Venomous Secrets

Elemental Web Chronicles #4

by Anne Renwick

When the boundaries between scientific pursuit and personal risk blur, love and danger intertwine in the most unexpected ways

Cait McCullough, venom expert, is trouble personified.

Bored, she longs for excitement. And investigating a vicious fanged creature who stalks its victims by lamplight in darkest London offers the perfect opportunity. Working with a handsome, unmarried agent? A delightful bonus.

Agent Jonathan “Jack” Tagert’s impending blindness threatens his line of work. The timing couldn’t be worse. When a deadly attack upon a lord at his brother’s engagement ball connects to a string of odd murders, the hunt begins for a seductive predator.

Societal scandal binds them together, sending them on a perilous mission to trace the creature’s past, to separate fact from myth. As the venomous truth slithers near, time is running out. Can the pair untangle a mystery and stop the body count from rising?


WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

“mystery and romance, mythological creatures and science”

“What happens when you mix pipettes and labs, steam powered robots and carriages, Agents for the Crown, and a female scientist who wants to become an Agent herself? Steampunk at its best!”

“full of science, intrigue, and legendary creatures”

“I love this world, Victorian mid-1880’s, full of science, intrigue, and legendary creatures. I also love that the women are smart, strong, and sassy. They know what they want and go after it at full speed!”

“cool steampunk technology, all wrapped with an enticing dash of humour and romance!”

“The intrigue and romance are one thing, but the scientific and medical twists are what really hooked me. I am a practicing physician and in each story I haven’t found fault with the backbone medical facts mixed in the science fiction.”


Tropes:
Enemies to Allies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Marriage of Convenience
Secret Agents
Murder Mystery
Alternate Victorian London
Women in STEM
Vulnerable Hero
Mad Science
Cryptobiology
Medical Intrigue
Steampunk
Gaslamp Fantasy
Biotechnology
Adventure Romance
Romantasy

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy, Historical, Science Fiction, Historical Romance

Paperback

First published June 10, 2021

About the author

Though Anne Renwick holds a Ph.D. in biology and greatly enjoyed tormenting the overburdened undergraduates who were her students, fiction has always been her first love. Today, she writes steampunk romance, placing a new kind of biotech in the hands of mad scientists, proper young ladies and determined villains.

Books: https://www.annerenwick.com/bookshelf/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anne-Re...

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Victorian England at its finest! The steampunk aesthetic is absolutely divine!

Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Amanda Hupe]

"This is Victorian England at its finest!"

Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:

http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind-blowingly brilliant romance/mystery/adventure!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration

This has become one of my all-time favorite audiobooks! Anne Renwick has outdone herself with this exciting, smart, steampunk romance/mystery. The plot is wonderfully twisty, and the writing is superb! I can’t stop raving about the perfection of this audiobook. The geographic details of an alternate 19th-century London, the steampunk world-building, and the realistic biological aspects to the story are all so well-researched and cleverly written. The plot is fast-paced and unpredictable. I love the bold, smart main characters, Cait and Jack, whose extraordinary romance is completely satisfying and moderately steamy. Cait and Jack are working as agents of the Queen investigating the strange murders in London that seem vampiric but are actually perpetrated by a poisonous woman.

Trigger Warnings: snakebites and medical blood-letting.

I was blown away by the amazing performances of Moira Quirk and Gary Furlong, who both perfectly brought the story to life with exquisite British accents, pacing, and emotion. I am definitely going to search for more audiobooks narrated by them.

I couldn’t stop listening to this gripping mystery/romance. The series can be read out of order, but there is one small spoiler for “The Iron Fin”. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves historical mysteries, steampunk, and/or Victorian romance. I knew Anne Renwick was a great author, but now I need to catch up with her other novels.

I requested and received a free audiobook copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Audiobook review*

Even though Venomous Secrets is the fourth book in the Elemental Steampunk Chronicles, it stands on it's own very well. It is predominantly a romance series and for that reason each book needs must focus on a different couple.

