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The Steampunk Detectives #1
The Curse of the Brimstone Contract
Magic—and love—balanced on the tip of a needle…
The Steampunk Detectives, Book 1
Magic existed at the fringes until Prince Albert discovered he was a mage. Now he and others like him are leading a revolution in steam technology that’s held tight in the grip of the upper classes.
A man of half-Indian heritage, rejected by his upper-crust, mage-gifted family, Gregor Sherringford lives in working-class London, investigating cases involving magic among the lower classes. But he’s never met a client quite like spirited, stubborn Joan Krieger.
Joan’s dream was to lead a fashion revolution designing women’s clothing suited to the new technology. But when her richest client mysteriously dies outside her shop, it deals a mortal blow to her dreams.
She hopes the handsome, enigmatic detective can prove the death a magical murder. She never expected a dark plot would be woven right into the fabric of her family. Or that cracking the case will mean merging gifts, minds—and hearts—with the one man who could be her partner in every way. If they survive the release of a soul-binding curse.
Warning: This novel contains an intelligent, repressed detective and a woman who won’t take no for an answer, not when she hires him…and not when she falls in love with him.
The Steampunk Detectives, Book 1
Magic existed at the fringes until Prince Albert discovered he was a mage. Now he and others like him are leading a revolution in steam technology that’s held tight in the grip of the upper classes.
A man of half-Indian heritage, rejected by his upper-crust, mage-gifted family, Gregor Sherringford lives in working-class London, investigating cases involving magic among the lower classes. But he’s never met a client quite like spirited, stubborn Joan Krieger.
Joan’s dream was to lead a fashion revolution designing women’s clothing suited to the new technology. But when her richest client mysteriously dies outside her shop, it deals a mortal blow to her dreams.
She hopes the handsome, enigmatic detective can prove the death a magical murder. She never expected a dark plot would be woven right into the fabric of her family. Or that cracking the case will mean merging gifts, minds—and hearts—with the one man who could be her partner in every way. If they survive the release of a soul-binding curse.
Warning: This novel contains an intelligent, repressed detective and a woman who won’t take no for an answer, not when she hires him…and not when she falls in love with him.
253 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2014
8 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Corrina Lawson
25 books94 followersWriter, Mom, Geek & Superhero, Corrina Lawson is the author of the superhero romance series, the Phoenix Institute, and the alternate history Seneca series, in which Romans and Vikings have settled in ancient North America.
She is also co-founder and Content Director for GeekMom.com and a mother of four, including twins.
She is also co-founder and Content Director for GeekMom.com and a mother of four, including twins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 13, 2022
3 Stars for The Curse of the Brimstone Contract: Steampunk Detectives, Book 1 produced by Bryant Street Publishing (audiobook) by Corrina Lawson read by Ana Clements.
I think the author had some interesting ideas for this story but overall it just didn’t work for me. I think I needed some more action. But I’m probably not the target audience for this one.
I think the author had some interesting ideas for this story but overall it just didn’t work for me. I think I needed some more action. But I’m probably not the target audience for this one.
April 27, 2014
This joint review was originally published at The Book Pushers
E: I have enjoyed reading murder mysteries from a rather young age so when I read this blurb and saw that it contained murder, magic, private investigators, dreams for the future, and love I had to give The Curse of the Brimstone Contract a try. I am glad that I did because I completely enjoyed reading this first installment and I am looking forward to seeing what Lawson creates as this series goes forward.
Marlene: I saw the words steampunk and detectives and I was all in. I’ve heard good things about Corrina Lawson, so I wanted to try something by her. Since this was the opening book of a series, it seemed like a good place to start. That it turned out to be an alternate version of a Sherlock Holmes story was just icing on the cake!
Speaking of Sherlock Holmes, I utterly adore Holmes pastiches, but this definitely is one. (The name Sherringford gives it away even before you read the description of the hero)
Sherringford is every bit as intelligent and enigmatic as his original. A consulting detective who solves cases the police can’t using methods of deduction. The way he turns his emotions on and off seems just right.
