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The Sterling Directive
Captain Charles Maddox returns secretly to London from an exile in disgrace only to be arrested, imprisoned and threatened with the death penalty. He is rescued by a shadowy government agency called the Map Room who give him a return to prison or become an agent, codenamed Sterling, and help them uncover a government conspiracy connected to the Ripper murders.
Led by the coolly calculating Milady and her associate Collier, and aided by fellow agent Church and mechanical computer expert Patience, the freshly appointed Agent Sterling must rapidly learn his new trade if he is to survive the murky and violent fringes of Victorian life and uncover a secret that threatens the Empire itself.
Set in 1896 in an alternative Victorian timeline where mechanical computers are a part of everyday life, The Sterling Directive blends fact and fiction to create a gripping thriller for fans of espionage and historical adventure alike.
Led by the coolly calculating Milady and her associate Collier, and aided by fellow agent Church and mechanical computer expert Patience, the freshly appointed Agent Sterling must rapidly learn his new trade if he is to survive the murky and violent fringes of Victorian life and uncover a secret that threatens the Empire itself.
Set in 1896 in an alternative Victorian timeline where mechanical computers are a part of everyday life, The Sterling Directive blends fact and fiction to create a gripping thriller for fans of espionage and historical adventure alike.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
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15 people want to read
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August 20, 2020
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A science-fiction, steam-punk, espionage thriller set in the late 1800s on Jack the Ripper? Yes please! This book was weird, wild, and wonderful and I liked it a lot.
To be honest, I am not an avid reader of any of these genres. However, the author tells the story in such a gripping manner that I was immediately hooked. The story is a bit bumpy at first as you try to figure out what is happening. But the story was amazing once Charles figures out his situation. There are so many twists and turns, and the story is so unique that you cannot even guess how it will turn out. The author also wrote the action scenes very well, like the scene in the train when they go for billiards.
Charles is great as the lead. I was totally picturing a James Bond like character set in the 1800s for him. Church and Patience also add very well as supporting characters. In fact, I really liked Patience and found her sarcastic wit hilarious. Another particular character that stood out was Richardson. Even though he only appears for a few scenes, he was very memorable.
However, I thought the story moved very fast in the last few chapters. While I like a good high speed climax, I felt like I was in a roller-coaster on this one. It would have been nice if the pacing was a bit relaxed towards the end.
Apart from that, this was very entertaining. I hope this is the start of a series, as I would love to see these characters again. Overall, you have to read “The Sterling Directive” as it is complete out of the box and feels like a brand new experience.
August 27, 2020
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The Sterling Directive by Tim Standish is extremely engaging and absorbing. Pardon the adverb but there are no two words about it.
A BLEND OF THREE GENRES
Set in an alternate nineteenth-century Britain, ruled by Queen Victoria, the book seamlessly blends three genres – historical fiction, science fiction, and thriller to create a dark yet intriguing read. Here, mechanical engines are a part of everyday life much like computers in the present day. Further, airships are a prevalent mode of transportation in Standish’s alternate universe.
INTRIGUING MYSTERY
With these fantastical elements in place, The Sterling Directive begins on an excellent note. Eight years ago, Maddox was exiled in disgrace to Canada. He secretly returns to London to meet his ailing father only to be imprisoned once more and plunges headfirst into the same murky circumstances that initiated his exile.
What were those circumstances? We do not know.
Standish keeps the mystery intact till the end. If one was not enough, he introduces another: who is Jack the Ripper? Both these threads work well in tandem to produce a deliciously dark and enthralling historical mystery.
REMARKABLY FASCINATING CHARACTERS
Standish crafts fully fleshed-out characters.
Maddox, our troubled protagonist, trying to survive the dire situations he finds himself in numerous times, is ably supported by an ensemble cast.
Church, a laconic man, is Maddox’s reluctant friend, philosopher, and guide, but soon reaches a level of understanding with Maddox.
Milady, the woman in charge of the Map Room is a deceptively sweet person; her mask falls away when she is alone with the team. Then she becomes a fox – cold and calculating.
Patience is an expert on mechanical computers, the equivalent of a modern-day computer geek. Oh, how many times, she swoops in to save the day.
And finally, there is Collier, who efficiently aids Milady in keeping the activities of Map Room as discreet as possible.
THE INVESTIGATION
With these motley crew of characters, the investigation into the Ripper murders as well as the Maddox’s own story via flashbacks is a captivating read. Standish’s sharp writing further bolsters the strength of the clever plot. Reading The Sterling Directive felt like seeing a master conjuror in action. Every time I picked up the book, I could not stop reading without completing 50-60 pages due to the exquisite worldbuilding and the fast pace.
