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Red Dog Conspiracy #1
The Jacq of Spades
“A mystery, a damn good one.” – David Bridger, UK, author of A Flight of Thieves
“I really like this story and look forward to reading more of the series.” – Samantha Ashpaugh, US
"I liked this better than the Stephanie Plum books." – A. Karl, US
The once-beautiful domed neo-Victorian city of Bridges is split between four crime families in an uneasy cease-fire. Social disparity increasing and its steam-driven infrastructure failing, a new faction is on the rise: the Red Dogs.
Jacqueline Spadros has a dream life: a wealthy husband, a powerful family. But her life is not what it seems. Kidnapped from her mother's brothel and forced to marry, the murder of her best friend Air ten years before haunts her nightmares. She finds moments of freedom in a small-time private eye business, which she hides in fear of her sadistic father-in-law.
Air's little brother disappears off his back porch and the Red Dogs are framed for it. With the help of a mysterious gentleman investigator hired by the Red Dogs to learn the truth, Jacqui pushes her abilities to their limits in hope of rescuing the child before the kidnapper disposes of him.
“I really like this story and look forward to reading more of the series.” – Samantha Ashpaugh, US
"I liked this better than the Stephanie Plum books." – A. Karl, US
The once-beautiful domed neo-Victorian city of Bridges is split between four crime families in an uneasy cease-fire. Social disparity increasing and its steam-driven infrastructure failing, a new faction is on the rise: the Red Dogs.
Jacqueline Spadros has a dream life: a wealthy husband, a powerful family. But her life is not what it seems. Kidnapped from her mother's brothel and forced to marry, the murder of her best friend Air ten years before haunts her nightmares. She finds moments of freedom in a small-time private eye business, which she hides in fear of her sadistic father-in-law.
Air's little brother disappears off his back porch and the Red Dogs are framed for it. With the help of a mysterious gentleman investigator hired by the Red Dogs to learn the truth, Jacqui pushes her abilities to their limits in hope of rescuing the child before the kidnapper disposes of him.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2015
125 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Loofbourrow
29 books407 followersPatricia Loofbourrow was born in southern California and currently lives in Oklahoma. Learning to read at the age of three, she grew up on Heinlein, Bradbury, and Asimov, and found at an early age that she loved science.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona then an MD from Rush University, Dr. Loofbourrow practiced family medicine for ten years before becoming a stay at home mom in 2000. After leaving medicine, Patricia Loofbourrow ran one of the first “ask a doctor” patient education websites from 2000-2004.
Patty wrote her first novel during the 2005 National Novel Writing Month, going on to write eight novels, four novellas, and well over 100 short stories, mostly speculative fiction, before choosing to self-publish. She has been a long-time member of the Forward Motion Forums, and was the founder of Fifty Word Fiction on DeviantArt. She has also worked as a freelance non-fiction writer and editor since 2000, and currently runs an informational website on edible landscaping.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona then an MD from Rush University, Dr. Loofbourrow practiced family medicine for ten years before becoming a stay at home mom in 2000. After leaving medicine, Patricia Loofbourrow ran one of the first “ask a doctor” patient education websites from 2000-2004.
Patty wrote her first novel during the 2005 National Novel Writing Month, going on to write eight novels, four novellas, and well over 100 short stories, mostly speculative fiction, before choosing to self-publish. She has been a long-time member of the Forward Motion Forums, and was the founder of Fifty Word Fiction on DeviantArt. She has also worked as a freelance non-fiction writer and editor since 2000, and currently runs an informational website on edible landscaping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 19, 2020
My rating 3.5
The book The Jacq of Spades (Red Dog Conspiracy # 1) by Patricia Loofbourrow is rather slow and the story is kind of unfinished to me in a steampunk Victorian-style detective novel. The world in which the book is described is darkly solid, the characters are elaborate, but there is still work to be done, the writing is good, but the story of the search for the boy is a little incomplete, and I feel like the plot will only develop in the sequel to the book. The story of the book takes place in the neo-Victorian city of Bridges and is split between four crime families who are constantly in a quagmire and all other city dwellers are on the verge of existence. The book's main character, Jacqueline Spadros, is married to the son of one of the crime kings and lives a comfortable life. While this all seems fascinating, she is actually abducted by her mother and forcibly married. Her feelings are split between her old love that is gone and her new husband who appreciates her. Jacqueline lives a double life in which she plays a beloved woman, and in the other, she is a detective who helps poor people who cannot afford help. One such detective job will take her research quest into a very dangerous situation where fragile peace throughout the city will depend on her actions and put Jacqueline in immediate danger. If you love steampunk Victorian style stories then this is a solid book to read.