E: And now you have me wanted to dig up my collection of Sherlock Holmes stories! Anyways I found Sherringford rather fascinating. His focus on the science or reason “why” behind events not to mention his awareness of political currents added to his depth of character. I also enjoyed how he tested every prospective client to see if they had the mental agility and certain need to put up with his idiosyncrasies before even beginning the discussion about what they wanted him to investigate. I also felt that his not quite belonging in any particular area – visible magical ability or not, aristocracy or not was an asset when it came to his investigations.
Marlene: One of the things about the story that isn’t in the summary, but was marvelous, is that the heroine Joan Krieger is Jewish. It’s not something I see often, but made her that much easier for me to identify with. What I enjoyed about her was the way she dove into the case; no sitting back and letting the men solve everything, unlike so many of Holmes’ clients.
Joan was used to working for a living, in a way that seemed realistic and not anachronistic. She was used to dealing with her own problems, and hiring Sherringford to solve the mystery of the enchanted garments wasn’t a way of passing off the problem for her, it was a way of finding professional assistance. I loved the way that she kept rescuing herself, even if her efforts sometimes went awry. She’s never passive about events unless she’s waiting for a better time to get herself out of her current predicament.
The progress of Joan and Sherringford’s relationship reminds me of Mary Russell in Laurie R. King’s series (start with The Beekeeper's Apprentice for an absolute treat).
E: I also really enjoyed Joan. She had wishes and dreams and was used to working to obtain them. I liked how her independence transitioned to the investigation as she refused to let Sherringford go off on his own but insisted on maintaining an active role. The way she dealt with a variety of supporting characters ranging from her hired seamstresses to a few rather unsavory types was also extremely telling. It fit nicely with how she built her relationship with Sherringford and at the same time worked to extricate herself from an unwanted pending marriage.
Marlene: I found the worldbuilding to be absorbing and as logical as one ever gets when postulating that someone (in this case Prince Albert) discovered magic. The way that the upper classes controlled magic usage seemed just right. In a rigid class society, anything that had the potential to allow upward mobility was going to be regulated and quashed.
E: I enjoyed the world-building. It actually reminded me of the Lord Darcy series by Randall Garrett, which is another alternate world Sherlock Holmes *grin*. I loved the complexity Lawson brought to her creation and how holes in the class stratification system were beginning to form. In this world, a lack of knowledge was deadly but the spread of knowledge was also tightly controlled which reinforced a power imbalance and added to the overall tension. It also hinted at the potential of a yet to be named individual pulling all of the strings and really catching my interest for more.
Marlene: Oh my goodness yes! Lord Darcy! Those were so marvelous and it was beyond sad that the series (and the author) were cut short untimely.
E: While I did figure out a piece of the mystery, Lawson included a rather interesting twist that I was not suspecting. It certainly made me wonder how many events in the past that negatively impacted Joan’s future livelihood were chance or chance given a little nudge. I thought the conclusion to this story was very intriguing and certain individuals received their just results. I am really looking forward to what Lawson provides for the next installment because this first one was a great introduction and lots of fun to read.
I give The Curse of the Brimstone Contract an A-
Marlene: This is, at heart, a mystery, like all Holmes stories. I did guess who the “lesser evil” was, but not the “greater evil”. It makes sense now, but as you read, it is definitely not obvious. However, I wonder if this is the first book in a series. I hope so. Not just because Inspector Moran is clearly not done, but because Sherringford was hinting at a spider in the web, just as Moriarty was Moran’s boss in the original series.
I had fun with this story, and I look forward to more.
I give The Curse of the Brimstone Contract a B+
E: I have enjoyed reading murder mysteries from a rather young age so when I read this blurb and saw that it contained murder, magic, private investigators, dreams for the future, and love I had to give The Curse of the Brimstone Contract a try. I am glad that I did because I completely enjoyed reading this first installment and I am looking forward to seeing what Lawson creates as this series goes forward.
Marlene: I saw the words steampunk and detectives and I was all in. I’ve heard good things about Corrina Lawson, so I wanted to try something by her. Since this was the opening book of a series, it seemed like a good place to start. That it turned out to be an alternate version of a Sherlock Holmes story was just icing on the cake!