The mystery unravels at the end with all the loose ends tied up and hints towards the possibility of a sequel. I look forward to reading more of Maddox’s foray into the world of spies.
My only complaint with the book is it gets a little long-winded closer to the climax as the team chases multiple leads.
SUMMARY
This minor quibble aside, Tim Standish’s The Sterling Directive has a stellar beginning, an exhilarating middle where the mystery deepens and a satisfactory climax with deft handling of the alternate timeline of 19th century Britain. Highly recommended for fans of historical thriller and science fiction.
Many thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of the book. This does not affect my opinion on the book.
The Sterling Directive by Tim Standish is extremely engaging and absorbing. Pardon the adverb but there are no two words about it.
A BLEND OF THREE GENRES
Set in an alternate nineteenth-century Britain, ruled by Queen Victoria, the book seamlessly blends three genres – historical fiction, science fiction, and thriller to create a dark yet intriguing read. Here, mechanical engines are a part of everyday life much like computers in the present day. Further, airships are a prevalent mode of transportation in Standish’s alternate universe.
INTRIGUING MYSTERY
With these fantastical elements in place, The Sterling Directive begins on an excellent note. Eight years ago, Maddox was exiled in disgrace to Canada. He secretly returns to London to meet his ailing father only to be imprisoned once more and plunges headfirst into the same murky circumstances that initiated his exile.
What were those circumstances? We do not know.
Standish keeps the mystery intact till the end. If one was not enough, he introduces another: who is Jack the Ripper? Both these threads work well in tandem to produce a deliciously dark and enthralling historical mystery.
REMARKABLY FASCINATING CHARACTERS
Standish crafts fully fleshed-out characters.
Maddox, our troubled protagonist, trying to survive the dire situations he finds himself in numerous times, is ably supported by an ensemble cast.
Church, a laconic man, is Maddox’s reluctant friend, philosopher, and guide, but soon reaches a level of understanding with Maddox.
Milady, the woman in charge of the Map Room is a deceptively sweet person; her mask falls away when she is alone with the team. Then she becomes a fox – cold and calculating.
Patience is an expert on mechanical computers, the equivalent of a modern-day computer geek. Oh, how many times, she swoops in to save the day.
And finally, there is Collier, who efficiently aids Milady in keeping the activities of Map Room as discreet as possible.
THE INVESTIGATION
With these motley crew of characters, the investigation into the Ripper murders as well as the Maddox’s own story via flashbacks is a captivating read. Standish’s sharp writing further bolsters the strength of the clever plot. Reading The Sterling Directive felt like seeing a master conjuror in action. Every time I picked up the book, I could not stop reading without completing 50-60 pages due to the exquisite worldbuilding and the fast pace.
The mystery unravels at the end with all the loose ends tied up and hints towards the possibility of a sequel. I look forward to reading more of Maddox’s foray into the world of spies.
My only complaint with the book is it gets a little long-winded closer to the climax as the team chases multiple leads.
SUMMARY
This minor quibble aside, Tim Standish’s The Sterling Directive has a stellar beginning, an exhilarating middle where the mystery deepens and a satisfactory climax with deft handling of the alternate timeline of 19th century Britain. Highly recommended for fans of historical thriller and science fiction.
Many thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of the book. This does not affect my opinion on the book.
May 28, 2021
Charles Maddox has different identities already – he is supposed to be in exile, serving in the army, a punishment that was the only alternative to being sentenced to death. However, when his father’s health takes a turn for the worse, he returns to London under a false name. Getting arrested and questioned was not a part of his plan and, when he finds himself trapped beneath the Thames, in a cell that would be impossible to break out of, he is rescued, retrieved from the cell and given an ultimatum – join a secret agency, known as the Map Room, and take on a directive, or return to prison, where he is likely to have to carry out his original sentence from years ago and be put to death.
Taking the only choice he sees safe to follow, Charles takes on the name Agent Sterling and, alongside another agent, known as Church, Charles finds himself investigating the Ripper murders, bringing up things that have barely been thought about before, let alone publicised.