Please be advised that this is not a clean book. I only say this because I know some people follow my reviews and I review a lot of clean fiction.

Venomous secrets does have a sex scene. It is between a married couple but it is not fade to black. It is very detailed and it was made even more awkward by the fact that this audiobook features two narrators, a male narrator and a female narrator.

Okay Brutally honest warning out of the way.

I really did enjoy this story. It was an engaging murder mystery and featured likeable characters. I loved the steampunk elements and the fantasy nature of the world building gave the story the perfect atmosphere of wonder.

Kate and Jack were perfectly portrayed by the duel narrators, who also managed to also give each of the supporting characters their own unique voices as well.

Venomous Secrets is a twisty mystery for anyone who doesn't mind some Steam in their Steampunk.

*I was given a free reviewer code for this audiobook. This review is provided of my own volition and it my fair and honest evaluation of the provided perfomance.*

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh! My heart is so happy for this book. There’s a part of me that wants to say if feels a little like a steampunk twist on an Indiana Jones tale. There’s all the daring action and adventure, villains who are not at all what they appear to be, humor at the most unexpected of times, and a romance that starts off as unlikely but becomes inevitable. However, for as much as I loved that movie franchise, that comparison gives them too much credit. It also fails to take into account just how stunningly capable Cait is. I’m certainly not suggesting that she doesn’t need Jack, but it’s not for any of the reasons she thinks she does. They made excellent partners. And even though I’ve just spent more hours with them than I should have, I wish the book wasn’t over already. I can’t wait to see what the author has up her sleeve next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is seriously great stuff! I mean every single book that Anne writes is better than the last one. I’ve been a fan for a long time but this is absolutely her best story yet.
It’s got everything:
- a tall, dark, handsome yet clever hero with a sense of humour
- a feisty, wickedly smart and beautiful heroine who likes a challenge but carries the secret of a unique condition
- A hot romance with some super steamy scenes
- a true partnership of minds... and bodies

Side note: I love that Cait’s clothing looks oh-so-feminine but has secret pockets for vials and a kit for collecting blood and venom samples. Lol.

All the usual superlatives apply to this story like any Anne Renwick tale: fully developed and engaging characters, interesting plot with a twist, lots of cool steampunk technology, all wrapped with an enticing dash of humour and romance! And even better there is an HEA and the promise of further adventures.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is the fourth book in the Elemental Steampunk Chronicles. I bought a copy of this book for my Kindle.

Story (5/5): I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story involves Cait who is uniquely immune to poisons and works in a lab, and Jack Tagert who is an agent for the Queen. When a deadly attack happens at his brother’s engagement ball, Jack is drawn into the mystery. When it is found that poison is involved Cait is also pulled into the investigation because of her unique skill set. The two of them are drawn together in ways that aren’t entirely professional.

This was a fun story and I continue to love all the science and medical terminology included in all of these books. The mystery is intriguing and the story comes together excellently. The romance is well done and there is plenty of action as well. I really loved this story and continue to absolutely adore this series.

Characters (5/5): All the characters in here are well done. I loved Cait with her mysterious past and unique biology; I love that she knows what she wants and never shies away from her goals. It was fun to get a closer look at Black’s family (Cait is his sister). I also really enjoyed Jack. The two are put into a somewhat impossible situation together and I enjoyed how they worked everything out. The chemistry between the two characters is excellent. I also enjoyed many of the side characters.

Setting (5/5): Like all the other books in this series, this book is set in an alternate steampunk London. The majority of this book does take place in London. I really love how Renwick seamlessly weaves a whole steampunk culture into this alternate London. It is very well done and well described.

Writing Style (5/5): Like all of Renwick’s books this one was an effortless read for me. It does lean more towards the romance end of the spectrum but also has a complex and intriguing mystery. I love all the medical terminology and scientific discussions throughout the book, it makes for a fascinating read. Out of all the serial romance type of series I have read, this one remains my favorite. I just love the world Renwick has built here and I love that the romance is well balanced with a good mystery, amazing steampunk inventions, and well done action scenes.