Speaking of Sherlock Holmes, I utterly adore Holmes pastiches, but this definitely is one. (The name Sherringford gives it away even before you read the description of the hero)
Sherringford is every bit as intelligent and enigmatic as his original. A consulting detective who solves cases the police can’t using methods of deduction. The way he turns his emotions on and off seems just right.
E: And now you have me wanted to dig up my collection of Sherlock Holmes stories! Anyways I found Sherringford rather fascinating. His focus on the science or reason “why” behind events not to mention his awareness of political currents added to his depth of character. I also enjoyed how he tested every prospective client to see if they had the mental agility and certain need to put up with his idiosyncrasies before even beginning the discussion about what they wanted him to investigate. I also felt that his not quite belonging in any particular area – visible magical ability or not, aristocracy or not was an asset when it came to his investigations.
Marlene: One of the things about the story that isn’t in the summary, but was marvelous, is that the heroine Joan Krieger is Jewish. It’s not something I see often, but made her that much easier for me to identify with. What I enjoyed about her was the way she dove into the case; no sitting back and letting the men solve everything, unlike so many of Holmes’ clients.
Joan was used to working for a living, in a way that seemed realistic and not anachronistic. She was used to dealing with her own problems, and hiring Sherringford to solve the mystery of the enchanted garments wasn’t a way of passing off the problem for her, it was a way of finding professional assistance. I loved the way that she kept rescuing herself, even if her efforts sometimes went awry. She’s never passive about events unless she’s waiting for a better time to get herself out of her current predicament.
The progress of Joan and Sherringford’s relationship reminds me of Mary Russell in Laurie R. King’s series (start with The Beekeeper's Apprentice for an absolute treat).
E: I also really enjoyed Joan. She had wishes and dreams and was used to working to obtain them. I liked how her independence transitioned to the investigation as she refused to let Sherringford go off on his own but insisted on maintaining an active role. The way she dealt with a variety of supporting characters ranging from her hired seamstresses to a few rather unsavory types was also extremely telling. It fit nicely with how she built her relationship with Sherringford and at the same time worked to extricate herself from an unwanted pending marriage.
Marlene: I found the worldbuilding to be absorbing and as logical as one ever gets when postulating that someone (in this case Prince Albert) discovered magic. The way that the upper classes controlled magic usage seemed just right. In a rigid class society, anything that had the potential to allow upward mobility was going to be regulated and quashed.
E: I enjoyed the world-building. It actually reminded me of the Lord Darcy series by Randall Garrett, which is another alternate world Sherlock Holmes *grin*. I loved the complexity Lawson brought to her creation and how holes in the class stratification system were beginning to form. In this world, a lack of knowledge was deadly but the spread of knowledge was also tightly controlled which reinforced a power imbalance and added to the overall tension. It also hinted at the potential of a yet to be named individual pulling all of the strings and really catching my interest for more.
Marlene: Oh my goodness yes! Lord Darcy! Those were so marvelous and it was beyond sad that the series (and the author) were cut short untimely.
E: While I did figure out a piece of the mystery, Lawson included a rather interesting twist that I was not suspecting. It certainly made me wonder how many events in the past that negatively impacted Joan’s future livelihood were chance or chance given a little nudge. I thought the conclusion to this story was very intriguing and certain individuals received their just results. I am really looking forward to what Lawson provides for the next installment because this first one was a great introduction and lots of fun to read.
I give The Curse of the Brimstone Contract an A-
Marlene: This is, at heart, a mystery, like all Holmes stories. I did guess who the “lesser evil” was, but not the “greater evil”. It makes sense now, but as you read, it is definitely not obvious. However, I wonder if this is the first book in a series. I hope so. Not just because Inspector Moran is clearly not done, but because Sherringford was hinting at a spider in the web, just as Moriarty was Moran’s boss in the original series.
I had fun with this story, and I look forward to more.