I must start by applauding the author for creating such a world. This isn’t a novel set solely in the Victorian era, but an alternative historical world, wherein the characters have access to computers, airships, and advanced technology. In the modern-day, one might say cameras are watching our every move. In this book, no one’s identity is a secret if the government sees fit to check, for everyone is on file. This, of course, does not help Charles, when he is travelling under a different name, and the truth is revealed with a simple check. However, in the modern-day, we have hackers and the agency that ‘rescues’ Charles has one of sorts – Patience, the agency’s tapper, who can, not only change Charles’ file but can provide the agency with vital information necessary for the success of their directive.
Charles was an incredibly interesting protagonist, for while his situation seems dire, he tries his hand at everything put in front of him, and rises to the challenge. The Ripper murders are a mystery still, but he becomes determined to find out the truth and, if possible, find the Ripper. With the help of Church and other members of the Map Room, Charles takes on the role that the name Agent Sterling presents to him. His experience in the army, as a Captain, helps him to lead anyone who looks his way for answers or direction, and his ability to keep himself alive in a fight comes in handy more than once.
Charles and Church make a wonderful team, often coming up with stories about who they are and what they are doing at a specific place only moments before entering, making things up as the situation progresses. Their thought processes were amazing and the way these scenes played out were generally very entertaining. This is not a book filled with intense scenes and serious facts, but one that drops in a few jokes and funny quips every now and again. In certain situations, Charles comes across as incredibly sarcastic, and this made this book even more of a joy to read.
I greatly enjoyed the scenes with Patience. While she is very much a secondary character, her sarcasm outshines Charles’, and her character makes up the stereotype of a computer nerd, getting overexcited in the presence of a piece of new technology, and uncomfortable dressing up to look posh, preferring to rebel in clothing and mannerisms, making her incredibly entertaining to read about.
This book is fast-paced and action-packed, the kind of book that you don’t want to put down, but keep reading until there is nothing left to read. There is action aplenty, and a mystery that will keep you guessing, with twists and turns to confuse you, or to clear things up. Charles’ past is revealed slowly and, as his background is built, things start to come together, with the present revealing secrets about the truth behind the Ripper murders.
I was a little worried as I came to the last chapter, as to how the story was going to be wrapped up so quickly. There seemed to be too many loose ends and unanswered questions. However, I was happily surprised, as everything slotted together like the last few pieces of a jigsaw, with no pieces missing and the full picture being revealed before your eyes. This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and I would happily do so again.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Taking the only choice he sees safe to follow, Charles takes on the name Agent Sterling and, alongside another agent, known as Church, Charles finds himself investigating the Ripper murders, bringing up things that have barely been thought about before, let alone publicised.
I must start by applauding the author for creating such a world. This isn’t a novel set solely in the Victorian era, but an alternative historical world, wherein the characters have access to computers, airships, and advanced technology. In the modern-day, one might say cameras are watching our every move. In this book, no one’s identity is a secret if the government sees fit to check, for everyone is on file. This, of course, does not help Charles, when he is travelling under a different name, and the truth is revealed with a simple check. However, in the modern-day, we have hackers and the agency that ‘rescues’ Charles has one of sorts – Patience, the agency’s tapper, who can, not only change Charles’ file but can provide the agency with vital information necessary for the success of their directive.
Charles was an incredibly interesting protagonist, for while his situation seems dire, he tries his hand at everything put in front of him, and rises to the challenge. The Ripper murders are a mystery still, but he becomes determined to find out the truth and, if possible, find the Ripper. With the help of Church and other members of the Map Room, Charles takes on the role that the name Agent Sterling presents to him. His experience in the army, as a Captain, helps him to lead anyone who looks his way for answers or direction, and his ability to keep himself alive in a fight comes in handy more than once.
Charles and Church make a wonderful team, often coming up with stories about who they are and what they are doing at a specific place only moments before entering, making things up as the situation progresses. Their thought processes were amazing and the way these scenes played out were generally very entertaining. This is not a book filled with intense scenes and serious facts, but one that drops in a few jokes and funny quips every now and again. In certain situations, Charles comes across as incredibly sarcastic, and this made this book even more of a joy to read.
I greatly enjoyed the scenes with Patience. While she is very much a secondary character, her sarcasm outshines Charles’, and her character makes up the stereotype of a computer nerd, getting overexcited in the presence of a piece of new technology, and uncomfortable dressing up to look posh, preferring to rebel in clothing and mannerisms, making her incredibly entertaining to read about.
This book is fast-paced and action-packed, the kind of book that you don’t want to put down, but keep reading until there is nothing left to read. There is action aplenty, and a mystery that will keep you guessing, with twists and turns to confuse you, or to clear things up. Charles’ past is revealed slowly and, as his background is built, things start to come together, with the present revealing secrets about the truth behind the Ripper murders.
