The Osiris Ritual

Newbury and Hobbes #2

by George Mann

Sir Maurice Newbury, Gentleman Investigator for the Crown, imagines life can be a little quieter from now on after his dual success in solving The Affinity Bridge affair. But he hasn't banked on his villainous predecessor, Knox, hell bent on achieving immortality, not to mention a secret agent who isn't quite as he seems.... So continues an adventure quite unlike any other, a thrilling steampunk mystery and the second in the series of Newbury & Hobbes investigations.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Alternate History

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

George Mann is an author and editor, primarily in genre fiction. He was born in Darlington, County Durham in 1978.
A former editor of Outland, Mann is the author of The Human Abstract, and more recently The Affinity Bridge and The Osiris Ritual in his Newbury and Hobbes detective series, set in an alternate Britain, and Ghosts of Manhattan, set in the same universe some decades later.
He wrote the Time Hunter novella "The Severed Man", and co-wrote the series finale, Child of Time.
He has also written numerous short stories, plus Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes audiobooks for Big Finish Productions. He has edited a number of anthologies including The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, The Solaris Book of New Fantasy and a retrospective collection of Sexton Blake stories, Sexton Blake, Detective, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soon after Sir Maurice Newbury attends a mummy unwrapping, people connected to the expedition that recovered it turn up dead. Meanwhile, Veronica Hobbes is investigating the disappearances of young girls that seem to be connected to a traveling magician. How do their investiations intersect? What does it have to do with the mysterious agent who was supposed to meet Newbury at the train station? And who is behind the Osiris Ritual?

The Osiris Ritual is the second Newbury & Hobbes Investigation book and is a vast improvement on the first. The villains are more vile, the action more furious, and Newbury sinks further into the depths of opium addiction while Hobbes debates telling him the secret we all learned at the end of The Affinity Bridge, the previous volume. Knox and Ashford were both interesting characters. Knox had more dimension than most villains. The story itself had a lot of twists. I was sure I knew who the killer was until about two-thirds of the way through.

Any gripes? Yeah. Once again, Newbury seems a little obtuse for a Holmes-level detective. This time, it's the young reporter Purefoy that feeds him the necessary hints.

All in all, this was a good steampunk thriller and an improvement on the Affinity Bridge. I'll definitely be picking up the next Newbury & Hobbes adventure.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the special collector's edition of 500 slipcased copies, signed and hand numbered by the author. This copy is numbered 288 of 500 produced.

The book includes two exclusive short stories , an embossed invitation card, and a 'Mysterious Alfonso' poster.

Contents:

009 - "The Osiris Ritual"
301 - "What Lies Beneath"
315 - "The Shattered Teacup"
333 - Chapter One from the Forthcoming book "Ghosts of Manhattan"

[WayneM0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the historical references and the continuation of the steampunk elements but I still have some issues with the characterisation.

The world building is very strong and really gives an excellent portrayal of a steampunk Victorian London. It really brings they time period to life.

I'm having a little trouble with relating and connecting to the characters but I'm getting there. They are very short books and I think I need to read a few more in the series to connect a bit more with them.

The plot is strong even though it's s pretty standard one. There's plenty of mystery and detective work but also a real secret service/spy type vibe. It's definitely got Sherlock Holmes elements but for me this series is much more a Victorian James Bond. Also being the gamer fan I see a lot of AC Syndicate in this too which I like (the characterisation is excellent in that game and maybe that's what I'm comparing it to)

Overall a pretty good spy/detective novel with an interesting steampunk vibe. Looking forward to seeing things develop more in the next one's.

[Megan Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is growing on me. The first book I thought was merely serviceable, with a bit of a revelation at the end that made one of the characters much more interesting. Either the author has gotten better at plotting, or the tension has been amped up, or I was just in a better mood to enjoy Victoriana. I think perhaps all three, and the end result was that this was quite enjoyable. Not revelatory, but fun.

Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.

