is an honoured recipient of the prestigious Award for Special Civic Service, presented to her by the Mayor of Richmond, Victoria, for her extensive civic contributions to the city of Richmond and the Richmond City Council. The Award particularly recognises her outstanding efforts in assisting young people through her work on the Richmond Youth Work Project and the Richmond Youth Council. Susan is an honoured recipient of the Arthur Andersen prize for Business Studies, awarded in encouragement of her future business career. Susan has also received a National Volunteer Award 'For Outstanding Voluntary Service As Literacy Assistant' by MVRS (supported by Monash City Council). In 2026, Susan Marshall will step into her new era as author and debut illustrator, on the release of her publication: ""Princess Zyra's Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth."" The moonlit cosmos of Sea Castle transcends the fierce beauty of Australian land and sea, empowering our hero, Princess Zyra as its original mystic, pioneer and adventurer. It is a tale of childhood heroism, adventure and the quest for being and existing as Australia faces drought. In 2026, Susan Marshall is also proud to have her novel: ""Adira and the Dark Horse,"" be the feature title of Story Playscapes' signature, Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition. The curated publication captures the beauty, existence and journey of the timeless Romantic Spirit through the full, unabridged book and the addition of Susan's metaphysical poems: ""A Mosaic of Dawn's Eve"" and ""Evergold Dream."" The edition is adorned 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.

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