From Ph.D. to Page-Turner: M K Rumsey Wows with ‘Murder on the Aerial Express’

If you’re a fan of suspense, alchemy, and stories that keep you guessing until the very end, buckle up—this journey’s for you. Murder on the Aerial Express takes Agatha Christie’s classic intrigue and sets it soaring high above Victorian England, powered by steam and imagination. Welcome aboard a YA novel where romance meets murder, and nothing is quite as simple as it seems.

Lady Isabella Huxley: Reluctant Heroine, Unlikely Detective

Lady Isabella Huxley would rather mix potions than mingle at parties. A fiercely independent teen with a knack for alchemy, Isabella loves nothing more than experimenting with volatile substances alongside her closest friend. Mysteries, romance, and social drama just aren’t her thing. Unfortunately for Isabella, trouble has a habit of finding her—even thousands of feet above the ground.

When Isabella boards the grand airship, the Aerial Express, her plan is simple: keep her head down, ignore the annoying passengers, and survive the trip. But when the ship’s wealthy owner is found murdered on the first night, Isabella’s peaceful voyage turns deadly serious. Without wanting the job, she suddenly finds herself playing detective, hunting a killer hidden among aristocrats, adventurers, and charming troublemakers.

Secrets and Suspicions at Every Turn

On the luxurious Aerial Express, everyone has something to hide. The elegant ballroom dances and sophisticated dinners quickly turn into tense gatherings filled with whispered accusations and veiled threats. Danger seeps into every corner, forcing Isabella to rely on sharp instincts and sharper wit. She never intended to become embroiled in conspiracy and betrayal, yet here she is—stuck in mid-air, trying to unravel deadly secrets before the killer strikes again.

And as if solving a murder weren’t complicated enough, there’s also the matter of her increasingly distracted heart. Among the suspects is an irritatingly charming young man who seems determined to get under Isabella’s skin—and possibly into her heart. But romance is messy, and Isabella has zero patience for distractions…or does she?

Interactive Reading Like You’ve Never Experienced Before

This riveting tale isn’t your usual mystery—it’s delivered straight to your inbox, chapter by chapter, every Thursday. Signing up is free and easy, perfect for readers craving a weekly dose of suspense. But if you’re looking for something extra special, consider upgrading to the premium version.

Premium subscribers get exclusive multimedia extras, including AI-generated artwork, interactive chapter layouts, and an immersive digital reading experience. Right now, new subscribers can sample the premium features absolutely free through the first two chapters. Plus, if you subscribe by the end of May, you’ll save 40%. It’s an offer too thrilling to pass up.

Meet the Author Behind the Adventure: M K Rumsey

M K Rumsey’s path to becoming a novelist wasn’t straightforward. She began her career in academia, earning a Ph.D. in English Literature at UCLA, only to discover her true passion wasn’t teaching—it was storytelling. Trading lecture halls for a cozy home office in Minnesota, Rumsey now crafts novels that span genres, combining elements from classic literature with fresh twists readers love.

When Rumsey isn’t penning mysteries aboard flying airships, she’s busy baking sweet treats, catching up with friends over wine, or exploring daring new hobbies—like aerial athletics. Her lively personality and love of adventure are reflected in every chapter she writes, offering readers vibrant worlds filled with unforgettable characters.

Your Ticket to Adventure Awaits

If the thought of steampunk gadgets, witty dialogue, and intriguing plot twists sets your heart racing, you’re in for a treat. Join Lady Isabella as she navigates the skies in search of answers, uncovering secrets, danger, and perhaps unexpected romance along the way.

The Aerial Express is departing, and your adventure begins now. Subscribe today to follow Isabella’s daring escapades. Mystery, romance, and intrigue await—grab your ticket and step aboard!

We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Hi, Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do. 

I’m a Minnesota-dwelling writer with a love of books that straddles centuries and genres. After getting my Ph.D. in English Literature from UCLA, I realized that I didn’t want to be an academic. I wanted the thing I’ve always wanted — to be a novelist. Everything I’ve done since has been in pursuit of that goal (or paying the bills).

Well, not everything. What’s life without baking, drinking wine with friends, or a three-year love affair with aerial athletics? My husband’s not too bad, either.

Please tell us about your book. 

Lady Isabelle is a fiercely independent, no-nonsense heroine reluctantly caught up in romance and mystery. She’d rather focus on her mission as a budding alchemist — to find the secret to renewable aetheric energy — but when a murderer endangers her friends, she discovers a talent for skullduggery and snooping. Along the way, she grows closer to a fellow passenger, an irritating young gentleman with personal reasons for wishing the victim dead. 

The book is a finished novel that I’m publishing as a serial newsletter. I’m simultaneously publishing a premium version for paying subscribers, designing multimedia reading experiences for each installment. 

Please share your journey with our readers.

The idea for the novel popped into my head as a question: what if Agatha Christie’s famous train-board classic took place in a Steampunk universe? At some point, Isabelle joined the fun, dragging her feet all the way. 

The idea for this publication style came out of two different experiences. The first is that one of my day jobs includes freelance work for the newsletter platform beehiiv, so I know it well. The second came when I was waiting for my best friend at a restaurant, trying to read my current Kindle book on my phone. I hate reading on my phone, but I hate being without a book more. So I started asking a new question: what if the book were designed to be read on my phone or any other digital device? How could I look at digital publishing as an opportunity rather than an obstacle? 

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?

Write. Write more. Don’t give up. Keep writing and rewriting. If a person wants to be a writer, there’s really only one criterion. You must write.

Any message for our readers?

I hope you enjoy this whimsical journey as much as I do!

Thank you so much, M K Rumsey, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!