I was a little worried as I came to the last chapter, as to how the story was going to be wrapped up so quickly. There seemed to be too many loose ends and unanswered questions. However, I was happily surprised, as everything slotted together like the last few pieces of a jigsaw, with no pieces missing and the full picture being revealed before your eyes. This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and I would happily do so again.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
June 2, 2021
As you may well know, I could drop one end of my to-read list from the top of a flight of stairs and it would reach the bottom and then some. This means that I often forget what a book is about and go into it blind. This one, however, I didn’t. I kept repeating the phrase ‘Victorian era with computers’ to myself, which made me incredibly excited to read this book.
Charles got himself into a bit of trouble a few years ago, wherein he ended up as the main suspect of murder and was told he could either join the army for ten years or be put to death. Unsurprisingly, he took the option that meant he didn’t die, and was shipped off to fight. With a few years still left, Charles’ father fell ill and Charles snuck back into London to try and see his father before his imminent demise. He has a very eventful welcome home, finding himself in a duel, then heading to Cooper’s, a place that can only be described as a fancy brothel, only to then be faced with a raid to the building that ended up with him in handcuffs.
Luckily, for him, the cell he was put in was only under the Thames, which apparently was no challenge for the agency calling themselves the Map Room to break him out and recruit him, in exchange for a pardon, allowing him to stay in the country and escape the notice of the police. They have a directive that they want him to help with – to investigate Jack the Ripper. New information has come to light, that there may not be just one man, but two working together to create the Ripper, and such information needs investigating.
Charles takes on the name ‘Sterling’ and works with another agent, Church, in the investigation. I must say, Church was one of my favourite characters, if only for his love of tea. He gets very upset when there is no tea, and, despite his distaste for coffee, he seems to end up drinking it quite often. Being British, I can assure you that this is not a stereotype, but almost an everyday occurance when there is a lack of tea available.
I also really liked Patience, who is an angsty computer hacker, who seems to spend all her time locked away in a room with a computer, getting up to one thing or another that is incredibly helpful to the Map Room, and an inconvenience to anyone else. Patience reminded me of Shuri, the Black Panther’s sister, if anyone has seen that movie.
A couple of times, I found myself doing some research as to when certain things were invented. For certain, in the Victorian times, there was no such thing as a card reader, they weren’t invented until the 1960s, so this book is definitely an alternative history novel. Somehow, though, this didn’t hinder the story at all. I liked the fact that it was modern day, minus mobile phones and internet, in the Victorian times. It created a world that I am accustomed to (not that I am accustomed to airship raids, but you get what I mean) in a historical setting and it was incredibly easy to get lost in the pages.
There is plenty of mystery and action in this book, which make you not want to put it down to do things like sleep because you want to keep on reading. This, unfortunately, poses an issue, as I like sleep and I already have an overactive child who likes waking up far too early. My usual early(ish) nights turned later and while my husband kept trying to get me to go to bed, I ignored him to keep reading. Eventually, he realised that tempting me with hot chocolate was the way to go, and I put the book down in favour of hot chocolate in bed, with tiny marshmallows.
All in all, this is a really entertaining and interesting book, with a good helping of murder and some mystery, action and technology used to season it to taste. I loved reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone wanting a good read, which doesn't demand too much historical knowledge to understand!
*I recieved a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Charles got himself into a bit of trouble a few years ago, wherein he ended up as the main suspect of murder and was told he could either join the army for ten years or be put to death. Unsurprisingly, he took the option that meant he didn’t die, and was shipped off to fight. With a few years still left, Charles’ father fell ill and Charles snuck back into London to try and see his father before his imminent demise. He has a very eventful welcome home, finding himself in a duel, then heading to Cooper’s, a place that can only be described as a fancy brothel, only to then be faced with a raid to the building that ended up with him in handcuffs.
Luckily, for him, the cell he was put in was only under the Thames, which apparently was no challenge for the agency calling themselves the Map Room to break him out and recruit him, in exchange for a pardon, allowing him to stay in the country and escape the notice of the police. They have a directive that they want him to help with – to investigate Jack the Ripper. New information has come to light, that there may not be just one man, but two working together to create the Ripper, and such information needs investigating.
Charles takes on the name ‘Sterling’ and works with another agent, Church, in the investigation. I must say, Church was one of my favourite characters, if only for his love of tea. He gets very upset when there is no tea, and, despite his distaste for coffee, he seems to end up drinking it quite often. Being British, I can assure you that this is not a stereotype, but almost an everyday occurance when there is a lack of tea available.
