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Stoker & Holmes #5
The Zeppelin Deception
Mina Holmes and Evaline Stoker return in their final—and most exciting—adventure together.
"Gleason has vamped up the familiar world of Holmes and Watson… to paranormally exhilarating effect!” –The New York Times
It’s a cold, blustery day in January of 1890 when Mina Holmes receives an invitation to Evaline Stoker’s wedding. The two young women—partners and occasionally friends—haven’t spoken for nearly two months, since the events at the Carnelian Crow.
Shocked, Mina is still looking at the invitation when constables from Scotland Yard begin pounding on her front door. They’ve arrived to arrest her for the murder of a man she’s never even heard of.
Meanwhile, Evaline has her hands full with wedding plans (boring) and an overbearing sister who wants to manage her every move—including a dizzying array of social activities. In the midst of all this, she receives an invitation to visit Lady Isabella Cosgrove-Pitt, a most villainous woman.
With Pix in jail, Mina being hunted by Scotland Yard, and Evaline dining with the murderous Lady Isabella what more can possibly go wrong? Plenty.
And when the mysterious black zeppelin appears once again in the night sky, things are about to get even more dangerous than ever for Miss Stoker and Miss Holmes...
"Gleason has vamped up the familiar world of Holmes and Watson… to paranormally exhilarating effect!” –The New York Times
It’s a cold, blustery day in January of 1890 when Mina Holmes receives an invitation to Evaline Stoker’s wedding. The two young women—partners and occasionally friends—haven’t spoken for nearly two months, since the events at the Carnelian Crow.
Shocked, Mina is still looking at the invitation when constables from Scotland Yard begin pounding on her front door. They’ve arrived to arrest her for the murder of a man she’s never even heard of.
Meanwhile, Evaline has her hands full with wedding plans (boring) and an overbearing sister who wants to manage her every move—including a dizzying array of social activities. In the midst of all this, she receives an invitation to visit Lady Isabella Cosgrove-Pitt, a most villainous woman.
With Pix in jail, Mina being hunted by Scotland Yard, and Evaline dining with the murderous Lady Isabella what more can possibly go wrong? Plenty.
And when the mysterious black zeppelin appears once again in the night sky, things are about to get even more dangerous than ever for Miss Stoker and Miss Holmes...
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2019
66 people are currently reading
2103 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
106 books1,692 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 24, 2019
It was alright... I felt like the magic of the earlier books wasn’t in here... I liked the girls working together but it takes too long to get them together. Also I didn’t like the twist with Mina...
October 26, 2019
Honestly, not the best book in the series: the action is tightly scripted and the pacing is excellent but the ending fell flat. There was a big build up, but the conclusion was an enormous drop...literally. And then several pages of exposition to explain the Deus ex Machina existence of Mina's mother in the story.
There was also a creepy moment of possible incest? Ugh, no just no. Also the twist with Mina was unecessary and, I felt, a mean thing to do to her and to her character.
Why was Dylan even IN the story? He really added nothing to the story after the first book and even then he could have been removed without altering the story in any significant way.
It was good to see Evaline FINALLY shake off her dishrag listlessness and take control of her life again.
There was also a creepy moment of possible incest? Ugh, no just no. Also the twist with Mina was unecessary and, I felt, a mean thing to do to her and to her character.
Why was Dylan even IN the story? He really added nothing to the story after the first book and even then he could have been removed without altering the story in any significant way.
It was good to see Evaline FINALLY shake off her dishrag listlessness and take control of her life again.
September 6, 2020
Jan 2018
*Waiting for publication date to be announced*
Dec 2018
So apparently the fourth was self published, but I'm still hoping for updates because this is currently the only series that I have any desire to keep up with, and the book release dates are at least 2 years apart each time......
*Waiting for publication date to be announced*
Dec 2018
So apparently the fourth was self published, but I'm still hoping for updates because this is currently the only series that I have any desire to keep up with, and the book release dates are at least 2 years apart each time......
July 5, 2020
Well I liked it enough but it felt like kind of a let down after how much more I liked the earlier ones, felt a little lacking in something.
August 25, 2019
Quality Rating: Three Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars
Stoker & Holmes has been a guilty pleasure of mine for about three years, and I'm a little sad to see it end. The Zeppelin Deception does a good job of satisfying wrapping up the series to the point where I enjoyed it a little more than the others, actually. It didn't have loads of filler crammed in to make it longer; it just focused on finishing the story.
So pacing was a real strength in the final instalment, but it still didn't stop the completely unnecessary descriptions. I really don't need to have two pages reporting on every piece of food eaten or every outfit worn. I really don't care. Yes, the designs (particularly of clothes) are pretty cool with the Steampunk element prevalent in this series, but I'm not here for a catwalk or a buffet. Take a paragraph (if that) and then move on, please.
