The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton
I have to admit that I have a growing fondness for steampunk, and there are lots of cool details in this fun, quick read.
Julia, airship waitress and music hall dancer, wants to discover who murdered her sister and why. When the famous Lady Law offers to solve the case for free, Julia can’t help but agree. After all, Lady Law has caught countless criminals, including Jack the Ripper, beating Scotland Yard to the punch every time. But Julia doesn’t entirely trust her, and neither does Julia’s new friend, Constable Al Grant. Al and Julia, along with an aging adventurer Horace Holly, unravel the truth.
The mystery held my attention, even though I have to say I was a little disappointed in the ending, but simply it used a device that I’m not a big fan of. I truly liked Julia’s character. She’s a tough lady, but only because she has to be. She’s waiting for true love, and hopefully Al fits the bill. There’s a little romance there, but it doesn’t overwhelm the story.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours. Julia’s Victorian London, full of new mechanical inventions, is an interesting place to visit.
A muddy flyer in the gutter advertising Great British Airships made her sigh. Its slogan had become the current Steam Age motto and appeared all across London. Ambition soars. The World Is Yours. (10%)
Technological advances, crime, love, hope. It’s all here.
E-book – 31,600 words
To be released January 31, 2011
3 out of 5 stars
Pre-order for Kindle at Amazon.
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense
I received my copy from the publisher for review and the above is my honest opinion.
Steampunk, I do enjoy that, so perhaps a book for me..if I get that e-reader
Fantastic review. I love Steampunk!
This sounds fun! I definitely didn’t think from the title that it was a steampunk book, but I’m glad to hear it is. I might look into it, even with an unfortunate ending.