The Mantis and the Maiden: The Only Thing More Dangerous Than a Bioweapon is a Meticulous Curator with a Clumsy Sidekick.

By Veronica D Zimmerman

What happens when a chaotic podcaster meets the most efficient woman alive?

When meticulous curator Penny Slinger's Orchid Mantis ("The Bride") is stolen for a terrifying bioweapon, she's forced to partner with Miles Monroe, a human disaster zone.

Their mission won't be saved by precision-it will be saved by catastrophic, accidental infrastructure failure.

Penny relies on Miles's unique "Thermodynamic Vandalism" to generate the unpredictable variables needed to win. Their final battle with Dr. Skolops ends in a cryogenic vault when Miles accidentally ruptures a steam boiler-a perfect comic irony that secures their victory. Recognizing Miles's Improbability Drive and aptitude for Accidental Victory, Penny rejects all official offers. Their next mission-tracking illegal Singing Cicadas through the sewers-has a 40% collapse risk, but their awkward, chaotic partnership is now officially in business!

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FT79DTH6
• ISBN13: 9798267617895
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"