But, regardless, The Zeppelin Deception was very disciplined in wrapping up the series as a whole. The temptation in a final instalment is to throw in loads of last-minute twists for the sake of it, but this ultimately ends up either confusing the resolution or just completely changing the game you're supposed to be wrapping up. What this book did was give enough of a new plot to get momentum up, but then allowed the characters to naturally follow their own lines of suspicion that have been building up over five books to finally end the series. (And that's not to say that there weren't any final twists - oh, there definitely are - but they aren't at the expense of the final resolution.)
A book where the characters are allowed to be themselves with (mostly) no consequences - while unrealistic, especially in Victorian London - is really nice to read. I'm not here to gather material for an in-depth essay, I'm here for an enjoyable, easy read. And, whether deliberate or not, Gleason takes full advantage of that in her creative license; our imagination is already stretched so use it to give the reader things they will genuinely get joy from. For example, these books are 60% fluffy romance - totally valid anyway. But it's not my thing, yet a couple like Mina and Grayling are cute enough for me to forget about that for a while. Why not?
It's quite a sappy ending, but sometimes that's enjoyable. Stoker & Holmes are definitely a guilty pleasure and aren't works of Shakespeare, but they've been a lot of fun to read.
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars
Stoker & Holmes has been a guilty pleasure of mine for about three years, and I'm a little sad to see it end. The Zeppelin Deception does a good job of satisfying wrapping up the series to the point where I enjoyed it a little more than the others, actually. It didn't have loads of filler crammed in to make it longer; it just focused on finishing the story.
So pacing was a real strength in the final instalment, but it still didn't stop the completely unnecessary descriptions. I really don't need to have two pages reporting on every piece of food eaten or every outfit worn. I really don't care. Yes, the designs (particularly of clothes) are pretty cool with the Steampunk element prevalent in this series, but I'm not here for a catwalk or a buffet. Take a paragraph (if that) and then move on, please.
But, regardless, The Zeppelin Deception was very disciplined in wrapping up the series as a whole. The temptation in a final instalment is to throw in loads of last-minute twists for the sake of it, but this ultimately ends up either confusing the resolution or just completely changing the game you're supposed to be wrapping up. What this book did was give enough of a new plot to get momentum up, but then allowed the characters to naturally follow their own lines of suspicion that have been building up over five books to finally end the series. (And that's not to say that there weren't any final twists - oh, there definitely are - but they aren't at the expense of the final resolution.)
A book where the characters are allowed to be themselves with (mostly) no consequences - while unrealistic, especially in Victorian London - is really nice to read. I'm not here to gather material for an in-depth essay, I'm here for an enjoyable, easy read. And, whether deliberate or not, Gleason takes full advantage of that in her creative license; our imagination is already stretched so use it to give the reader things they will genuinely get joy from. For example, these books are 60% fluffy romance - totally valid anyway. But it's not my thing, yet a couple like Mina and Grayling are cute enough for me to forget about that for a while. Why not?
It's quite a sappy ending, but sometimes that's enjoyable. Stoker & Holmes are definitely a guilty pleasure and aren't works of Shakespeare, but they've been a lot of fun to read.
September 3, 2019
A solid ending, but I want MORE! I'm going to miss these girls and I hope that Gleason revisits them one day!
September 8, 2019
Not my favorite of the series. Ending was ok but a bit flat. Mina's twist was so unnecessary. I wished it wasn't in the book at all. I hope for further adventures tho.
September 21, 2019
Entertaining conclusion to the series, some questions answered but some of the same failings as the earlier books (and seriously, what was the point of Dylan??). Overall though if you've enjoyed the series so far as a fun, light-hearted read then this is a fitting conclusion in the same vein.
August 31, 2020
Wow, I cannot believe I finished this entire series in a day!
The books were quite addictive honestly, and I found myself enraptured by the fun. As I've said before and will say again, these aren't the most sophisticated of books. They aren't quite accurate to the time, the writing is not well, prize-worthy, and the mysteries are slightly predictable. But every single book is so entertaining!
I love the characters mostly. They're delightful. And the interactions between are lovely and wholesome, and I can't help but fall in love with all of them. I truly loved the series, and I am quite sad that it has come to an end. I hope that maybe one day in the future, I decide to pick it up again.
And I'm out.
The books were quite addictive honestly, and I found myself enraptured by the fun. As I've said before and will say again, these aren't the most sophisticated of books. They aren't quite accurate to the time, the writing is not well, prize-worthy, and the mysteries are slightly predictable. But every single book is so entertaining!
I love the characters mostly. They're delightful. And the interactions between are lovely and wholesome, and I can't help but fall in love with all of them. I truly loved the series, and I am quite sad that it has come to an end. I hope that maybe one day in the future, I decide to pick it up again.
And I'm out.