I give The Curse of the Brimstone Contract a B+
December 6, 2021
Najnerealnija stvar u vezi s ovom knjigom nije magijski ugalj koji pokreće industrijsku revoluciju, već ideja da dizajnerka/krojačica smatra da je korset guši i da se u njemu ne može disati ni kretati.
Ali materijalne probleme na stranu, zabavna knjižica za opuštanje, naratorka audio-verzije dobra, verovatno ću preslušati ceo serijal dok brišem prašinu ili radim knjigorez.
Ali materijalne probleme na stranu, zabavna knjižica za opuštanje, naratorka audio-verzije dobra, verovatno ću preslušati ceo serijal dok brišem prašinu ili radim knjigorez.
September 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this steampunk mystery both for its setting and its characters, and I especially enjoyed the mystery at the heart of the novel. Great read.
January 7, 2022
Decent story, was a page turner in parts and in other parts did not really seem like the flow was very logical, at times I thought "why would the character do that". I liked the main character the most. There were hints here and there that had you seeing things coming up. A bit of a romance also.
March 1, 2022
2.5 stars
This book is fine. The mystery is pretty obvious (to the point where I guessed the twist in its entirety before the half way point) but the real interesting part was finding out how magic the magic worked in this world. The steampunk aspect wasn't very important to the story, so if you are here for mechanical stuff you might be disappointed.
This book is fine. The mystery is pretty obvious (to the point where I guessed the twist in its entirety before the half way point) but the real interesting part was finding out how magic the magic worked in this world. The steampunk aspect wasn't very important to the story, so if you are here for mechanical stuff you might be disappointed.
July 13, 2022
My rating for the book hovers somewhere around 3.5 stars.
The story and the world is very interesting. I liked the main character and enjoyed reading from the perspective of a Jewish character. The investigation was detailed enough to pull me into the story and though there were things I guessed ahead of time, there were just as many things I didn't (but on reflection could have, there were enough background hints building up to the reveals).
Joan is a proactive and self assertive character and I quite liked her.
But my gosh how the romance made me cringe.
Of course this is a case of taste, it's just that my taste for romance has always leaned towards a lot more buildup and much slower burn. There's nothing particularly wrong with the detective as Joan's love interest, it's just that the way they are written is very... melodramatic... (-ish), and it kinda made me roll my eyes any time Joan's thoughts swerved toward him and how magnetic the pull was she felt for him (which happened quite a lot (he's very attractive, I get it, can we go back to the murder investigation please?) ).
I think I'd like it more if by the end of the book there had been HINTS of future romantic feelings instead of
Basically the book is well worth reading, the main character is very likeable and the book's world-building is very fascinating. I definitely really wanted to know how it would be ending. But if you're someone with huge dislike for insta-love... be aware that the romance aspect of the book might drive you a bit nuts.
The story and the world is very interesting. I liked the main character and enjoyed reading from the perspective of a Jewish character. The investigation was detailed enough to pull me into the story and though there were things I guessed ahead of time, there were just as many things I didn't (but on reflection could have, there were enough background hints building up to the reveals).
Joan is a proactive and self assertive character and I quite liked her.
But my gosh how the romance made me cringe.
Of course this is a case of taste, it's just that my taste for romance has always leaned towards a lot more buildup and much slower burn. There's nothing particularly wrong with the detective as Joan's love interest, it's just that the way they are written is very... melodramatic... (-ish), and it kinda made me roll my eyes any time Joan's thoughts swerved toward him and how magnetic the pull was she felt for him (which happened quite a lot (he's very attractive, I get it, can we go back to the murder investigation please?) ).
I think I'd like it more if by the end of the book there had been HINTS of future romantic feelings instead of
Basically the book is well worth reading, the main character is very likeable and the book's world-building is very fascinating. I definitely really wanted to know how it would be ending. But if you're someone with huge dislike for insta-love... be aware that the romance aspect of the book might drive you a bit nuts.
