Temple Shadows

Cozy Sci-Fi Mystery

by Katherine Okia

The future always comes for you—even if you’re locked away in a cell.
Near Future Science Fiction

In a sun-baked desert outpost, the Askae Temple gleams with glass and steel, its halls humming with secrets. Here, Andra Berg—once a renowned scientist, now an outcast and reluctant prophet—returns to a life she never wanted, surrounded by worshippers she can’t escape and visions of disaster she can’t ignore. In a world where psychic gifts are both miracle and curse, Andra’s ability to glimpse the future has made her a prisoner of her own mind.

When her estranged son—the temple’s charismatic leader—is murdered, Andra is thrust from isolation into the heart of a mystery, one tangled with dangerous faith, family betrayals, and the threat of war she alone has foreseen. To protect her vulnerable granddaughter and grieving daughter-in-law, Andra must decipher cryptic visions, navigate a labyrinth of suspects, and face the bitter legacy of her own choices.

If she fails, the ones she loves will be consumed by the shadows closing in—not just from a killer, but from the future itself. If she succeeds, she might finally rewrite fate—and reclaim her own freedom.

Some prisons are built of walls. Others, of secrets.

This Sci-Fi Cozy, Temple Shadows, takes place in the same universe as The Feeler, but it’s a standalone story.

Unravel the mystery—start reading today.

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A Wonderful Blend of

Science Fiction

and

Cozy Mystery

To Keep You Guessing!

Popular Tropes

Mystery

Amateur Sleuth
Red Herrings
Narrow Escape

Science Fiction

Psychic Powers
Luxury Spaceship
Artificial Intelligence

BISAC Categories

FICTION / Science Fiction / General
FICTION / Science Fiction / Crime & Mystery
FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera
FICTION / Science Fiction / Androids, Robots & Artificial Intelligences
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Traditional
FICTION / Family Life / General

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Temple Shadows

Character Compendium

Andra Berg is a sixty-eight-year-old Seer and the creator of the Askovian serum, whose abilities allow her to glimpse possible futures, though she cannot determine exactly when they will occur. Once a brilliant scientist and researcher, she is the mother of Hawkan Berg and grandmother to Ingrid and Liam.

Hawkan Berg is the ambitious founder of the Askae Temple and the son of Andra Berg, known for his powerful Mover abilities and charismatic yet autocratic leadership.

Jorna Berg is Hawkan’s wife and Andra Berg’s daughter-in-law, a strong and intelligent woman who struggles to protect her children, Ingrid and Liam, amid the turmoil of the temple.

Dylan Sutton is a founder of the Askae Temple, an imposing man with black hair and piercing blue eyes. As a council member with Viewer abilities, Dylan is intelligent, disciplined, and deeply committed to the temple’s original ideals, often acting as both leader and mediator during times of crisis.

Fiona Washington is a founding council member of the temple, known for her athletic frame, long chestnut hair, and intelligent green eyes. Married to Garon, she is diplomatic, compassionate, and respected by many, but her loyalty is tested as the government’s influence grows.

Garon Washington is Fiona’s supportive husband and a key council member, marked by his bronze skin, brown eyes, and military haircut. Though he lacks abilities himself, Garon’s pragmatism, loyalty, and sense of justice make him an essential figure in the temple’s leadership.

Eddy Rockwell is a lanky, freckled redhead and one of the temple’s founders, renowned for his powerful Reader abilities and irreverent humor. Eddy is both a source of comic relief and a sharp observer of the community’s dysfunctions.

Odell Smith is the diligent and discreet secretary to the council at the Askae Temple, as well as Hawkan’s assistant. A reserved man with short brown hair and brown eyes, Odell is fiercely loyal to the temple’s leadership.

Psychic Glossary

Curious about the psychic abilities in my stories? Here’s a quick guide to help you keep track of who’s who—and what they can do.

Askovians
Askovians are people born with psychic abilities, also known as para-sensory skills. A couple of generations ago, something started changing in humans—maybe evolution, maybe something in the water (no one’s quite sure). About ten percent of the population developed special abilities, and that group became known as Askovians.

Askov Family
These are the family members of Askovians. Most don’t have active abilities themselves, but many carry the traits and can pass them on to their kids. Think of them as latent carriers of psychic potential.

Readers
Readers are telepathic—they can hear other people’s thoughts. While that might sound cool, it’s not always easy. Like Feelers, Readers can get overloaded in crowds and need to train themselves to block out the mental noise around them.

Movers
Movers have telekinetic abilities—they can move things with their minds. Small stuff? No problem. But if they want to shift something big, they’ll need to do some serious mental prep first. Most Movers have to meditate and really focus before taking on anything heavy.

Viewers
Viewers ability to see objects not illuminated by light, at great distances or on the microscopic level. Some can put images in people’s eyes, making them see things that aren’t real.

Feelers
Feelers can sense and experience other people’s emotions—sometimes deeply, sometimes painfully. Because of how intense this can be, most Feelers have to learn how to “shield” their minds to avoid getting overwhelmed, especially in crowded or emotional spaces.

Originals
A term used to describe humans who have no ties to an Askov family and possess no special mental abilities. They are often perceived differently by Askovs and Askovians, sometimes facing discrimination or being considered “ordinary.” Thea seeks to live among Originals to escape her family’s expectations.

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COPYRIGHT PAGE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or if real, are used fictitiously.

First Paperback edition published 2025.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, taping and recording, without the prior written permission from the publisher. For information, contact the publisher at hello@katherinesbooks.com.

ISBN: 978-1-951722-22-7 eBook

ISBN: 978-1-951722-23-4 Paperback