January 10, 2020
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Mystery / Steampunk
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Zeppelin Deception, by author Colleen Gleason, is the Fifth installment in the authors Stoker and Holmes series. The story is set to the backdrop of 1890 London. The series features two young women (Mina Holmes & Evaline Stoker). The author actually alternatives narratives between the characters and in this case, it is absolutely necessary. The young women are mostly separated for most of this story due to some confusion, hurt feelings, and pride. It has been two months since Mina and Evaline's last adventure in The Carnelian Crow which saw the pairs the arch-villainess the Ankh get away once again.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Mystery / Steampunk
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Zeppelin Deception, by author Colleen Gleason, is the Fifth installment in the authors Stoker and Holmes series. The story is set to the backdrop of 1890 London. The series features two young women (Mina Holmes & Evaline Stoker). The author actually alternatives narratives between the characters and in this case, it is absolutely necessary. The young women are mostly separated for most of this story due to some confusion, hurt feelings, and pride. It has been two months since Mina and Evaline's last adventure in The Carnelian Crow which saw the pairs the arch-villainess the Ankh get away once again.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
February 7, 2024
The Zeppelin Deception is book 5 of the series, which I did not realize when I received the copy of the book. I enjoyed the book and was still able to understand what was going on without reading the other book in the series. I will have to read the other book in the series now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2019
This book wasn't quite as good as the others in the series but I still really enjoyed it.
The Zeppelin Deception as a whole was a really fast read but the first half of it involves a lot of... nothing really happening. There's some exposition and a lot of talking and a little bit of mystery, but for once everything seems pretty straightforward in terms of what's going on. That being said, at no point did I feel like it was dragging. I never thought "When will we get to the good stuff?" The characters and their relationships were all engaging and interesting and, probably due to my immense fondness of them created over the course of the other books, I didn't mind or even really notice that the actual plot took a bit of time to pick up. As much time as it can when it opens with Mina being accused of Murder anyway.
The actual romantic relationships between the characters, which was a constant but not in-your-face factor in the other books that I really enjoyed, seemed to have less tension in this book simply because it was so clear what they all felt for the other characters and who they did (and didn't) have romantic feelings for. I was a bit disappointed that Mina's relationship with Grayling and Evaline's relationship with Pix seemed to backtrack a bit when they'd made so much progress in the previous book but for the most part they got their acts together by the end.
All of the action is jammed into the last few chapters and at the very end there was an abundance of information tossed out of seemingly nowhere that I would be totally fine with if this weren't the last installment in the series. As it is the last installment, I felt, and the characters seemed, a little rushed to come to terms with it all. Some of it did not make sense. It wasn't a bad ending but it wasn't really satisfying either?
On to some spoilers!
So! All in all, a good read that is totally worth it if you enjoyed the rest of the series. If you were kind of iffy about the other books (due to characters, plot, or any other reason) you'll probably be iffy about this one too.
The Zeppelin Deception as a whole was a really fast read but the first half of it involves a lot of... nothing really happening. There's some exposition and a lot of talking and a little bit of mystery, but for once everything seems pretty straightforward in terms of what's going on. That being said, at no point did I feel like it was dragging. I never thought "When will we get to the good stuff?" The characters and their relationships were all engaging and interesting and, probably due to my immense fondness of them created over the course of the other books, I didn't mind or even really notice that the actual plot took a bit of time to pick up. As much time as it can when it opens with Mina being accused of Murder anyway.
The actual romantic relationships between the characters, which was a constant but not in-your-face factor in the other books that I really enjoyed, seemed to have less tension in this book simply because it was so clear what they all felt for the other characters and who they did (and didn't) have romantic feelings for. I was a bit disappointed that Mina's relationship with Grayling and Evaline's relationship with Pix seemed to backtrack a bit when they'd made so much progress in the previous book but for the most part they got their acts together by the end.
All of the action is jammed into the last few chapters and at the very end there was an abundance of information tossed out of seemingly nowhere that I would be totally fine with if this weren't the last installment in the series. As it is the last installment, I felt, and the characters seemed, a little rushed to come to terms with it all. Some of it did not make sense. It wasn't a bad ending but it wasn't really satisfying either?
On to some spoilers!
So! All in all, a good read that is totally worth it if you enjoyed the rest of the series. If you were kind of iffy about the other books (due to characters, plot, or any other reason) you'll probably be iffy about this one too.
August 28, 2020
Not a bad end to the series. My main issue with book series this long is that my taste has simply changed between when I started and now when I read the final book.
I think I would have devoured it if I had gotten it a little sooner to the time I read the first two but now I think it was just ok.
I think I would have devoured it if I had gotten it a little sooner to the time I read the first two but now I think it was just ok.
September 5, 2019
1.5 stars
Quite disappointing
Quite disappointing
March 27, 2021
This can not be the end...!!!
I await a new series. These characters have so much to give still... Evaline, Mina, Grayling, and Pix.
I'm going to miss them so much!
Kind of shocked at the surprise at the ending, did not see that
coming...
You've made me laugh, cry, feel annoyed, so many emotions... I feel like I've been on these adventures with your characters. And I really don't want it to stop. This is one of my favorite all-time series!!!! <3
The cog-noggin in me absolutely loved all the steampunk elements.
*Spoilers*
Egad! I can't stand Florence... She's so overbearing! And didn't seem to really care too much about
Evaline... So glad those wedding plans are over with and cancelled.