In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook

[Jamieson Ridenhour · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really want to like these books. The characters have the potential for compelling relationships, and the story has potential as well. And--steampunk detective novels with zombies and Egyptian rituals? Sounds like a win. I have now slogged through two Newbury and Hobbes investigations, and I doubt I'll do a third. Mann's writing is the impediment: poor pacing, absurdly extended predictable action sequences, and a bad tendency to restate obvious plot point sseveral times in as many chapters (which comes across to me as a dim view of audience intelligence). The biggest factor here, though, is the extremely limited range of Mann's descriptors for characters. How often does someone "grin" in real life? Every character in this novel "grinned" multiple times, and at least a dozen times someone's lips "curled into a smile." In chapter twelve, two characters have a conversation. In ten or twelve pages, one or the other of the men "smiled," "grinned," or "chuckled" twenty-six times. Yes, I counted. There was nothing else to do. I am compelled by Veronica Hobbes' story, particularly the events unfolding around her sister. I frankly read the whole novel simply to find out more about that plot. And there is a tantalizing glimpse into how that plot will be developed in the next book. But I won't be there. Check out Cherie Piest instead: steampunk action and awesomeness, but with a level of writing that suggests the presence of an editor, and perhaps more than one revision.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back for the second in the series with Newbury & Hobbes! They being the intrepid sleuths, Sir Maurice Newbury and Miss Veronica Hobbes, of a Steampunk adventure involving immortality & artifacts so says the speal.

Sarcophagus, mummies & ancient curses would seem to the way this is going from the early text as we meet everybody at an exclusive party which includes Sir Maurice Newbury amongst the guests. At said party an ancient mummy is revealed which lends all the hallmarks of being part of the murder & mayhem to follow!

But that’s not all…. We also have another mystery, that of disappearing women which coincides with that of a travelling magician….

And there’s more! An ex agent who must be tracked down & found…..

Will all their paths cross?

You can almost hear the 1930's Saturday morning TV series introductions that I used to love n watch as a kid (in the 70's!! before you age me!!)

An easy read, hence it’s selection for the summer, a mostly enjoyable romp, no great character development nor is it needed for this type of tale.

The only bit I didn’t really enjoy which I must mention is a never-ending chase of a certain villain which took like 30 pages+ with faaaaaaar too many scrapes & near misses that it took any tension outta the chase virtually straight away. Sorry, had to mention it.

Recommended for those who enjoy the genre (and an easy summer read) to give the series a go

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1902 in London and Sir Maurice Newbury is on a new case for his boss, Queen Victoria. He must chase down a former agent of the Queen who has gone rogue. Meanwhile an Egyptologist has unveiled a new find, an Egyptian mummy of an ancient priest, which has resulted in a series of unexplained and bizarre murders. And to add to the complexity, loyal assistant Veronica Hobbes has launched her own investigation into a series of missing women, all having something to do with a stage magician’s act. As the various investigations progress, it appears they are connected but the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the chase becomes.

I had enjoyed the first volume of the “Newbury and Hobbes Investigation” series, The Affinity Bridge, but had felt it was missing something somewhere. It was a nice steampunk adventure but seemed to drift a little, like it was trying to figure out what sort of story it would be. This second book, however, was enjoyable throughout and was firing away on all cylinders. I was drawn immediately to the mysteries and the main characters seemed much better defined with both having a clear sense of purpose. The other characters as well, both good guys and bad, were superbly drawn. Maybe even too well drawn judging by my own heartbreak when one of them didn't survive.

This is a steampunk novel but, thankfully, we readers are not beaten over the head with it. Lots of steampunk stories seem intent upon impressing us with how ingenious the author is at creating such a world. These stories, at least so far, concentrate on the story and the characters and let the steampunk settings creep in as needed. There are occasional sightings of dirigibles overhead and sometimes automatons play a role in the plots but happily we are not subjected to an overabundance of steam powered puppy dogs on leashes or other assorted crap.

