In the electrifying sequel to Pathways to Bolingbrook, Lydia, a vampire cursed with empathy and love, faces her greatest challenge yet. When a violent horde of misogynistic weredeer descends on Bolingbrook, Lydia and her sister are sent to uncover the truth. As rumors of war spread in the shadows of the Brook, Lydia finds herself drawn to Sara, the captivating editor of the Babbler, even as her past heartbreak from a previous mortal love interest resurfaces. But Lydia's world is turned upside down when she discovers enforcers from one of Chicago's vampire domains trespassing in the Brook. They've already killed Lydia and Aurora's allies in their search for answers. Now they've set sights on Sara. Fueled by her empathetic fire, Lydia rushes to Sara's defense, standing alone against overwhelming odds. Will she risk everything, including her own existence, to protect the stranger she's come to care for? The next chapter of the Bolingbrook Babbler Stories weaves a tale of supernatural thrills and forbidden feelings. Get A Fire in the Shadows to discover what happens when Lydia's and Sara's paths cross.

In William Brinkman's world, suburban sidewalks lead to secret conspiracies, emotional reckonings, and the occasional enraged weredeer. He writes urban fantasy with a blend of satire and heart, offering humanistic views of the real world through a supernatural lens.

Since 1999, he's published the Bolingbrook Babbler blog, which inspired?but remains separate from?his fiction. One of his novels was shortlisted for a 2024 Indieverse Award.

A former Bolingbrook resident, William now lives in suburban Chicagoland with his wife and two cats.