The book The Jacq of Spades (Red Dog Conspiracy # 1) by Patricia Loofbourrow is rather slow and the story is kind of unfinished to me in a steampunk Victorian-style detective novel. The world in which the book is described is darkly solid, the characters are elaborate, but there is still work to be done, the writing is good, but the story of the search for the boy is a little incomplete, and I feel like the plot will only develop in the sequel to the book. The story of the book takes place in the neo-Victorian city of Bridges and is split between four crime families who are constantly in a quagmire and all other city dwellers are on the verge of existence. The book's main character, Jacqueline Spadros, is married to the son of one of the crime kings and lives a comfortable life. While this all seems fascinating, she is actually abducted by her mother and forcibly married. Her feelings are split between her old love that is gone and her new husband who appreciates her. Jacqueline lives a double life in which she plays a beloved woman, and in the other, she is a detective who helps poor people who cannot afford help. One such detective job will take her research quest into a very dangerous situation where fragile peace throughout the city will depend on her actions and put Jacqueline in immediate danger. If you love steampunk Victorian style stories then this is a solid book to read.
April 4, 2016
THE JACQ OF SPADES
It was a pretty interesting book. I had a bit of trouble getting through the first 20% of the story, like I said it was a very interesting book but iwas just not into it.
The main character Jacqueline was a very a strong character. Where it seems that she has a perfect life ,things are not what they seem.
Jacqui, is the daughter of two really messed up parents and she is also a private eye but this is somewhat of a secret that she doesn’t want her father finding out. Jacqui is looking for this boy that went dissapering and she doesn’t have much time.
Also there is this thing happening with the four crime families of the city , for some reason this reminded me somewhat of romeo and Juliet the Capulet’s against the Monatgue. So overall I had to give it 4 stars I really wasn’t into the book but it was interesting it had a lot of mystery and drama .
4 not my cup of tea stars
It was a pretty interesting book. I had a bit of trouble getting through the first 20% of the story, like I said it was a very interesting book but iwas just not into it.
The main character Jacqueline was a very a strong character. Where it seems that she has a perfect life ,things are not what they seem.
Jacqui, is the daughter of two really messed up parents and she is also a private eye but this is somewhat of a secret that she doesn’t want her father finding out. Jacqui is looking for this boy that went dissapering and she doesn’t have much time.
Also there is this thing happening with the four crime families of the city , for some reason this reminded me somewhat of romeo and Juliet the Capulet’s against the Monatgue. So overall I had to give it 4 stars I really wasn’t into the book but it was interesting it had a lot of mystery and drama .
4 not my cup of tea stars
September 13, 2016
My original The Jacq of Spades audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
In 1899, four crime families – the Spadros, Diamonds, Hearts and Clubbs – rule the domed city of Bridges, which is divided into four quadrants accordingly. The city is characterized by social and class divisions and growing social discontent. A new group, the Red Dogs, has appeared. The protagonist, Jacqueline, grew up in the poorest part of the city. Her mother was a prostitute, her father sold Jacqueline to be married to Tony Spadros, the son and heir of one of the leaders of the city. The Spadros family is heavily involved in the production of ‘Party Time’, an illegal drug.
This is the first book in the Red Dog Conspiracy series, and as with many first in a series, a lot of characters and numerous storylines are introduced. The main one here is the disappearance of a young boy. Jacqui, who secretly works as a private investigator, becomes involved in the search for the boy, as he is the little brother of her deceased childhood friend whose death Jacqui is still trying to come to terms with.