This book is definitely Newbury-centric with Hobbes playing a sort of sidekick role. She has a secret which we readers know and at the end of this one, Newbury is also beginning to suspect. I hope that gets cleared up soon and Hobbes can take her rightful place as a full member of the team.

Where I was a bit on the fence after the first book, I am now feeling quite good about this series and look forward to the books to come.

[Alias Pending · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent steampunk tea time action. A short summary: I think TOR works better as an introduction to Mann's universe than Affinity Bridge. TOR seemed less weighed down with ornamental brass than AB, and was far more quickly paced and action packed for it.
My only quibble would be a certain damsel in distress scenario that seemed a lost opportunity and a lack of Amelia, but I won't say more for now is not the time for spoilers.
I also have a theory as to how Newbury is the Fox Mulder of his time, but I am not ready to reveal that thesis yet. Especially since I haven't read the next installment. But that'll be soon rectified.
-A-


(edit: Dept. of Redundancy Dept.)

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. There was so much going on, and I really enjoyed finding out more about Veronica - I also liked seeing her have her own adventures. I liked the way the ending left things and it made me want to read on to see how things resolve. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Osiris Ritual was a satisfactory follow up to The Affinity Bridge. Steampunk can be fun to read but stories must be taken with a grain of salt, especially as some of the technology in these books is actually more sophisticated than what we have in use today. Newbury and Hobbes conduct multiple investigations in this book, but by the end of the novel everything is (essentially) tied up with a nice neat bow. Real life is rarely so simple but then this is a work of fiction. Tensions are beginning to escalate between the two main characters which should make the next book even more interesting.

[Demeter Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

[Milou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steampunk mystery novel about immortality, featuring investigators Newbury and Hobbes, agents of the Crown. And I loved it. Was it perfect? Definitely not. But I didn’t care.

This second book is better than the first one. It is not weighted down by the standard steampunk clichés, but is its own thing. Its making the promise of the rest of the series to be unique and lots of fun.

We learn a bit more about the two main characters, the charming Mr Newbury and the feisty and intelligent Miss Hobbes. There is a little bit of drama but not nearly enough to distract from the mystery. There is a little bit of romance, but again not nearly enough to distract from the mystery. And to be honest, who would not fall in love with a woman like Miss Hobbes. She is a very modern woman, who makes up her own mind, is incredibly smart, beautiful… and Damn that fight scene.

One of my main problems is that the mystery is not very mysterious. But I find that with a lot of books so I can live with it. I like that George Mann does not shy away from showing the not so pretty parts. There are some very gory parts, some people die who you would have rather seen live. But it is not done in a showy way or to make the book more ‘grown up’. Just like Newbury is an opium addict, not just to make him look more like Sherlock Holmes, but to make him a flawed, realistic human being.

But it is not all fast paced action and fun. There are some beautiful parts in it too and I have to admit I might have shed a tear for a certain character. The ending was great and made me very curious to the next few books in the series.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The flawed agent of this highly imagined Victorian England returns in this second Newbury and Hobbes Investigations. In the prior novel in this Steampunk trilogy, we have learned of many marvels that infuse this society, from seers, like Hobbes sister, to the mysterious Dr. Fabian, who keeps the Queen alive with pumps and wires, to robotic automons. Mann has a rich imagination and his highly stylized writing buoys this novel, which in the end is more about a mystery involving life after death, the occult and Egyptian mummies

In this novel, Newbury, who is both addicted to landenum and is now taking opium, is tasked by the Queen to locate Ashford, a former agent, who apparently was kept alive by Dr. Fabian after a terrible accident, but who has disappeared on a journey back to England. Newbury is also investigating, with the help of a young reporter Purefoy, the death of an explorer who found a mummy.

The Mummy is encased in a special way with chains and runic carvings. The Explorer who has found the mummy is also found dead.