I need to know more. I want Grayling to solve his unsolved family case, I want adventures with Evaline & Pix (Edison) <3 , and of course it'd be wonderful to hear of Mina and her Mom's missions...
Took forever to read of her return... I knew she had to be near somewhere. And maybe even, we
haven't seen the last of Dylan, even though the scarab is now destroyed, I think it's possible he
could return someday... There are so many interesting artifacts out there. Anything is possible.
And Mina isn't a Holmes! Way ta throw in that "Who's Your Daddy" trope. That was so surprising... Seriously threw me off haha...
Now she's got a fortune empire. I wonder what she will do with it.
I await a new series. These characters have so much to give still... Evaline, Mina, Grayling, and Pix.
I'm going to miss them so much!
Kind of shocked at the surprise at the ending, did not see that
coming...
You've made me laugh, cry, feel annoyed, so many emotions... I feel like I've been on these adventures with your characters. And I really don't want it to stop. This is one of my favorite all-time series!!!! <3
The cog-noggin in me absolutely loved all the steampunk elements.
*Spoilers*
Egad! I can't stand Florence... She's so overbearing! And didn't seem to really care too much about
Evaline... So glad those wedding plans are over with and cancelled.
I need to know more. I want Grayling to solve his unsolved family case, I want adventures with Evaline & Pix (Edison) <3 , and of course it'd be wonderful to hear of Mina and her Mom's missions...
Took forever to read of her return... I knew she had to be near somewhere. And maybe even, we
haven't seen the last of Dylan, even though the scarab is now destroyed, I think it's possible he
could return someday... There are so many interesting artifacts out there. Anything is possible.
And Mina isn't a Holmes! Way ta throw in that "Who's Your Daddy" trope. That was so surprising... Seriously threw me off haha...
Now she's got a fortune empire. I wonder what she will do with it.
January 19, 2020
Disclaimer: Although I'm not 100% certain, but I believe, unless two editions share the same ISBN (which is in fact done in some countries,) the edition I shelved (ISBN13: 9781944665494) actually is an ebook edition, not a hardback. For when you Google it, that's what kobo is listing for the ebook edition, and B&N seemingly is the only one listing it as hardback, when there's another known hardback edition.
5 for 3.75~4.75 that I'm happy to make 5. It's by no means perfect, but I do appreciate how things came together, even though readers may think it's wrapped up too neatly lmao. (Def. loose ends and the billion dollar question as to why a certain someone was even in this series, which, some other reviews have stated more eloquently for I def. would have added a WhyTF in the the same sentence; I'll eventually get to talking about that.)
Had I been grumpy enough, I would have docked a star just because the bonus short story was the same one included in the last book; instead I'll dock a star from that book (lmao) because after finishing the whole series, that one really didn't add much imo so I won't feel guilty of doing so xP.
Review WIP
5 for 3.75~4.75 that I'm happy to make 5. It's by no means perfect, but I do appreciate how things came together, even though readers may think it's wrapped up too neatly lmao. (Def. loose ends and the billion dollar question as to why a certain someone was even in this series, which, some other reviews have stated more eloquently for I def. would have added a WhyTF in the the same sentence; I'll eventually get to talking about that.)
Had I been grumpy enough, I would have docked a star just because the bonus short story was the same one included in the last book; instead I'll dock a star from that book (lmao) because after finishing the whole series, that one really didn't add much imo so I won't feel guilty of doing so xP.
Review WIP
December 31, 2020
If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, here’s a fun series where the main characters are Mycroft Holme’s “daughter” and Bram Stoker’s sister solving mysteries. Although this is being declared the last book of the series, the author hints that there could be more books in the future. The book wraps up some of the loose ends of the series-much enjoyed.
“ Mina Holmes and Evaline Stoker return in their final and most exciting adventure together. Will the Ankh be brought to justice? What will happen now that we know Pix’s real identity? And what about Dylan? . . . And Grayling? And what is that strange and mysterious airship that flies over London?”
“ Mina Holmes and Evaline Stoker return in their final and most exciting adventure together. Will the Ankh be brought to justice? What will happen now that we know Pix’s real identity? And what about Dylan? . . . And Grayling? And what is that strange and mysterious airship that flies over London?”
October 6, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I loved this series so so much, all starting as a mystery assignment in my classroom. It was an awesome series that I loved a lot. I especially enjoyed pix and stoker’s romance, so it came to be quite a delight when they… (SPOILER)
got married!! I was jumping around squealing for 13 minutes straight. I loved this book so much and I highly suggest 11+ read it. I did, however, read this book when I was younger, and it was a little violent. The torture, ofc
got married!! I was jumping around squealing for 13 minutes straight. I loved this book so much and I highly suggest 11+ read it. I did, however, read this book when I was younger, and it was a little violent. The torture, ofc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
Book five for the Stoker and Holmes Series
Evaline Stoker (sister of Bram) and Mina Holmes (daughter of Mycroft and therefore niece of Sherlock) have formed an impossible partnership. For 9 months they have been solving crimes filled with incredible villains, dare doing, adventures, everything you could possibly want all in the world of steampunk. Many clever references to Sherlock Holmes Canon abound in this book making it all the more fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and now we'll have to hunt up the first four to complete my read of the entire group. So good I won it from Goodreads overnight & finished it the same day.