My Summary (5/5): Overall this was an amazing addition to the Elemental Steampunk series. I highly recommend this steampunk series to fans of the genre. It does have some romance but is well balanced with excellent world-building, an intriguing mystery, complex characters, fascinating steampunk devices, and some well done action. I hope that there are more books in this series; I truly enjoy them and would love to read more books in this world.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Taggart, the younger brother, the spare, enjoys being a queen’s agent, especially because it keeps him away from his mischievous older brother and meddlesome mother. Cait is a unique woman who is immune to various venoms and poisons, but running tests on herself and working in a lab isn’t what she really desires. If only she could find an agent to marry, then she too could be a queen’s agent. When a mysterious woman, known as the London Vampire, starts attacking Londoners with an unknown venom, Jack and Cait’s paths cross, and it may just be the perfect match.

Venomous Secrets is an exciting adventure and heart-warming romance. Cait, sister of both Alec (MC from The Iron Fin, book 3) and the mysterious Mr. Black, is a determined young woman. She wants to find out more about who her unknown father is and why she is immune to snake (and other) venoms, and she wants to become an agent like her brothers. When she and Jack get tangled up in the investigation of the London Vampire, the pair is given a choice to marry or be kicked off the case (and never become an agent). I love the emotional roller coaster as they decide to marry. At first it’s all positives, but as other details come to light, they each start to question if long-term marriage is the best course of action. Of course, as the pair works together on the case and discuss their desires, dreams, and fears, the pair grows close, ultimately finding love.

The case of the London Vampire is complex, involving many people and taking the pair to several locations around the country. At times the story moves very quickly, and all I could do is listen and enjoy. I loved the detailed scientific discussions and hypotheses over what the vampire truly is and how she kills. There isn’t as much “steampunk tech” in this one as in previous stories, with most of the gadgets in the background, except for one important tool needed to potentially save Jack’s life. My biggest complaint is there are times when a character would be in the middle of something stressful or intense, yet would find time for lengthy hypothesizing and vetting out their thoughts. It was interesting, but when a character is in near mortal danger, they shouldn’t have time for lengthy internal monologues. It would take me out of the immediacy of the situation.

Narration: The story is shared from the alternating third person POVs of Cait and Jack. Both narrators do a good job, although I preferred Ms. Quick’s work a tad more, especially when portraying characters of the opposite gender. Ms. Quick uses a neutral British accent for the narrator, altering her voice for the various character dialogue. Her performance is spot on for Cait as Ms. Quick alters her accent to match that of a Glaswegian. Mr. Furlong also used a neutral narrator and his performance of Jack was excellent. I didn’t care for his female characters as much, sometimes they could be a bit overdramatic. He did work in the appropriate accents for each character and made each unique.

In the end, Venomous Secrets is a wonderful addition to Ms. Renwick’s Elemental Steampunk world. I enjoyed the detailed scientific discussions and the tie-in with characters from previous stories, and I look forward to finding out what happens next in this exciting series.

My Ratings:

Story: B/B-

Narration:

Moira Quick: A-

Gary Furlong: B

Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a fanged menace attacking and killing members of society in a reimagined London with secret agents and advanced biotechnology, creating rumors of a vampire on the loose. Cait, an intelligent and independent scientist with an expertise in venom, suspects there is more going on than vampires. Jack gets involved when a lord is attacked at his brother's engagement party and his investigation into the event leads to a string of strange murders that seem to be connected to the fanged menace. It turns out that Jack and Cait just might have the best combination of skills needed to catch this killer. Black, Cait's brother, would prefer that his sister spend her days in her lab and not in the field as an agent chasing killers. Duty wins out and Cait and Jack team up to solve the case and catch a killer. As they work together, they uncover each others secrets, start to grow close, and things become complicated when one of them winds up crossing the killer with dire consequences. Will they survive and bring justice to the world?