Newbury suspects Ashford, who he finds at a couple of the crime scenes. Meanwhile Hobbes, is doing her own investigation into the disappearance of various young ladies, which coincides with their appearance in a traveling magic show.

The two stories are told simultaneously, and invariably in these type of novels end up coming together in some way.

A richly imagined world, this novel is more mystery and less steampunk, but still worth reading.

[Beka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading The Osiris Ritual demonstrated to me that I liked Mann's first book, The Affinity Bridge, more for the novelty of a steampunk detective team than for the writing itself. He clearly has a lot of talent, and loves his characters, but it doesn't seem like he spends enough time getting to know them - they all come across as rather flat. It doesn't take more than a couple of pages to tell me that a) Newbury is very smart, b) Newbury is addicted to opium, c) Newbury is attracted to Hobbes, and d) Hobbes is a woman. That's first chapter stuff, but nothing had really been added to that list by the conclusion of the book. In the end, The Osiris Ritual, like Mann's first book, is good for a light, quick read, but it left me wanting something more substantial.

That said, if you're looking for a fun book that has zepplins, clockwork men, and plucky Victorian ladies, and doesn't spend too much time dwelling on the negative consequences of industrialization, Mann's books are a great choice. Think of it as beach reading for the steampunk set.

[John Carter McKnight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Significantly worse than the first book in this series, which was pleasantly readable. Horrid, cliche'd prose, character un-development (they became more cardboard than in the introductory volume), and a generally hashed-up mystery plot. It was an effort to finish this, and I'll go out of my way to avoid further works by this author.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sick of this dude’s opium addiction.

[Chrystyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Osiris Ritual by George Mann - OK
First book of the year finished!

This is the second in a series that I began in 2009. It's taken me ten years to finally get hold of a copy - thanks to my 2019 Secret Santa!

Maybe I built it up in my mind too much or maybe I'd forgotten too much of the first book, but it wasn't quite as good a read as I'd hoped. Still it was enjoyable and I shall begin a quest to find the third in the series.

So this is Steampunk. Set during the reign of Queen Victoria (A monarch shrouded in secrecy, kept alive by machines) Sir Maurice Newbury and Miss Veronica Hobbes are Agents of the Queen. Following the adventure in the first book, Miss Hobbes was recruited with a remit to keep and eye on Sir Maurice but he neither knows of her recruitment or of her mission.

This means that they are working separately on different mysteries but, of course, these end up coinciding and throwing them together again.

He has been charged with bringing in an agent that has been working in Russia but presumed dead by his family and fellow agents. Another semi-automaton following a horrific accident (which is why everyone thinks he's dead). He fails to make the meeting, he's gone rogue and is loose in London.

Alongside, Miss Hobbes is working on a case of young women that have gone missing in similar circumstances, looking for the link and the culprit.

Nicely paced, switching between the two mysteries with the occasional cross over and the hint of romance that never gets a chance.

[Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newbury and Hobbes are not working in tandem. Sir Maurice is off on assignment for the Queen looking into the "return" of another agent, William Ashford, who may have gone rogue and who may be involved in a high profile killing of the Egyptologist Lord Winthrop, whose discovery and then death are front page news as written by Newbury's new protege, George Purefoy. Veronica meanwhile is concerned about a spate of disappearances of young women, all who visited a magician, The Mysterious Alfonso, and participated in his stage show. They are both so wrapped up in their own cases that they don't realize the danger they are putting themselves in by working separately. Soon Veronica is trapped and in danger deep under a theatre, while Sir Maurice is racing across rooftops, not even sure if he's chasing the right man. They need each other to put things right before it's too late, or before the Queen gets tetchy.

I have an inkling that while I had heard of George Mann and The Affinity Bridge it wasn't until I heard about the second book in the series, The Osiris Ritual, that I really sat up and took notice. I am more then a bit of an addict for anything Egyptian. Like my love of Victoriana, it's the darker side of Egyptology that I am drawn to. The plagues and curses brought down for desecrating the dead, hold me back. When you crave bedtime stories about King Tut's Curse and Lord Carnarvon's dog howling and dropping dead at the same moment his master died, well, it's not that much of a surprise that that person grows up to dwell on stories of mummies and devours the entire oeuvre of Elizabeth Peters.