Initially, I found it difficult to get into the story. The action takes off right from the start without much of an introduction to the world it is set in. With the (for me) unusual setting, the numerous characters and the various subplots, there was so much going on, it was a little confusing at times.
I was wishing I had the eBook as a companion, to sometimes go back a page or two, to look up names, to work out who is who. The story is told from Jacqui’s first-person perspective with occasional flashbacks to her youth. I wasn’t sure I liked Jacqui to start with. She is still yearning for her childhood love, while “working” her marriage as best as she can. She doesn’t love her husband, but she doesn’t hate him either. Her relationship with her father-in-law, who is a really nasty piece of work, is filled with hatred and distrust. However, Jacqui grew on me with time. She is having a difficult time maneuvering between her past as a poor, helpless woman and her elevated status as the wife of an influential man, where she has to fulfill certain expectations. The author has created an interesting and unusual protagonist, which I found quite intriguing. She is a strong heroine but also very vulnerable.
The story certainly wasn’t predictable, which was a big plus. While the mystery of the missing boy is solved, the book left me with more questions than answers at the end of it. There was a thread regarding the inventors each of the crime families have and the problematic nature of the power resources sustaining their world. This was left unresolved undoubtedly to be picked up in the second book. I also wanted to find out more about several of the other characters (e.g. Joseph, Blaze, Black Jack) and their relationship with Jacqui. So I guess if you want the full picture, you need to be prepared to follow this up with the next book in the series, The Queen of Diamonds, to be published in October 2016.
It took me a little while to get used to the narration. The voice artist has a very distinctive voice. There were times where I wished I could more clearly distinguish between the different characters, which was down to my overall confusion with the sheer amount of people involved in the story. The production quality was ok. There were several instances where it was possible to detect where the narrator had paused and then re-started recording again. But it was a minor distraction.
You don’t need to be a major fan of steampunk novels to enjoy this. I think it would appeal to any listeners who enjoy mysteries with a historical element and/or a strong female heroine.
4 stars for the story. 3.5 stars for the narration and production quality.
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
In 1899, four crime families – the Spadros, Diamonds, Hearts and Clubbs – rule the domed city of Bridges, which is divided into four quadrants accordingly. The city is characterized by social and class divisions and growing social discontent. A new group, the Red Dogs, has appeared. The protagonist, Jacqueline, grew up in the poorest part of the city. Her mother was a prostitute, her father sold Jacqueline to be married to Tony Spadros, the son and heir of one of the leaders of the city. The Spadros family is heavily involved in the production of ‘Party Time’, an illegal drug.
This is the first book in the Red Dog Conspiracy series, and as with many first in a series, a lot of characters and numerous storylines are introduced. The main one here is the disappearance of a young boy. Jacqui, who secretly works as a private investigator, becomes involved in the search for the boy, as he is the little brother of her deceased childhood friend whose death Jacqui is still trying to come to terms with.
Initially, I found it difficult to get into the story. The action takes off right from the start without much of an introduction to the world it is set in. With the (for me) unusual setting, the numerous characters and the various subplots, there was so much going on, it was a little confusing at times.
I was wishing I had the eBook as a companion, to sometimes go back a page or two, to look up names, to work out who is who. The story is told from Jacqui’s first-person perspective with occasional flashbacks to her youth. I wasn’t sure I liked Jacqui to start with. She is still yearning for her childhood love, while “working” her marriage as best as she can. She doesn’t love her husband, but she doesn’t hate him either. Her relationship with her father-in-law, who is a really nasty piece of work, is filled with hatred and distrust. However, Jacqui grew on me with time. She is having a difficult time maneuvering between her past as a poor, helpless woman and her elevated status as the wife of an influential man, where she has to fulfill certain expectations. The author has created an interesting and unusual protagonist, which I found quite intriguing. She is a strong heroine but also very vulnerable.