July 11, 2021
An interesting alt-world take on the standard Victorian-era Holmes-and-Watson mystery - though of course, the characters have different names here. Magic takes center stage here. Gregor Sherringford is the Holmesian detective, though he wasn't as Holmesian as I would have liked. Joan Krieger, the Watson, was a solid protagonist, and I loved the decision to make her Jewish, which added a lot of depth and really enriched the world-building. The mystery was pretty straight-forward, but I was interested enough to find out the answer, and it paid off pretty well.
August 31, 2022
Okay, but this just reads like a really bad Sherlock Holmes fic where the author turns John Watson into a woman to make her "the one" who makes the married-to-his-work detective realize he has a sexuality.
Oh, but there is steampunk so it's very original. Yup. And not just a backslash that's never really explored. Yup.
In short: I understand why, despite being listed as part of a series, it's still a standalone.
Oh, but there is steampunk so it's very original. Yup. And not just a backslash that's never really explored. Yup.
In short: I understand why, despite being listed as part of a series, it's still a standalone.
November 14, 2014
Absolutely wonderful. Mixing magic, Sherlock Holmes, and a strong, intelligent heroine makes for an entertaining, page-turning read. I particularly enjoyed the combination of mythology, Holmes canon, and originality.
Very different from Lawson's other books, but she never disappoints.
Very different from Lawson's other books, but she never disappoints.
August 26, 2023
Almost a 3 star, the romance aspect was kind of dull and like every other romance, It would have been way better if it just focused on Joan discovering her powers, it almost felt like that was a side story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
3.5⭐️
Ratings can sometimes be a bit tricky.
I would have rated this book higher if it weren’t for its ending. The suspect was pretty much out in the open from the start; it was set up that way. Because just as we met our male mc/detective, we met our suspect.
I liked the mage aspect of the book. It was nice to add a bit of magical realism to the book. Joan's character was cool too. She was someone who could stand her ground. And I liked Sherringford too. On the other hand, I'm not entirely sure how I felt about their romance, as it felt a bit rushed. The chemistry was evident, so it wasn’t surprising or anything. I just wished we had a bit more time with them. But I guess since the next book in this series is about them too, that’s fine.
Then there's Augustine. He had this slightly creepy vibe, but it strangely fit into the story well. I wouldn't have minded if Joan ended up with him in the long run. I also liked her mother. She might have seemed a bit timid, as Joan described, but considering the societal constraints of middle-class women in that time, things probably weren't easy for her. You earn enough to be important in society yet you still can’t do whatever you want because all your fortune and freedom belongs to your husband who inherits it after marrying you. Then there’s the way she was treated after her marriage, and how she was restricted with his illness and all, it's something worth considering.
But let me tell you, I wasn’t a fan of the ending, at all. The whole confrontation and the duel felt a bit stupid. Why can’t we ever read crime fiction books where the fmc wouldn’t have to risk her life to achieve something at the ending? Why is it always the fmc’s? Why never the others or even the name lead? I get the idea of portraying strong female characters, but it's becoming a bit of a cliche, especially when not executed well, as in this case.
Then dragging her mother into the climax—unnecessary. Why??? Just why? Why couldn’t the author just let her be. Yes it made sense that she’d be involved in it somehow but I didn’t like it because I liked her, because I didn’t see it coming and because it wasn’t necessary. Why should her mother be the one she’ll lose in place of the somewhat abusive father. Isn’t the mother a victim of some sort too? It all just felt too abrupt and unplanned, especially since her mother wasn't a part of the lead character’s troubles. Idk maybe I’m not being rational about this with all the facts but I just hated it it because it was so last minute.
All these aside, it's a decent read. The world-building sets up a really intriguing backdrop, and I’m definitely interested in the second book to see how the story takes us to Gregor's noble family.
Ratings can sometimes be a bit tricky.
I would have rated this book higher if it weren’t for its ending. The suspect was pretty much out in the open from the start; it was set up that way. Because just as we met our male mc/detective, we met our suspect.
I liked the mage aspect of the book. It was nice to add a bit of magical realism to the book. Joan's character was cool too. She was someone who could stand her ground. And I liked Sherringford too. On the other hand, I'm not entirely sure how I felt about their romance, as it felt a bit rushed. The chemistry was evident, so it wasn’t surprising or anything. I just wished we had a bit more time with them. But I guess since the next book in this series is about them too, that’s fine.