I still occasionally have nightmares that the Rame Tep from The Young Sherlock Holmes might come for me. But this nightmare is tinged with a deliciousness, because sometimes it's a good thing to be scared by something you can't explain. Though of course I like my Egyptian thrills from a nice comfy armchair versus up close and personal, the time my parents took me to the King Tut exhibit and I spent the entire time crying in a stairwell at The Field Museum in Chicago because by father and brother had convinced me that the mummy would curse me is a case study in why books are best. Armchair traveler for life, stamp my passport please!

Therefore the opening of The Osiris Ritual is a dream come true. I got to sit in my comfy chair wrapped snugly against the cold and read about a mummy unwrapping ceremony. The erstwhile and eager reporter George Purefoy was my entre into this world, we stood in awe together, and who wouldn't want to be brought under the wing of Sir Maurice Newbury and listen to his insights? The lush opulence of Lord Winthrop's house with all his artifacts, the ton gathering around as the mysterious sarcophagus was placed on the table, sigh. If I could just sink into a book and live in the moment, I would have chosen this one.

At TeslaCon, where I met George a few years back now, there was a staged mummy unwrapping, and while it lacked the intimacy of a true unwrapping, I was surprised that it was able to still contain that frisson of excitement. Though at the unwrapping we attended there was no chance of a curse, or at least I assume so. Here reading the book, I was just holding my breath till the "curse" took effect, and to my heart's delight I didn't have long to wait. Like all good storytelling while we are given an answer to the "curse" the book was able to suspend our disbelief and make us believe in the magic of "what if?"

Though in other parts the magic faltered a little. This would be the magical pairing of Sir Maurice and Veronica. The problem here was that they were separated for most of the book. Yes, I do understand that the main reason for this was that they were pursuing different cases and that it narratively worked for them to be separated so that they were ignorant that their cases were linked and therefore drew out the suspense for us readers. But it just somehow didn't click. Newbury couldn't exactly hook arms with George Purefoy and go walking down the street to face the next foe, it wouldn't be the same.

Yes The Avengers occasionally went off and did their own thing, Emma taking one lead, Steed another, but it's never the same with them apart, and that's how it is here. I also realize that the growing attraction between the leads has to be drawn out in some way, you can't have them get together too early and then have them lose their chemistry and destroy the series a la Moonlighting. But just using the simple expedient of keeping them apart seems a bit too contrived. There are many more reasons for them to not get together, and it looks like in future this will work far better for George's storytelling then this move did.

Though this separation was just a niggling problem in a book with a lot going right for it. What I loved most, which was oddly not Egyptian, was the hunt for the two former agents for the Crown, William Ashford and Newbury's predecessor, Knox. Not only was George able to portray the depth of these characters, making the villains have just as much going for them as the hero and heroine, but the relationship between Ashford and Knox reminded me powerfully of another famous book that has influenced the Steampunk genre. I'm talking about Frankenstein.

The monster that Ashford has become is very much created as a result of Knox's actions. Therefore the two have this creature/creator relationship that mirrors Shelley's work in many interesting ways, most of which I can't say without screaming "spoilers" beforehand. Needless to say there are just so many layers and connections to itself and other great stories that this is a penny dreadful to be savoured and returned to again and again just to see what you missed last time.

[Sina & Ilona Glimmerfee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inhalt: Im London zur Zeit von Queen Victoria wird eine altägyptische Mumie aus ihrem Sarkophag befreit und kurz darauf geschehen mehrere Morde, zudem verschwinden mehrere junge Frauen und ein mysteriöser Agent wird erwartet. Es wird Zeit für Sir Maurice Newbury und seine Assistentin Veronica Hobbes, die Ermittlungen aufzunehmen.