Evaline Stoker (sister of Bram) and Mina Holmes (daughter of Mycroft and therefore niece of Sherlock) have formed an impossible partnership. For 9 months they have been solving crimes filled with incredible villains, dare doing, adventures, everything you could possibly want all in the world of steampunk. Many clever references to Sherlock Holmes Canon abound in this book making it all the more fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and now we'll have to hunt up the first four to complete my read of the entire group. So good I won it from Goodreads overnight & finished it the same day.
December 25, 2019
Review coming soon
March 24, 2020
Very enjoyable conclusion to the series! Though I am sad that we didn't get as many romantic scenes for our heroines in this book as in book four.
May 11, 2020
A bit ridiculous, but a fun read and escape mystery, steampunkish fantasy series.
June 12, 2020
A spectacular and exciting finish to a fabulous series!
December 20, 2020
I have no idea what to do now. I need more adventures from the two of them.
April 15, 2024
This was the first book of the series I read. I really enjoyed it so I'll definitely be going back to read the rest. The story was well fleshed out and the author did a great job of referencing the prior books without adding confusion for a reader who hasn't read them. The characters were highly entertaining and well imagined. I recommend this book and likely the whole series.
September 8, 2021
2.25*
The Zeppelin Deception finally concludes the Stoker and Holmes series. This final book was similar the its predecessors in that it was another lighthearted and fun read that you can get through quickly. It was a story (and series) that lacked a lot of depth but attempted to make up for that with a “Stoker” and a “Holmes” as its heroines.
I really liked that Evaline was able to finally wake up about her engagement to Ned and it was great to see her get her spirit back. This was something that really concerned me in the previous novel because Evaline was just rolling over when her brother and sister-in-law were being bullies. It was nice to see her start to stand up for herself again and finally say, “no.” I also loved the continuing romance between Evaline and Pix as well as Mina and Ambrose.
At the same time, I really can’t see why Dylan was included in this story at all. In my review of the last book The Carnelian Crow (book #4), I mentioned that Dylan’s reappearance was unnecessary and unneeded. This statement couldn’t have been more true. Although his reappearance caused some friction between Mina and Ambrose (misperceptions at its finest), Dylan hardly made any appearance in this final book at all. Coming back through time was solely a ruse by the author to create additional tension between our new love birds (Ambrose and Mina). So, instead of having these characters (A & M) talk or find some peaceful bliss (at least with each other), we have conflict. Yippee.
I’m also incredibly confused about Pix’s real identity. Not that Pix couldn’t have been this character that is accused of a murder he didn’t commit, but that in only 2 years Pix (an American) has completely taken over part of the criminal underworld in London. He is a leader and someone other hardened thugs show deference too. Not only that, but he has made and created contacts all throughout London because he’s “in the business of information.” Do you know how long (or how much money) it takes to earn the trust from the underbelly of any society? He was a wealthy little rich boy before he arrived and it’s doubtful he had any real street-smarts. But, since being accused, he has gained all knowledge and skill imaginable in a timeline unheard of. Umm, yeah sure, okay…cause that sounds legit.
I can’t say I’m surprised, but I was back to skimming large portions of this novel as well. I was hoping that the writing style of the author was growing on me or that she was simply getting better but here I am, again having skipped and flitted my way through the novel, not reading it outright. This was disappointing because, as I’ve mentioned, it’s not something I tend to endorse or do. And yet, this series has made it easy. Descriptions dragged and became dull and the lack of depth only encouraged my actions. This may not be much of a justification for bad book behavior, but there it is.
Additionally, I disliked the ending and some of the big reveals along the way (such as the fact that Mina isn’t actually a Holmes at all). This was yet another unneeded thing to throw in and rather mean of the author. But it didn’t end with Mina, since we also have a convoluted explanation for why Mina’s mother finally makes an appearance. Didn’t we just see a similar plot twist with Mina and Evaline’s mentor in the previous novel?? Not very original of the author since she’d literally just done the same thing.
This was a series I was able to begin and finish within just a couple of days. Admittedly, I skipped quite a bit, which definitely cut down on my reading time overall, but it was still a cute story. I’m glad the villain was caught () and that this has come to an end. With the steampunk elements, the inaccurate portrayals of 1800’s London, and the immature feel to the series, I’m not sure I can recommend it to anyone but those who are looking for something light and unmoving.
The Zeppelin Deception finally concludes the Stoker and Holmes series. This final book was similar the its predecessors in that it was another lighthearted and fun read that you can get through quickly. It was a story (and series) that lacked a lot of depth but attempted to make up for that with a “Stoker” and a “Holmes” as its heroines.