The story certainly wasn’t predictable, which was a big plus. While the mystery of the missing boy is solved, the book left me with more questions than answers at the end of it. There was a thread regarding the inventors each of the crime families have and the problematic nature of the power resources sustaining their world. This was left unresolved undoubtedly to be picked up in the second book. I also wanted to find out more about several of the other characters (e.g. Joseph, Blaze, Black Jack) and their relationship with Jacqui. So I guess if you want the full picture, you need to be prepared to follow this up with the next book in the series, The Queen of Diamonds, to be published in October 2016.
It took me a little while to get used to the narration. The voice artist has a very distinctive voice. There were times where I wished I could more clearly distinguish between the different characters, which was down to my overall confusion with the sheer amount of people involved in the story. The production quality was ok. There were several instances where it was possible to detect where the narrator had paused and then re-started recording again. But it was a minor distraction.
You don’t need to be a major fan of steampunk novels to enjoy this. I think it would appeal to any listeners who enjoy mysteries with a historical element and/or a strong female heroine.
4 stars for the story. 3.5 stars for the narration and production quality.
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
February 8, 2019
“Today, I thought, this would be over, one way or another. I was a fool.”
This book has a very unique premise that immediately intrigued me. I have never read a novel in a neo-Victorian steampunk setting before and I have to say that I really enjoyed this element of the book. The storyline was also something that I was very interested in.
Tony and Jaqui were characters I liked, although I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle. It didn’t play a huge role, though, so it didn’t bother me too much.
My biggest problem with this novel was that I had a hard time following the storylines from the present and past. I feel like a lot of things weren’t explained properly and it was hard to keep up with everything that happened, because there were so many people involved. There is an appendix of all the characters and a history of Bridges which I didn’t know about until I finished this book. I think this information should have been up front and would have been more helpful this way.
I honestly have to admit that I struggled with the style of expression as well. There are some more slang and colloquial parts that are hard to understand if you aren’t a native English speaker.
The ending was also a bit too open for my taste. I have been quite vocal that I prefer series where at least some part of the story is completed in each book. That is something this book lacked in my opinion.
Overall an interesting story that I had some issues with. I wanted it to work for me, but it just didn’t the way I hoped it would. I would recommend reading this in your native language if you consider picking it up!
3/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has a very unique premise that immediately intrigued me. I have never read a novel in a neo-Victorian steampunk setting before and I have to say that I really enjoyed this element of the book. The storyline was also something that I was very interested in.
Tony and Jaqui were characters I liked, although I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle. It didn’t play a huge role, though, so it didn’t bother me too much.
My biggest problem with this novel was that I had a hard time following the storylines from the present and past. I feel like a lot of things weren’t explained properly and it was hard to keep up with everything that happened, because there were so many people involved. There is an appendix of all the characters and a history of Bridges which I didn’t know about until I finished this book. I think this information should have been up front and would have been more helpful this way.
I honestly have to admit that I struggled with the style of expression as well. There are some more slang and colloquial parts that are hard to understand if you aren’t a native English speaker.
The ending was also a bit too open for my taste. I have been quite vocal that I prefer series where at least some part of the story is completed in each book. That is something this book lacked in my opinion.
Overall an interesting story that I had some issues with. I wanted it to work for me, but it just didn’t the way I hoped it would. I would recommend reading this in your native language if you consider picking it up!
3/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2019
Patricia Loofbourrow creates an odd and compelling world in Jacq of Spades. Jacq of Spades is the first in a series; as such, it is more about worldbuilding and character introduction than actual plot. Jacq of Spades combines steampunk, dystopia, and suspense into an interesting brew.
Jacq of Spades is set in the year 1899, in the neo-Victorian domed city of Bridges. This is not the 1899 in which our great-great-grandparents lived; it is 1899 AC, After Catastrophe. The Catastrophe is not detailed here, though it apparently will be in other novels in the series. Bridges is a neo-Victorian marvel of engineering that is powered by steam and based in what used to be the United States. However, its infrastructure is crumbling and its scientists are desperate to be heard. Bridges is controlled by 4 Mafia-style organized crime families.