Similar to other installments in this bookverse, Dr. Renwick, the book's author, brings her love of biology to the story in a very unique way. She continues to write strong-willed, intelligent women who test boundaries and live outside the norms of society. Cait is no exception running around in her dresses with built-in compartments for antivenin and sample vials running dangerous experiments to understand scientifically personal boundaries. It's clear to me that Dr. Renwick puts research into her books and that it's more than just writing a steampunk adventure with a little bit of romance thrown in. If you're a fan of steampunk with a uniquely scientific twist, I highly recommend any of Dr. Renwick's books.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Ren Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth installment of the elemental chronicles series by Anne Renwick cracks the door open a little more on Logan Black’s family, featuring his sister Cait, and revealing more of their family’s dynamics through her search to understand her biology and heritage.

Favorite type of plot- a woman who approaches life not from a “who will let me” but “who will stop me?” position and thus finds herself in unexpected places, a spark of instant attraction, a marriage of convenience but secret love match, and a heroine who ultimately figures out the mystery AND saves the “prince.”

Jack Tagert is a vulnerable hero, suffering from a brain tumor that could, at worst, prove fatal. At best, cause permanent blindness. Terrified of losing his career as a queens field agent, he’s doing everything to hide his condition. But he can’t hide it from his new wife and learns how to lean on her as a partner to survive.

The plot focuses around the discovery of more mythical creatures who turn out to be real - lamiae and nanagami. Snake women and snack charmers. This book will leave you wondering how you’d react if the scariest fairytales turned out to be true and taking tea across from you.

My only objection to this installment is the use of the baby at the end of the book- used as a bargaining chip to get an algorithm and then callously falling to the floor during another scuffle with nobody seeming to pay much mind. Snake child or no, it was a weird and out of place disregard for life that felt jarring and disrespectful. For that reason alone, this is probably my least favorite of the series.

Here’s hoping the next installment is about Black, though I suspect it will feature Quinn.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fourth book of the series, we are immediately pulled in to the world of the Duke of Avesbury's agents in this enthrallingly gripping tale.
Beautiful, intelligent Cait McCullough is an extremely talented expert in all things venomous, she longs for excitement and to be recognised for her abilities, but her brother only sees her as his little sister, wanting to tie her to the laboratory out of harms way.
Jonathan "Jack" Tagert is a sexy, handsome agent working for Queen and country but becomes drawn to Cait immediately after their first encounter, realising her talents very quickly.
But will Jack cross Cait's brother Black by becoming entangled with her, and there is also the problem of his impending blindness...
But together they join forces as the sexual tension crackles between them, and as it hisses and spits, it takes them further into danger with twists and turns, and thickening plots, as a deadly venomous killer stalks the streets of London.
Anne Renwick has cleverly woven this tale with intrigue, emotion and humour. She beautifully portrays their chemistry, you really feel the warmth growing between them. She captures Victorian London with her extremely descriptive writing, pulling you further and further into this adventure through the smog ridden streets of the city.
I absolutely loved it from start to finish and cannot wait for the next instalment from this extremely talented author.

[Mellie Novel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murders, mysteries, and deadly snakes, oh my!

Science fiction meets steampunk, meets paranormal mystery! I enjoyed Anne Renwick's unique way of tying in superficial scientific research with a cloak of mystery, and suspense, all topped nicely with the perfect hint of romance. The storyline kept me intrigued at what would happen next, and when you think you knew the plot, Bam! A twist of delicious secrets took hold and shocked me in the best way. I could not put this down!
Murders are happening in the area and the suspect resembles a suspicious creature one would call a vampire.
Our heroine Cait is a fan of studying snakes. She is strong, resilient, adaptable, and ready for anything. Jack is bold, inquisitive, and very much a Queen's Agent, a detective of high ranking stature.
Gary Furlong has been a go-to narrator for me and once I heard he had this title I knew it would be more than enjoyable. This was my first book by Moira Quick and certainly will not be my last. Both narrators tones, emotion, and sense of understanding the plot were exactly what this title deserved.
This was an enjoyable first time listen by Anne Renwick and now I'm hooked! I've added the few other titles to my TBL!
I was given this ALC for my honest review.