I really liked that Evaline was able to finally wake up about her engagement to Ned and it was great to see her get her spirit back. This was something that really concerned me in the previous novel because Evaline was just rolling over when her brother and sister-in-law were being bullies. It was nice to see her start to stand up for herself again and finally say, “no.” I also loved the continuing romance between Evaline and Pix as well as Mina and Ambrose.
At the same time, I really can’t see why Dylan was included in this story at all. In my review of the last book The Carnelian Crow (book #4), I mentioned that Dylan’s reappearance was unnecessary and unneeded. This statement couldn’t have been more true. Although his reappearance caused some friction between Mina and Ambrose (misperceptions at its finest), Dylan hardly made any appearance in this final book at all. Coming back through time was solely a ruse by the author to create additional tension between our new love birds (Ambrose and Mina). So, instead of having these characters (A & M) talk or find some peaceful bliss (at least with each other), we have conflict. Yippee.
I’m also incredibly confused about Pix’s real identity. Not that Pix couldn’t have been this character that is accused of a murder he didn’t commit, but that in only 2 years Pix (an American) has completely taken over part of the criminal underworld in London. He is a leader and someone other hardened thugs show deference too. Not only that, but he has made and created contacts all throughout London because he’s “in the business of information.” Do you know how long (or how much money) it takes to earn the trust from the underbelly of any society? He was a wealthy little rich boy before he arrived and it’s doubtful he had any real street-smarts. But, since being accused, he has gained all knowledge and skill imaginable in a timeline unheard of. Umm, yeah sure, okay…cause that sounds legit.
I can’t say I’m surprised, but I was back to skimming large portions of this novel as well. I was hoping that the writing style of the author was growing on me or that she was simply getting better but here I am, again having skipped and flitted my way through the novel, not reading it outright. This was disappointing because, as I’ve mentioned, it’s not something I tend to endorse or do. And yet, this series has made it easy. Descriptions dragged and became dull and the lack of depth only encouraged my actions. This may not be much of a justification for bad book behavior, but there it is.
Additionally, I disliked the ending and some of the big reveals along the way (such as the fact that Mina isn’t actually a Holmes at all). This was yet another unneeded thing to throw in and rather mean of the author. But it didn’t end with Mina, since we also have a convoluted explanation for why Mina’s mother finally makes an appearance. Didn’t we just see a similar plot twist with Mina and Evaline’s mentor in the previous novel?? Not very original of the author since she’d literally just done the same thing.
This was a series I was able to begin and finish within just a couple of days. Admittedly, I skipped quite a bit, which definitely cut down on my reading time overall, but it was still a cute story. I’m glad the villain was caught () and that this has come to an end. With the steampunk elements, the inaccurate portrayals of 1800’s London, and the immature feel to the series, I’m not sure I can recommend it to anyone but those who are looking for something light and unmoving.
July 28, 2019
It's a cold, blustery day in January of 1890 when Mina Holmes receives an invitation to Evaline Stoker's wedding. The two young women - partners and occasionally friends - haven't spoken for nearly two months, since the events at the Carnelian Crow.
Shocked, Mina is still looking at the invitation when constables from Scotland Yard begin pounding on her front door. They've arrived to arrest her for the murder of a man she's never even heard of.
Meanwhile, Evaline has her hands full with wedding plans (boring) and an overbearing sister who wants to manage her every move - including a dizzying array of social activities. In the midst of all this, she receives an invitation to visit Lady Isabella Cosgrove-Pitt, a most villainous woman.
With Pix in jail, Mina being hunted by Scotland Yard, and Evaline dining with the murderous Lady Isabella what more can possibly go wrong?
Plenty. And when the mysterious black zeppelin appears once again in the night sky, things are about to get even more dangerous for Miss Stoker and Miss Holmes.
Shocked, Mina is still looking at the invitation when constables from Scotland Yard begin pounding on her front door. They've arrived to arrest her for the murder of a man she's never even heard of.
Meanwhile, Evaline has her hands full with wedding plans (boring) and an overbearing sister who wants to manage her every move - including a dizzying array of social activities. In the midst of all this, she receives an invitation to visit Lady Isabella Cosgrove-Pitt, a most villainous woman.
With Pix in jail, Mina being hunted by Scotland Yard, and Evaline dining with the murderous Lady Isabella what more can possibly go wrong?
Plenty. And when the mysterious black zeppelin appears once again in the night sky, things are about to get even more dangerous for Miss Stoker and Miss Holmes.