Art des Buches: Steampunk Krimi

Wie fand ich das Buch? Dies ist nach 'Affinity Bridge' der zweite Teil den ich aus dieser Reihe gelesen habe. Die Handlung ist spannend und die beiden Protagonisten Hobbes und Newbury sind mir sehr sympathisch. Die Szenerie eines Steampunk-London mit Luftschiffen, mit Wasserdampf betriebenen Autos und natürlich richtig dickem Nebel gefiel mir sehr. Es geht nicht immer appetitlich zu und die Morde waren mir schon fast zu hart, ich hätte das Buch abgebrochen, wenn ich das Ermittler-Duo nicht so sehr mögen würde. Wobei ich mich fragte, warum Newbury angesichts der Geschehnisse stets unbewaffnet unterwegs war.

Gab es etwas zum Nachdenken und/oder Nachforschen? Ich habe mir Exoskelette angesehen.

3 passende Wörter zum Buch? Steampunk - Mumie - Magie

Wem empfehlen? Wer es gerne gruselig, spannend und actionreich mag und kein zu empfindliches Gemüt hat, könnte die Geschichte mögen.

[Linda Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah.
That's the first thing that came out of my mouth after finishing this book.
Ah.
Sort of like the sigh you give after you drink water when you're really thirsty.
This book was that for me: an amazing Victorian mystery that didn't let me down. The idea of a mystery, steampunk, mythology, and paranormal book seemed like too much for me, but George Mann managed to make it both logical and enjoyable.
The Osiris Ritual is the second book in the Newbury & Hobbes series. Somehow I ended reading this one first, so I jumped in the story without knowing anything of the characters. However, I still ended loving and understanding both Sir Maurice Newbury & Miss Veronica Hobbes. The story starts when Newbury attends the unveiling of a mummy in the house of a rich man he knows. At the same time, Veronica is following the trail of woman who have disappeared after a magician visits their cities. Slowly, they become enthralled in their cases, not noticing that, in many ways, they are connected.
That's the worst summary I've written, but I can't share details. It would ruin everything. 😅

Just know that this book is amazing. The writing, the characters, the plot: everything made me fall in love with it.
Give it a chance if you like mystery.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

The intricacy of the mystery in the second installment of the Newbury and Hobbes series was not quite as well hidden as the first. It was easier to put the clues together given Mann's writing style in the first book. It didn't make the book any less enjoyable though! Still a good story, driven by compelling characters that Mann continues to develop.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and exciting steam punk novel involving a serial killer who is seeking immortality. Interesting characters and a level of tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Very enjoyable.

[Suzy Dominey · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first steampunk novel

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: gore

I really, really, really like these books. I'm super hype to keep going!

[Wiebke (1book1review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, I really like the main characters and the dynamic between them. The setting is a fascinating steampunk world mixed with some occult. I highly recommend the series for escapism.

[Marguerite Giguère · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a while to start enjoying this book. I found that the beginning was very scattered. So many things were happening at the same time it made me confused. I feel that it could've used a bit more fine tuning. The characters were good but then again, I thought they were shallow. It took me about 200 pages to actually start enjoying the story.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAWPILE -7.71