I also really liked Patience, who is an angsty computer hacker, who seems to spend all her time locked away in a room with a computer, getting up to one thing or another that is incredibly helpful to the Map Room, and an inconvenience to anyone else. Patience reminded me of Shuri, the Black Panther’s sister, if anyone has seen that movie.
A couple of times, I found myself doing some research as to when certain things were invented. For certain, in the Victorian times, there was no such thing as a card reader, they weren’t invented until the 1960s, so this book is definitely an alternative history novel. Somehow, though, this didn’t hinder the story at all. I liked the fact that it was modern day, minus mobile phones and internet, in the Victorian times. It created a world that I am accustomed to (not that I am accustomed to airship raids, but you get what I mean) in a historical setting and it was incredibly easy to get lost in the pages.
There is plenty of mystery and action in this book, which make you not want to put it down to do things like sleep because you want to keep on reading. This, unfortunately, poses an issue, as I like sleep and I already have an overactive child who likes waking up far too early. My usual early(ish) nights turned later and while my husband kept trying to get me to go to bed, I ignored him to keep reading. Eventually, he realised that tempting me with hot chocolate was the way to go, and I put the book down in favour of hot chocolate in bed, with tiny marshmallows.
All in all, this is a really entertaining and interesting book, with a good helping of murder and some mystery, action and technology used to season it to taste. I loved reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone wanting a good read, which doesn't demand too much historical knowledge to understand!
*I recieved a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
June 3, 2021
Captain Charles Maddox was in exile, forced to fight in the army to save himself from execution for a crime long since committed. When he returns to London before his exile is finished, under a fake name, and almost immediately finds himself fighting a duel, things aren’t looking good for him. He is arrested, albeit not because of the duel, then broken out of prison by a mysterious agency calling themselves the Map Room. The Map Room makes a deal with Charles – join the agency and gain a pardon, or leave and be arrested and, most likely, executed.
This book is one that I cannot compare to anything else. I have never read a book like it before, and this is a positive reaction! This book is based in the Victorian Era, yet there is technology that simply didn’t exist in that time period, creating a fantasy world that is easy to get lost in. Charles takes on the offer and becomes an agent, agent Sterling, to be specific, and he is immediately given a directive – to investigate the Ripper murders for, although it has been a few years since they last happened, there is a new suspicion in the agency that Jack the Ripper was not just one person. This might be the information necessary to catch him, or indeed, them.
Charles and his partner, Church, head off on an adventure of mystery, murder and action, creating a very exciting story that I found it difficult to put down. Despite being a fantasy, I had no trouble understanding the world that I found myself in, as everything was explained wonderfully.
I thought this book was thrilling and incredibly gripping, and it is the sort of book that I don’t mind reading again.
*I received a complimentary copy from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
This book is one that I cannot compare to anything else. I have never read a book like it before, and this is a positive reaction! This book is based in the Victorian Era, yet there is technology that simply didn’t exist in that time period, creating a fantasy world that is easy to get lost in. Charles takes on the offer and becomes an agent, agent Sterling, to be specific, and he is immediately given a directive – to investigate the Ripper murders for, although it has been a few years since they last happened, there is a new suspicion in the agency that Jack the Ripper was not just one person. This might be the information necessary to catch him, or indeed, them.
Charles and his partner, Church, head off on an adventure of mystery, murder and action, creating a very exciting story that I found it difficult to put down. Despite being a fantasy, I had no trouble understanding the world that I found myself in, as everything was explained wonderfully.
I thought this book was thrilling and incredibly gripping, and it is the sort of book that I don’t mind reading again.
*I received a complimentary copy from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
May 26, 2021
This book is unlike anything I have ever read before, in a good way. Captain Charles Maddox was exiled to serve in the army, to pay for crimes that he committed, but returned early, entering London under a false name to try and see his ailing father. A raid, arrest and jailbreak later, he is working for an agency calling themselves the Map Room for his pardon. The Map Room have a directive for him to work, to investigate Jack the Ripper. New information has come up, which might suggest the Ripper is two people working together, not one.
This book is exciting, with a mystery that will keep you guessing and enough twists to make you unable to guess what will happen next. Charles was a fabulous character, and he took on his new role as agent Sterling wonderfully. I thought he was incredibly skilled to be able to do so without a hitch, and his adventures are gripping.