February 20, 2023
The Zeppelin Deception by Colleen Gleason
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Print: COPYRIGHT: 4/9/2022; ISBN: 978-1944665876; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; PAGES: 296; UNABRIDGED (Reading age : 12 - 18 years; Lexile measure : 920L; Grade level : 7 – 12)
Digital: Available
* (This version) Audio: COPYRIGHT: 10/3/2019; ISBN: 9781987190243; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; DURATION: 10:54:01; Unabridged; (Overdrive LAPL)
Feature Film or tv: No
SERIES: Stoker & Homes, Book 4
MAIN CHARACTERS: (spelling is probably wrong—I was listening, not reading—list not comprehensive)
Miss Alvemina (Mina) Holmes – Niece of Sherlock
Miss Evaline Stoker – Sister of Bram Stoker
Ambrose Greyling – an Inspector
Angus – Greyling’s dog described as a Basset Hound but referred to as a Beagle
Irene Adler – An employer, of-sorts
Dylan Eckhert – Fellow from the future
Pix – Mysterious criminal-sort
Olympia Bainbridge – Inventor
Emit Olligary – Philanthropist of-sorts
Ned Olligary – Eveline’s fiancé
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it. It was the next book in the series.
What it was about: Sherlock Holmes’ niece and Graham Stoker’s sister, both aged 17, team up to assist Irene Adler solve another mystery, this one involving the solving of murders.
What I thought: As with the previous two books: Well done. I enjoy the steampunk genre and the descriptions of costumes and events and I’m attached to the characters. In fact, while I was anxious to get everything solved, I now want the stories to continue.
As mentioned before, I also enjoy the vocabulary and the humor the author employs.
AUTHOR:
Colleen Gleason
From Wikipedia:
“Colleen Gleason lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan[1] with her husband and children.[2][3] She has a degree in English and a MBA from the University of Michigan.[1] She started writing in primary school and wrote nine complete stories before selling the first book of her The Gardella Vampire Chronicles[3] series to a division of Penguin Books, which published it in January 2007:[3] the series arrives at a conclusion on March 2009. In 2008 she wrote a short story, a prequel to the series, titled In Which a Masquerade Ball Unmasks an Undead, published first in the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, then as Victoria Gardella: Vampire Slayer. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in sales and marketing and started her own business[3] in the insurance field.[4]
In 2010, she started the six-novel series The Envy Chronicles, written using the pen name Joss Ware. In 2011, she wrote The Regency Draculia trilogy.”
She has also written short stories. In 2010, she collaborated with Mary Balogh, Susan Krinard and Janet Mullany in a paranormal tribute to Jane Austen, writing "Northanger Castle" for the book Bespelling Jane Austen, published on October 1, 2010.[5]”
NARRATOR:
Jayne Entwistle
From “thejayneshow” .com:
“Jayne was born in the North of England and lived in a myriad of places (Vancouver, San Francisco, Tucson, Sequim, Seattle) before landing in Los Angeles. She is an avid improviser who hitched her space-work wagon to Patrick Bristow’s company, Improvatorium, where she studied, taught, directed and performed improv.
She is an award-winning audiobook narrator best known for her narration of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. She also received the 2015 Odyssey Honour Award for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry and the 2016 Odyssey Award for, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
When not inhaling books for work or pleasure, Jayne works in film, television and commercials. The biggest star she has ever worked with is Shaquille O’Neal. He is quite literally THE biggest star she has ever worked with. Ever. He’s really big!”
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed Jayne’s narration!
LOCATION(S)
London
TIME(S)
1890
GENRE
Fantasy; Mystery; Historical Fiction; Young Adult Fiction; Steampunk
SUBJECTS:
Time travel; vampires; vampire slayers; Sherlock Holmes characters; Great Britain; Girls and Women’s issues; Zeppelins; Romance; friendships; family relations
DEDICATION:
Not found
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1, “Miss Holmes ~In Which the End Begins~”
“The dawning of the last decade of the nineteenth century did not come--at least in my opinion--accompanied by celebration and optimism.
In fact, I regret to say, the change from the old year to the new annal of 1890 brought with it darkness, apprehension, and despair.
For the latter nine months of the year 1889, I had partnered with Miss Evaline Stoker--a young woman who, though quite different in temperament and intellectual capacity than myself, was an incredibly brave and honorable individual. We had formed this partnership at the behest of Miss Irene Adler, joining her in service to Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra.
Those nine months had been fraught with adventure, danger, mystery, and crime-solving, as well as burgeoning friendship between myself and Miss Stoker despite our mutual initial reluctance to work together. There had also been several members of the male gender who inserted themselves into our investigations, willy-nilly and, at times, unwelcomed.
On the day this narrative begins--specifically the seventh of February, which imposed cold, blustery winds and tiny, unforgiving ice pellets on the city as a sort of underscore to the news I was soon to receive--I stumbled gratefully back into the house after running several imperative errands that morning."
RATING:.
