STEAMPUNK AT IT'S BEST
A Study in Silks
Magnificent Devices Series
By Shelley Adina
Steampunk
Mystery
Kickin' Female Lead
Historical
As the name suggests, A Study in Silks is set in the era of Sherlock Holmes' Victorian England. Our intelligent and savy heroine, Evelina Cooper, is the niece of the famous private investigator, and since he's off on his own adventures, she has to take up the slack. But finding the balance between her magic weilding tinkeringness and being the prim and proper lady in high society's new season isn't easy when she would much rather be working on her newest magic infused contraptions.
Then it all comes falling down around her when a household maid is killed in the home of her patronage. Investigating leads her down dangerous pathways and into the attentions of steam barons and lords and government agents who all converge around clues and witnesses and forbidden contraptions.
Evelina is beautiful, inquisitive and highly improper at times. She longs to be able to use her gift of magicking and steampunk mechanics but the threat of being captured and used as a science experiment keeps her talents hidden. She isn't one for politicking but is drawn into the intrigue of the day as each steam Baron fight underhanded battles of wit for money and power. New friends and old get caught up in the drama and she finds her heart in a muddle over the dashing and dangerous love from her past, and her best friend's handsome older brother who has made it very clear he wants her hand in marriage. So, what is a girl to do but get stuck in, solve the mystery, and not give her heart away to the wrong man.
I loved this series, but I found the political waffle a bit too much. It's world was rich textures of intrigue and mystery and the characters really well written. Evelina is like your quirky BFF from another era who loves deeply and is loyal to a fault. The story continues for another two books after this and the story gets richer as the characters grow stronger.
I gave this book 4.5 stars but the series 4 stars as I didn't manage to complete it. Too much politics.