Jacqui Spadros has married into one of those crime families, quite against her will. While her lifestyle is far more opulent than that of her impoverished childhood, she lives in a gilded cage. In Bridges, attitudes towards women and social class are more retrograde than the technology. To preserve some independence and build a nest egg just in case, Jacqui takes small cases as a private detective. She gets drawn into one that is further-reaching than she intended and takes her back to the slums of her childhood.
Bridges is a house of cards, and a deck of standard playing cards becomes the leitmotif here. This makes the names and language almost annoyingly cutesy. The crime families are named Spadros, Hart, Clubb, and Diamond. The deity worshiped by most is called The Dealer. It doesn't stop there. Though this does assist in keeping track of the families, one needs a tolerance for puns to read this series. An appendix in the back details the history of Bridges and its crime families.
I did enjoy my visit to Bridges, and am very likely to return.
I received an advance review copy free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jacq of Spades is set in the year 1899, in the neo-Victorian domed city of Bridges. This is not the 1899 in which our great-great-grandparents lived; it is 1899 AC, After Catastrophe. The Catastrophe is not detailed here, though it apparently will be in other novels in the series. Bridges is a neo-Victorian marvel of engineering that is powered by steam and based in what used to be the United States. However, its infrastructure is crumbling and its scientists are desperate to be heard. Bridges is controlled by 4 Mafia-style organized crime families.
Jacqui Spadros has married into one of those crime families, quite against her will. While her lifestyle is far more opulent than that of her impoverished childhood, she lives in a gilded cage. In Bridges, attitudes towards women and social class are more retrograde than the technology. To preserve some independence and build a nest egg just in case, Jacqui takes small cases as a private detective. She gets drawn into one that is further-reaching than she intended and takes her back to the slums of her childhood.
Bridges is a house of cards, and a deck of standard playing cards becomes the leitmotif here. This makes the names and language almost annoyingly cutesy. The crime families are named Spadros, Hart, Clubb, and Diamond. The deity worshiped by most is called The Dealer. It doesn't stop there. Though this does assist in keeping track of the families, one needs a tolerance for puns to read this series. An appendix in the back details the history of Bridges and its crime families.
I did enjoy my visit to Bridges, and am very likely to return.
I received an advance review copy free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2019
Set in a distant post-apocalyptic future, The Jacq of Spades is a steampunk mystery, with the promise of zeppelin travel, different drug-lord families that control city quadrants, and 22-year-old Jacqueline Spadros, raised in a brothel in the slums, but chosen to be the wife of a drug-lord heir. Jacqui's secret life is as a private investigator, which her new family can never know about. Her latest case is a missing child, the younger brother of a boy she grew up with in the slums.
The book spends a bit of time world-building, which was a bit slow (I had read a prequel to this story, which is the leadoff novella in Death and Damages), so I knew much of the world already), but once it started propelling itself forward, it was hard to put the book down.
Jacqui is a rich, complex character who never completely forgets her roots, and her dealings with the other families—and her ability to sneak about successfully—lead to many edge-of-your-seat scenes. Her digging leads her to uncover other dark, sinister secrets of both other families and her own. And while many of the mysteries are unanswered—that's why this book is the first of a series—the central question of the book is resolved in what I think is a satisfying way. That's not always the case for book series, and I was happy to see the resolution.
Many of the characters are well-rounded too, from the husband and heir who Jacqui doesn't really love, to Jacqui's maid, to the twins from another quadrant who befriend Jacqui. Jacqui's father-in-law is a cruel, heartless man, but Loofbourrow shows some interesting sides to him that save him from being the mustache-twirling villain he could be.
Recommended.
The book spends a bit of time world-building, which was a bit slow (I had read a prequel to this story, which is the leadoff novella in Death and Damages), so I knew much of the world already), but once it started propelling itself forward, it was hard to put the book down.