This novel is an alternative historical story, so while the characters are living in the Victorian era, they have computers, airships and the like. This made for an interesting combination of history and the modern-day. This merge was both fun and carried out incredibly well.
I loved every second of this novel. It was packed full of action and mystery and the world it is set in draws you in. The pages simply couldn’t turn quickly enough.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
This book is exciting, with a mystery that will keep you guessing and enough twists to make you unable to guess what will happen next. Charles was a fabulous character, and he took on his new role as agent Sterling wonderfully. I thought he was incredibly skilled to be able to do so without a hitch, and his adventures are gripping.
This novel is an alternative historical story, so while the characters are living in the Victorian era, they have computers, airships and the like. This made for an interesting combination of history and the modern-day. This merge was both fun and carried out incredibly well.
I loved every second of this novel. It was packed full of action and mystery and the world it is set in draws you in. The pages simply couldn’t turn quickly enough.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
January 8, 2021
This is a great read set in Victorian England, but not quite as we know it. The author has mixed fact with fiction to create a really interesting mystery.
Captain Maddox is secretly recruited by a society to solve the mystery of Jack the Ripper. To ensure he stays out of prison he has to comply, and so starts to look into the multiple deaths.
As the investigation continues he realises that the murders are connected to people very high up in the establishment, who will try their hardest to conceal their involvement.
A really interesting read.
Captain Maddox is secretly recruited by a society to solve the mystery of Jack the Ripper. To ensure he stays out of prison he has to comply, and so starts to look into the multiple deaths.
As the investigation continues he realises that the murders are connected to people very high up in the establishment, who will try their hardest to conceal their involvement.
A really interesting read.
March 10, 2021
An excellent mix of alternate history and spy story, it's highly entertaining and gripping.
Excellent world building and character development, a solid story that kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Excellent world building and character development, a solid story that kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 4, 2021
Standish's The Sterling Directive is a terrific book full of clever writing, gripping mysteries, and thrilling adventure. You will find yourself soon immersed in it's alternative history and eager to explore further. A great read.
August 21, 2020
A thriller, a fantasy, historical fiction and mystery, this innovative book combines many elements to make a exciting, tense and really enjoyable book. A man emerges from an exile in military service in Canada in Victorian London, but this is a very different world from what could be expected in a normal historical fiction novel. The technology is very different in this carefully constructed world. Airships are ubiquitous, transport far from just horse drawn carriages, but there are also engine computers, with a primitive internet and communication facilities. Thus Charles is launched into a world of slippery identities, instant communication and records of people’s lives called berties. Meeting a new group of people, given a new role, he must pursue a new identity and a directive to investigate the notorious murders attributed to Jack the Ripper. This is an intriguing and exciting book, which contains action scenes and memorable characters, is a tense and engaging read. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this unique book on the edge of fantasy.
The book begins with a duel and a death, as Charles returns to Britain after an exile of some eight years. All is far from well, and he is soon arrested before he can discover the truth of a crime which he struggles to remember. Condemned to a cell without hope, he is suddenly released and introduced to an organisation that he struggles to understand. Meeting new colleagues is one thing; he is also introduced to the mysterious Milady, who sets out his lack of options. Adopting a disguise and a fake fiance, he goes on a tour of parts of London associated with the Ripper, and gets a lead for further investigation. Partnered by the laconic Church, they have to survive more than one attack which are extremely well written. As a technical back up back at base Charles meets Patience, who manages the computer system, discovering people, creating false messages and more. A memorable character in many ways, she provides an extra dimensional to a story with real vibrancy and depth. There are careful descriptions of weapons and technological innovations that are on the edge of reality even now. The presence of innovation combined with an investigation which tests everyone in the service makes for an irresistible read.
At the beginning of this novel it seemed a lot to assimilate, as even a working knowledge of Victorian history did not seem to prepare me for reading this book. I need not have been concerned. It is funny, exciting and gives a real insight into Charles’ motivation as we observe the challenges he faces through his eyes, as he narrates the novel. His resourcefulness comes in part from his military experience on the edge of Empire in Canada, as a Civil war continues across the states of America, and partly through his maverick view of life. This book artfully plays with history, historical technology and humanity to great effect; it is a book which appeals on many levels as being fast moving, thrilling and more. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written novel with a fast pace and depth of story that will entertain and engage.