Rereading for Final Book Support Group November 2022
Really enjoyed the second story of Sir Maurice and Veronica.
The scenes in the theater basement were really creepy and atmospheric.
I enjoyed the slight hint of romance between Sir Maurice and Veronica- but now that Veronica's 'job' has been revealed I'm curious how Sir Maurice will react to such a secret being now known to him.
Loved the Egyptian flavor to this book too- so fun.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following hot on the heels of George Mann's entertaining steampunk debut 'The Affinity Bridge' comes 'The Osiris Ritual,' the second in the Newbury & Hobbes investigations.
Once again, we find the duo investigating the nefarious to the downright bizarre against the backdrop of a London filled with all manner of peculiar devices and insidious villains. This time, they have to spread their attentions on three different fronts: Firstly, a series of ritualistic murders are taking place and on the surface appear to be connected to the recent unveiling of an Egyptian mummy. Secondly, there has been a spate of disappearances involving young women, and Miss Hobbes doggedly pursues the culprit, her suspicions leading her to a magician named 'The Mysterious Alfonso'. And, lastly, Newbury is tasked with bringing in a rogue agent, a man who died once and is now a grotesque marriage of both man and machine.
After Mann's solid start with 'The Affinity Bridge', I was eager to read this, hoping to see certain aspects of its fictional world expanded upon and, thankfully, in this area I was far from disappointed. London now feels like a much broader, more immersive landscape. You really start to get a sense of the grand buildings, grimy alleys and obscure nooks and crannies that cover the city. The world seems far more fleshed out and, subsequently, real.
The plot also shows greater thought and intricacy, the investigations contain greater detail and the pace has been enhanced to accentuate the story's greater sense of adventure. And, as always, Mann writes his action sequences with such energy that the reader is granted a seat right amidst the fray. Particularly during these sections, this book becomes a real page-turner. You know you have other things to do but you tell yourself "just a little bit more."
Any criticisms I have of this book are fleeting, and I would only say that I'd definitely like to see this wonderful cast of characters granted more time to be explored and their histories expanded upon. But, having said that, they are still people who you become highly invested in and attached to and they help propel this highly entertaining story from start to finish.
Mann has taken the groundwork of 'The Affinity Bridge' and improved upon it in almost every single aspect. He has successfully created the most enjoyable steampunk adventure I have read to date and one I will no doubt revisit over time.
Given the advancement in style and progress in pacing in the space of just one work, I await the next in the series with great enthusiasm and anticipation. This is a definite purchase for fans of 'The Affinity Bridge' as well as fans of the genre.
George Mann, you've just become one of my favourite authors.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second dive into the steampunk world of Newbury and Hobbes begins with the unwrapping of a newly discovered Egyptian mummy. Newbury is shocked to see it's face is screaming but has little time to dwell on it as he is sent to apprehend a rogue agent. Meanwhile Veronica Hobbes is investigating a series of missing women with a connection to a travelling illusionist.

In many ways this is a more down to Earth story than the first one. Though it is set in the same steampunk world with hints of the supernatural, the plot itself largely ignores these parts of the world and is a mystery story. It's a Jack the Ripper-esque thriller albeit with hints of steampunk and supernatural madness alongside it.

I have to say this book didn't set my world alight. Although a new story I did feel it retread a lot of ground from the first book. I love the steampunk world of the series but other than a few details this is just post-Victorian London. When I read a steampunk book I want a steampunk plot and I didn't get it here.

I have seen a few reviews complain about the lack of character development, which surprises me. Although the book does focus on the plot itself there is definitely a change in the characters, especially the relationship between the two leads.

It was a decent enough read but doesn't reach anywhere near it's potential. A great world but an underwhelming plot.

[Brendan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Maurice Newbury and Valerie Hobbes are back in another rollicking steampunk adventure in George Mann's The Osiris Ritual. Like the previous book, The Affinity Bridge, there's plenty of great action and adventure and nobility and constrained behavior and running around London. The characters of the two protagonists develop a bit more thoroughly in this one, though they end up spending much of the novel investigating two separate cases and worrying about the other. A few more thoughts:

Mann really excels at gruesome description. In the first book, it was automata -- in this one it's a rotting cyborg. Gross and awesome.
The fight scenes in the novel are where it's at. Great action!
Alas, the relationship tension feels a bit tacked on to me. But I don't generally enjoy that part of these kinds of stories anyway. Thoughts about feelings? GROSS.

A nice romp. If you liked the first one, you'll like this one. If you didn't read The Affinity Bridge, I think you could enjoy this just fine as well.