[Christina]

These books were good not great. I really enjoyed the world building and the steampunk aspects however the plot and characters were hit or miss.

I think I would really enjoy a book from the perspective of our about Logan Black, he seems like the most intriguing character. Maybe one of the other series has his story.

The Iron Finn was probably my favorite book in this series both from a plot and a character perspective. Both Isa and Alec felt very real to me and I understood their motivations. Also Isa’s special “abilities” were explained in a way that felt very natural to this world.

Venomous Secrets has one of my favorite tropes - ooos we are forced to be married or have to pretend we are married. In this case it really makes sense and the characters wrestle with their feelings and how authentic they are vs how circumstances forced them into it. Also Cait is awesome if maybe a little crazy but aren’t all the good ones? This comes second to the Iron Finn only because the plot and motivation of some of the characters got a little convoluted but still really enjoyed.

[Perennial Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute fan of the Elemental Steampunk Series as Anne Renwick has been delivering in each and everyone of these books! You get your dose of adventure and romance packed in steampunk and a dash of science.

I like the series so much because it features heroines who defy convention, they are all accomplished - and not in the Jane Austen way - women...and Cait McCullough is no different. The venom expert is exactly whom Jack Taggert, delightfully unattached agent in the service of her majesty, needs in order to solve his case.

The book is thoroughly entertaining, well written - as you would expect from Anne Renwick - and just a delight to read. Clear your evenings or like me just decide to have an indulging weekend, find a comfy spot because you will not want to put it aside until you finished it!

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of the book and am providing an honest and not influenced review 😊

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venomous Secrets is a Steampunk romance. While it is the fourth entry in a larger series, I have not read any of the other books and was pleased to find I didn't feel like I was missing any backstory as the book progressed.

This is the story of Jack, an agent for the Queen, and Cait, a lab assistant with an immunity to venoms and poisons. They meet over the body of a victim and are thrown together to help solve murders that are being attributed to a vampire. The story was very entertaining; it has mystery and romance, mythological creatures and science. I’m interested in reading other books in this series.

If you are new to Steampunk, this is a good introduction as the anachronistic science and mechanics for the time are so well blended into the world, it feels natural for Victorian England.

The audiobook had two new to me narrators, Moira Quick and Gary Furlong. Both narrators did an excellent job of carrying the story and I enjoyed their performances.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venom does strike twice even 3 times
Cait is her mothers indescretion personified. She experiments with snake and other venom to test her immunity. She wears a poisonous ring and considers herself a poison expert! This claim is about to be tested in the extreme.
Jack is a second son of a Viscount but also a Queen’s agent. He has hands full hiding a secret illness and now compromising his mission with involving Cait! Things grow more bizarre when Cait is almost killed by a she vampire like creature!
Things heat up very quickly as Cait reputation is compromised Jack took her home thinking she might not last the night!
If you want Murder, testicles, pituitary gland removal and an invention that might save Cait’s new husband life or end it!
Burning building and family betrayal amongst venomous creatures including snakes then you will stay up way late! I couldn’t put it down!
With all the mayhem these two manage to fall in love!

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since the author gave us a new book, but this book was worth the wait. Again, the author has created strong men and opinionated women striving to overcome their problems and disadvantages, real and merely perceived, arising from their positions in highborn Victorian society. And that our hero and heroine come together in at cross-purposes in a marriage that practically screams "convenience" only makes the human element add electricity to this fast-moving action-packed thriller. Throw in supernatural steampunk and what an exciting read we have!