The book begins with a duel and a death, as Charles returns to Britain after an exile of some eight years. All is far from well, and he is soon arrested before he can discover the truth of a crime which he struggles to remember. Condemned to a cell without hope, he is suddenly released and introduced to an organisation that he struggles to understand. Meeting new colleagues is one thing; he is also introduced to the mysterious Milady, who sets out his lack of options. Adopting a disguise and a fake fiance, he goes on a tour of parts of London associated with the Ripper, and gets a lead for further investigation. Partnered by the laconic Church, they have to survive more than one attack which are extremely well written. As a technical back up back at base Charles meets Patience, who manages the computer system, discovering people, creating false messages and more. A memorable character in many ways, she provides an extra dimensional to a story with real vibrancy and depth. There are careful descriptions of weapons and technological innovations that are on the edge of reality even now. The presence of innovation combined with an investigation which tests everyone in the service makes for an irresistible read.
At the beginning of this novel it seemed a lot to assimilate, as even a working knowledge of Victorian history did not seem to prepare me for reading this book. I need not have been concerned. It is funny, exciting and gives a real insight into Charles’ motivation as we observe the challenges he faces through his eyes, as he narrates the novel. His resourcefulness comes in part from his military experience on the edge of Empire in Canada, as a Civil war continues across the states of America, and partly through his maverick view of life. This book artfully plays with history, historical technology and humanity to great effect; it is a book which appeals on many levels as being fast moving, thrilling and more. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written novel with a fast pace and depth of story that will entertain and engage.
December 5, 2020
Steam punk meets modern spy fiction! The reimagining of Victorian England cleverly opened the door for the author to leverage the strengths of the characters in ways which would not have been possible has this been a straight historical fiction. By taking the characters and placing them in an altered - but completely credible - context, an additional appeal is added. The characters are great, the plot challenging and the writing style beautiful.
September 20, 2020
Fantastic world building, great characters combined with a fast moving twisting plot make for fabulous read. Can't wait to see how the characters develop in the next book.
November 14, 2020
I loved this, great use of historical context to set the drama and action. The story and characterisation really built momentum and I’m looking forward to the next one. The audiobook realisation was very good too. 👏👏👏
September 13, 2020
This book was a bit different from my usual choices and I really enjoyed it. A new genre for me - historical science fiction suspense crime fantasy, perhaps? The characters and dialogue were compelling, the plot had some great twists and the imagined technology / machine elements provided a great way in to use your imagination to create your own visuals. Thanks, Tim Standish. I'll look forward to your next book.
January 16, 2023
A razor-sharp read!
Just finished The Sterling Directive and hoping this is just the first book in a long, exciting series! Sort of a Victorian Mission:Impossible meets Secret Agent.
Standish weaves a fascinating and realistic alternative history where the US fought a second Civil War and steampunk technologies are woven into the everyday. The cadre of special agents in this story are fantastic and I hope to see more of them in the future.
There is a real subtle nature to how the steampunk is worked into this book and that is a nice feature. The writing is excellent and details of life in this time are rich. The story walks a razors edge and never goes over. Sublime and smart, go ahead and order it!
Just finished The Sterling Directive and hoping this is just the first book in a long, exciting series! Sort of a Victorian Mission:Impossible meets Secret Agent.
Standish weaves a fascinating and realistic alternative history where the US fought a second Civil War and steampunk technologies are woven into the everyday. The cadre of special agents in this story are fantastic and I hope to see more of them in the future.
There is a real subtle nature to how the steampunk is worked into this book and that is a nice feature. The writing is excellent and details of life in this time are rich. The story walks a razors edge and never goes over. Sublime and smart, go ahead and order it!
November 6, 2020
This book is interesting.
I found myself plunged into a slightly different world, which made complete sense because why would Victorian women not be able to tap telegraph signals and escape in air ships.
So a sort of James Bond in steam punk Victorian London on a chase to catch the Ripper.
Derrying do and great fun.
I found myself plunged into a slightly different world, which made complete sense because why would Victorian women not be able to tap telegraph signals and escape in air ships.
So a sort of James Bond in steam punk Victorian London on a chase to catch the Ripper.
Derrying do and great fun.
July 28, 2022
My initial confusion on beginning this book, advanced computer technology at the end of the 19th century, was quickly dispelled when I realised that the conceit of this 19th century detective novel also included historical ‘what-ifs’. The plot, outrageously imaginative, was skilfully told and well paced. The outer embroidery drew on historic situations with alternative outcomes. The written word did justice to the breadth of English vocabulary and was set with assured masterly style. Tim Standish kept me reading until 1am two nights running. This novel is an engaging delight.
