A Study in Silk by Emma Jane Holloway

In a Victorian era ruled by a council of ruthless steam barons, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the empire. Nevertheless, the most coveted weapon is magic that can run machines—something Evelina has secretly mastered. But rather than making her fortune, her special talents could mean death or an eternity as a guest of Her Majesty’s secret laboratories. What’s a polite young lady to do but mind her manners and pray she’s never found out?

But then there’s that murder. As Sherlock’s niece, Evelina should be able to find the answers, but she has a lot to learn. And the first decision she has to make is whether to trust the handsome, clever rake who makes her breath come faster, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything for her if she would only just ask.

REVIEW

Like Clockwork 

This was a great read. In fact, the more time that passes since I finished it, with the details and characters still swirling around in my brain, the more impressed I am. It really was another one those sneaky stealth books that begin kind of "hmm...", then before you know it, you've had your head buried in it for hours, the room has gone dark, and your family has given up trying to get your attention and gone out without you.

That happens with surprising frequency in my house!

I suspect my slightly cool reception initially might have been due to the tone not being quite as expected. The cover and blurb seemed to promise a more uppity, impetuous heroine full of snark and quick wit, but Evelina was so much more subtly nuanced than that. In fact, being seen as respectable and not stirring up trouble was a constant worry for her, as befitting the period setting and her precarious position within the Bancroft household. Because the thing is, Evelina has already had a somewhat unorthodox history as far as society is concerned - she was in the circus, how cool is that?! - and is only just this side of proper in the eyes of the nobility. So drawing extra attention to herself is that very last thing she wants to do. But, when dead bodies start showing up, it's not long before the niece of the great detective Sherlock Holmes reveals her true calling, and that the investigative gene hasn't skipped a generation.

Holloway's reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes was wonderful. And although he didn't steal the limelight from his niece - only appearing in the book in person very sporadically - he really did steal the scenes he was in. I absolutely adored the portrayal of him as the slightly awkward but caring Uncle. It was too sweet! He became embroiled in the mystery to a certain degree and was often asked for advice, but was usually off somewhere or out of the country with his own fish to fry, and insisted Evelina use her own judgements to solve the case. Which was great since she is our heroine, not him.

Of course, there were some wonderful Steampunk elements, too. Steampunk and a bit of magic! I loved this combination. Add into this the political machinations of the Steam Barons who lord over all - almost to the point of a dystopian society - and you've got a truly wonderful, genre-bending mix.

And, what about romance I hear you cry? Well, there was some, and small and chaste though it was, I really enjoyed it. There's a bit of a love triangle situation going on, but since there's no cavorting allowed before marriage for nice young ladies, it's a love triangle of the heart, built on unrealized desires, and totally non-annoying. And even though the book was sexless, that's not to say it didn't have its racy moments. There was this one scene in particular in the circus with Nick and the flower... I think I might have died of hormone explosion if I were in Evelina's shoes right then. Hoowee! *fans self*

So, do I recommend? Yes indeedy! It's a slow-starter, and as it's quite a long book, not the fastest paced read ever, but I really, really enjoyed it and can't wait for books two and three to come out. They called respectively A Study in Darkness and A Study in Ashes!

4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.