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate - BookyGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first foray into Anne Renwick's Elemental Steampunk World and was immersed immediately. The story twists and turns of the story enthrall you, making you guess if things are real or myth. If you're a fan of decisive, strong female leads, then Cait is the character for you. Jack provides a slightly grumpy, albeit attractive, male lead. The chemistry between the two leads is fantastic. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were top notch. Moira Quick's Scottish accent was delicious and her voice for the villian was just the right mix of creepy and evil. Gary Furlong also did a wonderful job, entrancing you from the moment you hear Jack's perspective.

[Elizabeth Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was also very enjoyable. A new set of mysteries and secrets. I enjoyed Cait and Jack's relationship. Their dynamics were relatable and they actually communicated far more than most couples in romance novels. The respect and confidence they have in each other makes it so much easier to root for their relationship. I found throughout this series that the romance took more of a second place to the mystery and science presented and I very much enjoyed that. I do love the romance side but having most of the focus on the case really pulled me in to the book, making me want to read more to see what happens next.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steampunk and Secrets

This story was everything I hoped it would be and more. A societally-forced marriage turned to love, a kick-butt female heroine, a hero who also kick butt and is brainy, snakes, venom, mythological creatures, crazy inventions, Victorian “science” based on today’s biochemistry/anatomy/medicine/etc., the list of all the things that are fantastic about this novel goes on. I loved the build-up of the “who-dunit” and the final fight scenes are dramatic and exciting. My first book by Anne Renwick, but certainly not my last.

[Kathryn]

Jack Tagert knows his older brother, Viscount Aubrey is up to no good.

Cait is sister to 3 Queen's agents, including the dangerous Mr. Black, and wants to be in the Queens services but has no desire to be a socialital liasion, so she specializes in the study of poisons. While her mother wants to see her in a good marriage, but she is very good at sabotaging each opportunity.

Together, they infiltrate a health resort the Viscount is invested in to find their treatments come from a Greek myth. Now they just need to catch the women involved and stop the deaths and castrations of men.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, you have an independent and intelligent woman in Cait. You also have love and intrigue and wonderful creatures. The reason I love these books is because there is something for everyone. There is always something new for me to discover. These books are full of action and fun to read. Anne Renwick writes in a way that, one, you don't realize you've learned something, and two, she is totally refreshing. I highly recommend this book.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Mythology to Reality

Really good story. I loved Cait, such a strong woman. And a determined woman. She is not going to let the men in her life hold her back. A murderer is out and about in London, A serial killer. Only Cait has the knowledge and skills to assist in tracking down the villain. Only Jack, A Queen's agent, is not threatened by Cait's knowledge and drive, and agrees to partner with her. Great book. Remarkable villains.

[Jac Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Imaginative, intriguing, fun and sexy:) A wonderful addition the the series and to Steampunk genre! Cait and Jack are both intelligent and stubborn and work well together. Whether they wanted to or not:) Also nice to see a bit of expression in the darkly mysterious and intrepid Mr Black:)

[JW USA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Cait and Jack seem to stumble more than be agents. Lots of things happen to them and villains confess evil plans instead of an engaging narrative taking you on the journey. The ending felt very rushed.

[Sheryl Messinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her books

Another great read by Ms. Renwick. The steampunk novel featuring venomous snakes does not disappoint. A couple in love and working for the Queen, always a great story line!

[Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so fun! Reminds me a ton of Soulless by Gail Carriger and the Veronica Speedwell series. I randomly started with book four so the world building was a tad confusing and the plot got away from me just a little but I take full responsibility for it all.

[Wemdu · Rating 4 out of 5]

[audio book] Moira Quick +
--------

[Dawn W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great fast paced steampunk adventure.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

VENOMOUS SECRETS, bk4 is a fairly new novel in Anne Renwick’s fascinating Elemental Steampunk series. Renwick’s website posts her suggested reading order yet the books can be enjoyed as standalone titles with no cliffhangers. I prefer reading the books as suggested because main characters often appear in later books. I love the creativeness and science is this series and look forward to reading A GHOST IN AMBER, A Steampunk Tale, the next bk by this author.

MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars. I LOVED VENOMOUS SECRETS! It was intelligent, complex, creative, imaginative and filled with suspense. This is a masterfully written series. (This particularly novel was just a bit creepy for me, this time, thus not the rare 5). See note at bottom*.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS; IT WAS GREAT! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

London, 1885
Cait McCullough/FMC is a woman in her mid-20’s and a venom expert at the prestigious Lister Science Institute in London. Each of Cait’s three very different brothers are employed as Queen Agents and to their dismay, Cait’s goal is to move out of the science lab into the field herself. Jonathan “Jack of All Trades” Taggert is the responsible second son of a English lord. Jack is medically trained and knowledgeable in various fields but is lacking in any degrees, preferring his work as agent for the Queen. Also based at the Lister Science Institute in the Department of Cryptozoology, Jack’s cases are tied to the discovery of unusual, extinct, or “presumed imaginary” animals, such as krakens and dragons. Jack works under the direction of the powerful Duke of Avesbury and ranking agent, Logan Black, one of Cait’s brothers.

Jack’s current case involves the apparent random murders of 4 men and a woman. A female vampire is said to be leaving a trail of mutilated bodies along the back streets of London, attacking people, titled and not, with an unknown venomous poison before killing them. Cait’s expertise in deadly venoms is deemed crucial and she wants to be included in the investigation, as Jack’s field partner. But there are complications: 1) All female agents, new or experienced, must be married or widowed before working in the field; 2) Cait is single, has no experience in the field and her brother Logan, also Jack’s supervisor, wishes her to remain out of it; 3) Friction, rooted in the past, already exists between Cait and Jack’s families; 4) Cait discovers that although Jack is a very valuable, experienced agent, a worrying tumor growing behind his left eye currently threatens his vision and his future employment as an agent. This case may well be his last if a cure is not discovered quickly. To proceed without delay, decisions must be made quickly. A Marriage of Convenience is but one.

Quote -
> “ Judging from her husband’s scowl, she was an unhappily married woman.”

What I Liked ~
1) The main characters are fascinating, seemingly real, and I cared what happened to them. I wanted the antagonists to definitely earn their just desserts; and some do. Yay!
2) I enjoy the world Renwick has created for her Elemental series - the unique cast of characters, their fascinating careers, the details involving the Lister Institute, Mr Black and his network, the possibilities of clockwork creations (aether driven air machines, creepy clockwork creatures such as the medical extraction device, the weapons & darts ), the imaginative settings and complicated plotting.
3) This is an intelligent, complex, creative, imaginative, suspense-filled series. And it still manages to be fun! On my second read of this book, I bounced between the digital version and the audiobook, depending on what I was doing.
4) I was quickly pulled into VENOMOUS SECRETS and didn’t want it to stop until the HEA and the solving of the mystery.
5) I was originally drawn to the Elemental Steampunk series by the eye-catching book cover art. I wasn’t even sure what “Steampunk” meant. I continue reading because the books are consistently delightful and entertaining. The covers are still lovely!

Anne Renwick’s Steampunk Elemental novels has become a favorite series. I heartedly recommend VENOMOUS SECRETS to readers who enjoy Steampunk or Historical Romance, Historical or British based Murder Mysteries, Proximity-Danger novels, Fantasy-Science based novels, novels with unique characters/settings, intricate plotting and HEAs - novels that open up possibilities and ask “What Ifs?” as they entertain.

*READER CAUTIONS - Not recommended to YA readers or those who prefer Clean fiction.
POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNING - VS deals with sexual crimes (mutilation and murder) which is described in some detail. These murders are one aspect of the story, not overly dark in nature, but present.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. This is a murder mystery.
PROFANITY - Yes. Infrequent use of strong language.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open door intimacy scenes occur on 2 or 3 occasions between married characters (which could be skipped if desired).

*VENOMOUS SECRETS doesn’t deal with the occult, witches, demons, vampires, and such.