August 17, 2020
Set in an alternative fin de siècle London, The Sterling Directive is a what-if thriller that pitches its
protagonist Charles Maddox headlong into a race to uncover a deadly conspiracy before the Bureau can catch up with him and discuss the unfortunate matter of his death sentence for treason, commuted on condition he does not return from the colonies to the old country. After the crack of the starting pistol, the plot sets off at a canter and doesn’t let up until the final fence is conquered, and Maddox has answered questions he hadn’t realised needed answering. Drawn finely enough to make vivid its steampunk roots but without drowning the narrative with superfluous technical detail, Maddox’s world is believably grimy, its inhabitants suitably corrupt.
protagonist Charles Maddox headlong into a race to uncover a deadly conspiracy before the Bureau can catch up with him and discuss the unfortunate matter of his death sentence for treason, commuted on condition he does not return from the colonies to the old country. After the crack of the starting pistol, the plot sets off at a canter and doesn’t let up until the final fence is conquered, and Maddox has answered questions he hadn’t realised needed answering. Drawn finely enough to make vivid its steampunk roots but without drowning the narrative with superfluous technical detail, Maddox’s world is believably grimy, its inhabitants suitably corrupt.
August 8, 2022
I heard of this book from a friend and now wish I'd read it sooner. It's strikingly original, beautifully researched in its portrayal of turn of the century England, filled with intriguing characters and above all it carries the reader with an exciting, fast-paced and unpredictable plot. I'm already looking out for the next Sterling adventure.
May 31, 2021
To be honest, I had no idea what this book was about, but the cover’s attractive and it’s a historical thriller, how bad could it really be? For some reason, reading The Sterling Directive by Tim Standish unfortunately came at the same time as my tapering off my medication, resulting in extreme side effects. It’s taken me much longer than I expected to get through my personal medical issues and it was slow going, but I did manage to finish this book!
Okay, so Captain Charles Maddox is wrongly convicted for murder and arrested for treason. He’s rescued from a prison cell under the ocean and lifted onto a boat, where his life is drastically changed. Maddox becomes Sterling and helps this team that just saved him from execution.
They travel, they have an amazing system to solve the mystery of the 1888 Ripper murders in Great Britain. They’re chasing evidence found years after the last murder, yet they happen to follow the slightest clues. Are they hunting outdated clues? Do the people and places and evidence still exist?
I found a liking to one of the women on the team, Patience. She’s their “tapper.” She finds out all the info they need to know by clicking a bunch of buttons. I feel like so much is dumped on her to figure out and she miraculously gets it all done in record time! Patience is a true researcher and I admire her for it!
Special thanks to Unbound and The Coffee Pot Book Club for The Sterling Directive by Tim Standish. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because of all the anxiety I had throughout this book. Oh my goodness, every chapter, I wondered if this team would survive the next page!
Okay, so Captain Charles Maddox is wrongly convicted for murder and arrested for treason. He’s rescued from a prison cell under the ocean and lifted onto a boat, where his life is drastically changed. Maddox becomes Sterling and helps this team that just saved him from execution.
They travel, they have an amazing system to solve the mystery of the 1888 Ripper murders in Great Britain. They’re chasing evidence found years after the last murder, yet they happen to follow the slightest clues. Are they hunting outdated clues? Do the people and places and evidence still exist?
I found a liking to one of the women on the team, Patience. She’s their “tapper.” She finds out all the info they need to know by clicking a bunch of buttons. I feel like so much is dumped on her to figure out and she miraculously gets it all done in record time! Patience is a true researcher and I admire her for it!
Special thanks to Unbound and The Coffee Pot Book Club for The Sterling Directive by Tim Standish. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because of all the anxiety I had throughout this book. Oh my goodness, every chapter, I wondered if this team would survive the next page!
July 30, 2020
Absolute fabulous book, great pace and characters. Type of book that you pick up for a quick few pages before turning in and before you know it is 4 hours later and you have finished.
November 24, 2020
Excellent read, New slant on the Jack the Ripper mystery and the storey moves along at a great pace.
Very enjoajble and would like to tread the next one in the series when available
Very enjoajble and would like to tread the next one in the series when available
November 8, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read! An interesting take on a steam/gas-punk Victorian world with intriguing twists on the history of the time. Almost gives me Assassin's Creed Syndicate vibes for the London setting. Bring on the next book!
March 20, 2024
Not a bad thriller. A new twist on the Jack the Ripper investigation. It sets up an organisation that will definitely be looking for a new investigation.
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