4 Well, actually if Goodreads had it available I'd say 4.5
STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
2-16-2023 to 2-19-2023
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Print: COPYRIGHT: 4/9/2022; ISBN: 978-1944665876; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; PAGES: 296; UNABRIDGED (Reading age : 12 - 18 years; Lexile measure : 920L; Grade level : 7 – 12)
Digital: Available
* (This version) Audio: COPYRIGHT: 10/3/2019; ISBN: 9781987190243; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; DURATION: 10:54:01; Unabridged; (Overdrive LAPL)
Feature Film or tv: No
SERIES: Stoker & Homes, Book 4
MAIN CHARACTERS: (spelling is probably wrong—I was listening, not reading—list not comprehensive)
Miss Alvemina (Mina) Holmes – Niece of Sherlock
Miss Evaline Stoker – Sister of Bram Stoker
Ambrose Greyling – an Inspector
Angus – Greyling’s dog described as a Basset Hound but referred to as a Beagle
Irene Adler – An employer, of-sorts
Dylan Eckhert – Fellow from the future
Pix – Mysterious criminal-sort
Olympia Bainbridge – Inventor
Emit Olligary – Philanthropist of-sorts
Ned Olligary – Eveline’s fiancé
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it. It was the next book in the series.
What it was about: Sherlock Holmes’ niece and Graham Stoker’s sister, both aged 17, team up to assist Irene Adler solve another mystery, this one involving the solving of murders.
What I thought: As with the previous two books: Well done. I enjoy the steampunk genre and the descriptions of costumes and events and I’m attached to the characters. In fact, while I was anxious to get everything solved, I now want the stories to continue.
As mentioned before, I also enjoy the vocabulary and the humor the author employs.
AUTHOR:
Colleen Gleason
From Wikipedia:
“Colleen Gleason lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan[1] with her husband and children.[2][3] She has a degree in English and a MBA from the University of Michigan.[1] She started writing in primary school and wrote nine complete stories before selling the first book of her The Gardella Vampire Chronicles[3] series to a division of Penguin Books, which published it in January 2007:[3] the series arrives at a conclusion on March 2009. In 2008 she wrote a short story, a prequel to the series, titled In Which a Masquerade Ball Unmasks an Undead, published first in the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, then as Victoria Gardella: Vampire Slayer. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in sales and marketing and started her own business[3] in the insurance field.[4]
In 2010, she started the six-novel series The Envy Chronicles, written using the pen name Joss Ware. In 2011, she wrote The Regency Draculia trilogy.”
She has also written short stories. In 2010, she collaborated with Mary Balogh, Susan Krinard and Janet Mullany in a paranormal tribute to Jane Austen, writing "Northanger Castle" for the book Bespelling Jane Austen, published on October 1, 2010.[5]”
NARRATOR:
Jayne Entwistle
From “thejayneshow” .com:
“Jayne was born in the North of England and lived in a myriad of places (Vancouver, San Francisco, Tucson, Sequim, Seattle) before landing in Los Angeles. She is an avid improviser who hitched her space-work wagon to Patrick Bristow’s company, Improvatorium, where she studied, taught, directed and performed improv.
She is an award-winning audiobook narrator best known for her narration of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. She also received the 2015 Odyssey Honour Award for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry and the 2016 Odyssey Award for, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
When not inhaling books for work or pleasure, Jayne works in film, television and commercials. The biggest star she has ever worked with is Shaquille O’Neal. He is quite literally THE biggest star she has ever worked with. Ever. He’s really big!”
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed Jayne’s narration!
LOCATION(S)
London
TIME(S)
1890
GENRE
Fantasy; Mystery; Historical Fiction; Young Adult Fiction; Steampunk
SUBJECTS:
Time travel; vampires; vampire slayers; Sherlock Holmes characters; Great Britain; Girls and Women’s issues; Zeppelins; Romance; friendships; family relations
DEDICATION:
Not found
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1, “Miss Holmes ~In Which the End Begins~”
“The dawning of the last decade of the nineteenth century did not come--at least in my opinion--accompanied by celebration and optimism.
In fact, I regret to say, the change from the old year to the new annal of 1890 brought with it darkness, apprehension, and despair.
For the latter nine months of the year 1889, I had partnered with Miss Evaline Stoker--a young woman who, though quite different in temperament and intellectual capacity than myself, was an incredibly brave and honorable individual. We had formed this partnership at the behest of Miss Irene Adler, joining her in service to Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra.
Those nine months had been fraught with adventure, danger, mystery, and crime-solving, as well as burgeoning friendship between myself and Miss Stoker despite our mutual initial reluctance to work together. There had also been several members of the male gender who inserted themselves into our investigations, willy-nilly and, at times, unwelcomed.
On the day this narrative begins--specifically the seventh of February, which imposed cold, blustery winds and tiny, unforgiving ice pellets on the city as a sort of underscore to the news I was soon to receive--I stumbled gratefully back into the house after running several imperative errands that morning."
RATING:.
4 Well, actually if Goodreads had it available I'd say 4.5
STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
2-16-2023 to 2-19-2023
February 23, 2022
Yay!
This is the LAST book for the Stoker & Holmes Novels!
This series has really been a blast, and I enjoyed reading it until the very end.
I will not lie though, that I did cry at the end.
Such a sweet story.
Highly recommend!
This is the LAST book for the Stoker & Holmes Novels!
This series has really been a blast, and I enjoyed reading it until the very end.
I will not lie though, that I did cry at the end.
Such a sweet story.
Highly recommend!
September 8, 2019
This is a solid series, throughout.
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