The trouble is, kindness is trouble.

Disgraced. Jobless. Kicked out of the butler's guild. Pennyton believed he had done the right thing. The kind thing. Look where that got him. Yet when he answers a surprise knock on his door, Pennyton finds himself where he least expected: on a one-night gig driving a carriage for a rich journalist who paid in full and up front.

Trouble is, now Pennyton sits on his freezing arse. In the dark. On a hard carriage seat behind impatient horses. Waiting for hours at the mouth of a dark alley full of bad news. Waiting. And waiting...

Then a terrible sound tells Pennyton that trouble just found him again.

If you love a down-on-their-luck hero with a good twist, then get ready to curl up with your favorite beverage and "A Tea and Brandy Gig."

The Rucksack Universe series combines alternate history, speculative fiction, myth, adventure, globetrotting, and intrigue—all with well-poured pints of beer. Library Journal says Anthony St. Clair's storytelling has "universe building reminiscent of Terry Pratchett," and readers say they love the Rucksack Universe's unique combination of "quirk, wit, travel, and magic."

Praise for Anthony St. Clair and the Rucksack Universe

"Left me completely gobsmacked. Great concept, fun characters, and beautiful writing... High-stakes story, told with wit and compassion." – Nth Degree

"Brings the reader into the story and holds them there with every sight, smell, sound, and feeling.... St. Clair is now one of my favorite authors and I truly cannot wait to read more." – Online Book Club

"Fans of travel, fantasy, and beer will circle around this story... with universe building reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, St. Clair's tale will make readers reconsider fate." – Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal's Self-Published Ebook Awards

What Readers Say

"Cheeky and sophisticated."

"Pulls you in fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat."

"A page turner for sure."

"Fascinating new universe."

"Modern fantasy writing with very real characters and situations."

"Anthony seamlessly combines quirk, wit, travel, and magic."

"Grabs your attention and doesn't let go."

"Entertaining fantasy full of twists and turns."

"Beautiful prose."

"Delightful and artful adventure into an intriguing world."

"Sharp writing and dialogue."

"A variety of amazing characters that have been masterfully brought to literary life."

"Beautiful prose, smart humor and a slanted take on reality."

"Anticipation of what's to happen next kept me turning the pages."

"A delightful read, especially for those who love to travel—even if only in their armchairs."

"Intriguing, magical underbelly!"

"Easy to slip into the myths of the situations and places."

"An amazing sense of the epic."

"Goes down smooth and leaves the reader poised for another round."

"Armchair Travel!"

"Just when you think you have it all figured out there is a twist that keeps you guessing."

"The story telling is exquisite and makes it hard to put the book down."

"This is not Douglas or Pratchett, this is St. Clair!"

"An abundance of love, light, and wonder."

"Left me wanting more!"