At the end of 2022 Wendy over at Literary Feline posted about these fantastic TBR Tarot Cards she had picked up on Etsy and that sounded too good to resist so I immediately ordered my own set. So when I'm not feeling strongly about what to read next I pull out my cards and pick a book based on the prompt. Here is a book the fates chose for me recently.
Blurb: When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor’s widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. It seems her husband’s designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine went missing the night of his death. The plans could be worth a fortune . . . and very dangerous in the wrong hands.
Joining Wrexford in his investigation is Charlotte Sloane, who uses the pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. Her extensive network of informants is critical for her work, but she doesn’t mind tapping that same web of spies to track down an elusive killer. Each suspect—from ambitious assistants to rich investors, and even the inventor’s widow—is entwined in a maze of secrets and lies that leads Wrexford and Sloane down London’s most perilous stews and darkest alleyways.
With danger lurking at every turn, the potent combination of Wrexford’s analytical mind and Sloane’s exacting intuition begins to unravel the twisted motivations behind the inventor’s death. But they are up against a cunning and deadly foe—a killer ready to strike again before they can recover the inventor’s priceless designs . . .
Joining Wrexford in his investigation is Charlotte Sloane, who uses the pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. Her extensive network of informants is critical for her work, but she doesn’t mind tapping that same web of spies to track down an elusive killer. Each suspect—from ambitious assistants to rich investors, and even the inventor’s widow—is entwined in a maze of secrets and lies that leads Wrexford and Sloane down London’s most perilous stews and darkest alleyways.
With danger lurking at every turn, the potent combination of Wrexford’s analytical mind and Sloane’s exacting intuition begins to unravel the twisted motivations behind the inventor’s death. But they are up against a cunning and deadly foe—a killer ready to strike again before they can recover the inventor’s priceless designs . . .
My Thoughts: I had enjoyed the first book in this historical mystery series but it wasn't a stand out for me so I'm so glad that I this prompt pushed me into picking up book 2. I so enjoyed this book and really enjoyed getting to see more of Rex and Charlotte - and of course Raven and Hawk. The mystery involves the seedy side of industrial invention and conflict between those who want to improve society and those that want money at all costs. I really wasn't sure just who the bad guy was and how it would all unravel until the very end and what an ending it was! I'm so glad I picked up book 2 and won't be nearly as long until I pick up book 3. If you're a fan of historical mysteries this is a great series! My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
I love that spooky looking cover art. I just finished a book called The Half Moon, ha!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this series. It's clever and humorous and has STEM aspects.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I love this series...but I agree. The second book is much better than the first one. :D And I really love Raven and Hawk...those two rascally weasels.
ReplyDeleteI love your reading cards and its great that you found the #2 in the series was much better than #1.And it does sound good.
ReplyDelete