Then there's Augustine. He had this slightly creepy vibe, but it strangely fit into the story well. I wouldn't have minded if Joan ended up with him in the long run. I also liked her mother. She might have seemed a bit timid, as Joan described, but considering the societal constraints of middle-class women in that time, things probably weren't easy for her. You earn enough to be important in society yet you still can’t do whatever you want because all your fortune and freedom belongs to your husband who inherits it after marrying you. Then there’s the way she was treated after her marriage, and how she was restricted with his illness and all, it's something worth considering.
But let me tell you, I wasn’t a fan of the ending, at all. The whole confrontation and the duel felt a bit stupid. Why can’t we ever read crime fiction books where the fmc wouldn’t have to risk her life to achieve something at the ending? Why is it always the fmc’s? Why never the others or even the name lead? I get the idea of portraying strong female characters, but it's becoming a bit of a cliche, especially when not executed well, as in this case.
Then dragging her mother into the climax—unnecessary. Why??? Just why? Why couldn’t the author just let her be. Yes it made sense that she’d be involved in it somehow but I didn’t like it because I liked her, because I didn’t see it coming and because it wasn’t necessary. Why should her mother be the one she’ll lose in place of the somewhat abusive father. Isn’t the mother a victim of some sort too? It all just felt too abrupt and unplanned, especially since her mother wasn't a part of the lead character’s troubles. Idk maybe I’m not being rational about this with all the facts but I just hated it it because it was so last minute.
All these aside, it's a decent read. The world-building sets up a really intriguing backdrop, and I’m definitely interested in the second book to see how the story takes us to Gregor's noble family.
February 25, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. What got my attention was that it said steampunk and it's also detectives. This author did such a great job due to interesting characters, strongly orchestrated plot, and mixes elements of fantasy (magic), sci-fi, and some hints of romance. Steampunk fashion and technology have always fascinated me. Ms. Corrina gives plenty of detail of every setting as well as clothes, vehicles, and the overall circumstances. The main character, Joan Krieger who comes from a merchant-class Jewish family, is such a likable character. She is actually a special type of heroine although she may be still portrayed seemingly as a damsel-in-distress. Gregor Sherringford, a young attractive enigmatic detective of biracial background (British/Indian) has his own charms and unique way of trying to solve Krieger's case. This novel stresses the struggles of the Victorian caste system. Krieger does go through an arranged marriage with an older aristocratic bachelor as well as seeing more unusual events in her family business building, household, and other places. I have heard from many people that they were expecting action in this book. In a way, it does have a degree that can still be considered action but the overall subplots and the final confrontation with the villain (you have to find out who it is) is basically more of a supernatural battle. If you like steampunk, mystery, and fantasy, you will like this book. Enjoy!
March 21, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I didn't have low expectations, I've just never read a steampunk mystery before and didn’t know what to expect. The setting is given skillfully. The reader is never overwhelmed by how the fictional environment works. (Eg. magic as the driver of the steampunk technology, class tiers, etc.)
The characters are brilliantly written and I loved spending time with them. The protagonist (Joan Cohen) is a Jewish woman who clings to her heritage but (without divulging spoilers) must marry a Christian man in order to save her family business and quash rumors of her business’ connection to a string of murders. Dissatisfied with her fate, she seeks the help of a fun, Sherlockian detective with whom she later shares a fledgling romance.
The stakes are strong. Joan really shines through adversity. I found myself caring about her, her plight, the workers in her business, her family, etc. Readers can expect to be drawn right in, and the pages turn quickly.
I can’t say enough good things about Brimstone Contract, and look forward to reading further in this series!
The characters are brilliantly written and I loved spending time with them. The protagonist (Joan Cohen) is a Jewish woman who clings to her heritage but (without divulging spoilers) must marry a Christian man in order to save her family business and quash rumors of her business’ connection to a string of murders. Dissatisfied with her fate, she seeks the help of a fun, Sherlockian detective with whom she later shares a fledgling romance.
