A humor/action series
self-published on Amazon by Gregor Canteberry. The main character, Cecil, is the resident Mad Scientist of the city of Heronberg. Along with his odd roommate, Bobo (pictured right), he protects the city from all manner of supernatural, technological, and extraterrestrial threats. He is quickly joined by Paula and Scott. Word of God indicates there will be a future character named Siegfried.
Book 1: Indifference Capital: Heronberg: Home to supernatural creatures, evil corporations, and a dangerously indifferent populous. When the brand-new supermarket gets up and starts walking around, the resident mad scientist must team up with a secretary and a physics-defying ball of insanity to fight self-aware shopping carts and a monstrous artificial intelligence.
Book 2: Mirror in the Crosshairs: Heronberg: Home to . . . the highest gun-ownership per capita in the world. It's doppelganger season, a magical time of year when blood-sucking creatures appear in human form to prey on the people. The resident mad scientist, a secretary with a brand-new pistol, and a physics-defying ball of insanity team up to hunt monsters and try not to get mistaken for prey.
The series provides examples of:
- Blonde, Brunette, Redhead: Scott, Cecil, and Paula
- Crazy-Prepared: Cecil Roud has a motorcycle FULL OF GUNS.
- Four-Philosophy Ensemble: Word of God says, "... Cecil is The Apathetic, Bobo is the Optimist, Paula is The Realist, and Scott is The Cynic. Bonus fifth: Siegfried (a future character) is The Conflicted."
- Four-Temperament Ensemble: Bobo is sanguine, Scott is choleric, Cecil is melancholic, Paula is phlematic.
- Freudian Trio: More of a Power Fivesome. Bobo and Siegfried are both Id, Scott and Cecil are both Super-egos, while Paula has to act as Ego for everyone.
- Mundane Utility: Despite the ability to invent just about whatever he wants (a Toolbox of Holding is mentioned), he makes a living selling As Seen On TV gizmos. Also responsible for some Schizo Tech.
- Reluctant Mad Scientist: Cecil is offered the chance to make weapons, but claims to only make those for his own pleasure.
- There Are No Global Consequences: Judging from Paula's surprise, the existence of AI, laser weapons, and Bobo either haven't spread outside of Heronberg, or
the rest of the world is just as apathetic.
The first book (Indifference Capital) provides examples of:
- Chekhov's Gun: Cecil tells Paula she won't need a motorcycle helmet. Ha.
- Mugging the Monster: Two men attempt to rob a Heronberg bank, and get more than they bargained for from the bank's patrons.
- Punctuated! For! Emphasis!:“I wish—” he panted between clenched teeth, “I could say— this was the first time— I’ve been left naked— outside— covered in yellow liquid— _this week_.”
- Sequel Hook: There are many mentions of 'doppelganger hunting season'.
The second book (Mirror in the Crosshairs) provides examples of:
- Human Shifting: The doppelgangers take human form in order to seek out victims.
- Immortal Life Is Cheap: Alex the Gun Hipster has cloning insurance, and can therefore be revived endlessly. Good thing, too, because everyone wants to kill him.
- No Hero Discount: Played straight and subverted. Cecil gets a discount at Auto Mattick's for taking out the monstrous grocery store; Bobo is still charged double.
- Vampiric Draining: When the doppelgangers feed, ripping off the victim's head is usually involved.