The stakes are strong. Joan really shines through adversity. I found myself caring about her, her plight, the workers in her business, her family, etc. Readers can expect to be drawn right in, and the pages turn quickly.
I can’t say enough good things about Brimstone Contract, and look forward to reading further in this series!
November 18, 2018
Steampunk... hmmm... I have to admit I don't read a lot of it. I actually think this is my second. I have to admit that is mainly because I never fully understood the hype around the genre. Having said that, I found Lawson's version a wake up call. I have been guilty of genre neglect based on my own preconceived notions on what was to be expected.
The Curse of the Brimstone Contract: The Steampunk Detectives, Book 1 is an amazing world filled with magic and mystery I am glad I didn't miss. Joan is an amazingly woman who gives readers a strong female lead in a Victorian setting.
This author's writing style simply clicked with me and is now in my must read all by list. 4.5/5
The Curse of the Brimstone Contract: The Steampunk Detectives, Book 1 is an amazing world filled with magic and mystery I am glad I didn't miss. Joan is an amazingly woman who gives readers a strong female lead in a Victorian setting.
This author's writing style simply clicked with me and is now in my must read all by list. 4.5/5
August 15, 2019
A satisfying mix of detective story, alternate history, supernatural thriller, and intense romance. A diverse cast of multi-layered characters and some clever world-building involving the intersection of technology, magic, and class warfare. Joan the seamstress and Gregor the detective are a classic romantic duo, striking sparks from the moment they meet -- you know that they'll work out their differences and end up together, but the fun is seeing how they get there. Happily, Joan is no mewling damsel in distress. She takes her survival into her own hands under impossible circumstances, and comes out bloodied but unbowed. I had a great time with this, and look forward to more.
July 6, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
The characters are well written. The protagonist (Joan Cohen) is a Jewish woman who clings to her heritage but whose father has engaged her to man who is a peer of the Realm who does not share her faith. She's not sure why he wants her, someone far beneath his social status. Dissatisfied with her fate, she seeks the help of a detective, who will definitely bring to mind Sherlock Holmes, with whom she later shares a fledgling romance. I found myself caring about Joan, her plight, the workers in her business, her family, and her feminine bent. I was drawn right in and finished quickly.
The characters are well written. The protagonist (Joan Cohen) is a Jewish woman who clings to her heritage but whose father has engaged her to man who is a peer of the Realm who does not share her faith. She's not sure why he wants her, someone far beneath his social status. Dissatisfied with her fate, she seeks the help of a detective, who will definitely bring to mind Sherlock Holmes, with whom she later shares a fledgling romance. I found myself caring about Joan, her plight, the workers in her business, her family, and her feminine bent. I was drawn right in and finished quickly.
November 12, 2018
My first steampunk novel, I had no idea what to expect, and am not entirely sure if I know what steampunk is lol
However, this novel was quite delightful! Joan and Gregor are engaging characters who are easy to like.
The writing quality has great flow, intrigue and is void of any editing errors. The character descriptions are great and I liked the toe-dip in what could turn out to be an interesting romance. I found the ending was very well done and not what I expected!
Overall, a wonderful novel!!
However, this novel was quite delightful! Joan and Gregor are engaging characters who are easy to like.
The writing quality has great flow, intrigue and is void of any editing errors. The character descriptions are great and I liked the toe-dip in what could turn out to be an interesting romance. I found the ending was very well done and not what I expected!
Overall, a wonderful novel!!
November 17, 2018
I loved the world building in this book. A Victorian England where magic is the engine of the steampunk setting, and social conflict brewing as control of over magic is revealed as the pathway to wealth and power. I enjoyed a Sherlock Holmes kind of detective finding his match in a strong female lead, and how finding out the truth doesn't necessarily mean a happy ending. Family dynamics play a strong role for several, well-defined characters and I look forward to reading more of the series, although the book is perfectly concluded in its own (kudos to that that too).
January 5, 2022
This was pretty cute!!!
Steampunk magical mystery with talks of class and cultural + gender divides in a pseudo-Victorian era London. Protagonist is Jewish and falls in love with a half-Indian man as a side story to them solving a mystery together.
It wasn't anything super duper thought provoking for me personally but it was still a lovely read. I did get mildly annoyed by the argument that corsets are uncomfortable or that working women didn't wear them, because it's just not accurate or true. Especially by a seamstress who would know about fittings properly. But that's relatively minor.
Steampunk magical mystery with talks of class and cultural + gender divides in a pseudo-Victorian era London. Protagonist is Jewish and falls in love with a half-Indian man as a side story to them solving a mystery together.
It wasn't anything super duper thought provoking for me personally but it was still a lovely read. I did get mildly annoyed by the argument that corsets are uncomfortable or that working women didn't wear them, because it's just not accurate or true. Especially by a seamstress who would know about fittings properly. But that's relatively minor.
November 29, 2023
It's taken a few months to read this book because my husband and I have been listening to it together whenever we are driving somewhere. I work from home so it's not that often.
This book was delightful! So many nods to Conan Doyle. I absolutely adore Joan and Sherringford (sp? unsure since I listened to it). My husband was so excited to learn this is the start of a series and I agree. It's well written, well paced, and full of witty humor. Highly recommend checking this one out especially if you like a good mystery with fantasy elements.
This book was delightful! So many nods to Conan Doyle. I absolutely adore Joan and Sherringford (sp? unsure since I listened to it). My husband was so excited to learn this is the start of a series and I agree. It's well written, well paced, and full of witty humor. Highly recommend checking this one out especially if you like a good mystery with fantasy elements.
October 4, 2018
The Curse of the Brimstone Contract was my first introduction to a steampunk novel. I really enjoyed it. It was a fun read. I think the author created a wonderful balance between fantasy, mystery and romance. The characters were well written. Joan was my favorite. I loved that she was a strong woman in that time period. I enjoyed the ending and look forward to more. If you are looking for a fun, unique read...check this novel out.
December 2, 2018
I've actually never read a steampunk book before, but I fell in love with this book the more I read it. It intertwines what I know of the steampunk genre and Jewish folklore and mythology almost seamlessly. Joan is a strong female MC and a feminist for her time. I really liked Joan. Gregor is mysterious and sexy, but quite useful.
I'm eager to read book 2 if it's out and if it's not, I'll be sure to pick it up once it is
I'm eager to read book 2 if it's out and if it's not, I'll be sure to pick it up once it is
May 3, 2019
Wonderful description of people and their magical powers
I made a mistake and read the second book of this series, first ; no wonder I was lost at first!! I really liked the way this book made a girl who was known for her exceptional sewing ability into someone who had magic of her own and didn't realize it .
I made a mistake and read the second book of this series, first ; no wonder I was lost at first!! I really liked the way this book made a girl who was known for her exceptional sewing ability into someone who had magic of her own and didn't realize it .
August 21, 2022
Excellent! Excellent book! I loved it. The main character was such a force. I absolutely fell in love with her she was her own person. I really hope to embody a bit of her character, her boldness, and self-ownership. It was so nice to read about a heroine that was self assured and who understood her passion and was not afraid of being herself. Truly impressive and inspiring.
September 1, 2023
A clever setting with magic rules that are murky but seem consistent. The interaction between the protagonist and her mysterious helper has some will they/won't they energy that can be fun. I found this alternate reality Victorian England with various magics more of a fun take on a trope than a wildly new idea, but the mystery is intriguing and the characters surprising enough to be fresh.
October 25, 2021
Historical fiction meets forbidden magic and I am here for it. Krieger and Sims was such a real place in my mind and I could feel Joan's abilities and talent in her seamstress ability. I loved her fierce independence and fight for autonomy. I would love to read the sequel!
April 15, 2020
I'm not a great fan of detective stories, but I was curious about steampunk, so I decided to give it a try and I really liked the book!
January 23, 2022
What a wonderful story. Loved it. An alternate to Sherlock. The development of characters while delving into the historical religious/political climate
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