Jacqui is a rich, complex character who never completely forgets her roots, and her dealings with the other families—and her ability to sneak about successfully—lead to many edge-of-your-seat scenes. Her digging leads her to uncover other dark, sinister secrets of both other families and her own. And while many of the mysteries are unanswered—that's why this book is the first of a series—the central question of the book is resolved in what I think is a satisfying way. That's not always the case for book series, and I was happy to see the resolution.
Many of the characters are well-rounded too, from the husband and heir who Jacqui doesn't really love, to Jacqui's maid, to the twins from another quadrant who befriend Jacqui. Jacqui's father-in-law is a cruel, heartless man, but Loofbourrow shows some interesting sides to him that save him from being the mustache-twirling villain he could be.
Recommended.
January 2, 2018
Some good ideas, but a spectacularly hot mess of an execution. On the face of it, the wife of a crime family scion who moonlights as a private detective in an AU Victorian city? Pretty awesome. But this book is not very well written. It has structural problems, it is riddled with inconsistencies (characterization, plot, you name it), and the world-building is not good. And what was with the crappy gender dynamics? It was a painful slog to finish this one.
May 21, 2018
Let me start by saying that I found the book not as I expected and I had a bit of trouble getting through the story as I was not into it at all. It didn't grap my attention and for me it was confusing and boring.
February 28, 2016
It starts slow very formal to start with. The cover art is very dark can't make out what it is about.
February 20, 2018
This book is a unique combination of Sherlock Holmes-like detection, Mafia families and steampunk. What's not to like?
Jacqueline Spadros is the wife of a Mafia boss, Anthony. The Spadros family is one of four ruling families in Bridges. Jacq is a former pot-rag, brought up from the poorest of the poor in the quadrant. Raised in a brothel, now she has to be the perfect lady.
On the side, Jacq has a detective business, trying to help those from the Pot with their petty problems. When the younger brother of her childhood friend is kidnapped, Jacq has no choice but to get involved.
The depth in this book is amazing. I will admit that listening to the book on Audible was difficult at times, because the story is told from Jacq's viewpoint. Her frequent flashbacks/memories jump into the current story and it is often hard to keep track.
The characters are well-developed, the intrigue is palpable and the scenery is dark and gloomy. This book is obviously one of many to be set in this world and I look forward to reading more of the series. The ending leaves a lot of room for further adventures.
The narrator does a great job, also. I was given the opportunity to listen to this book and chose to review it.
Jacqueline Spadros is the wife of a Mafia boss, Anthony. The Spadros family is one of four ruling families in Bridges. Jacq is a former pot-rag, brought up from the poorest of the poor in the quadrant. Raised in a brothel, now she has to be the perfect lady.
On the side, Jacq has a detective business, trying to help those from the Pot with their petty problems. When the younger brother of her childhood friend is kidnapped, Jacq has no choice but to get involved.
The depth in this book is amazing. I will admit that listening to the book on Audible was difficult at times, because the story is told from Jacq's viewpoint. Her frequent flashbacks/memories jump into the current story and it is often hard to keep track.
The characters are well-developed, the intrigue is palpable and the scenery is dark and gloomy. This book is obviously one of many to be set in this world and I look forward to reading more of the series. The ending leaves a lot of room for further adventures.
The narrator does a great job, also. I was given the opportunity to listen to this book and chose to review it.
June 3, 2024
This dystopian novel is beautifully crafted, with deep meanings woven into every detail. Set in Bridges, a city under a dome controlled by four powerful crime families, each ruling a different section, the story plunges you into a world filled with danger, secretive operations, and a hint of rebellion. The protagonist, Jacqueline, grew up in a brothel and is now engaged to Tony, the next in line for the Spadros family. Her past makes her cautious, leading her to secretly work as a private investigator.
As she embarks on a mission to find a missing boy, she must navigate a treacherous path filled with societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the perilous criminal environment that surrounds her. The book does a fantastic job of painting a complex and detailed dystopian world, filled with suspense, intrigue, and action. It explores the darker side of human nature that surfaces in desperate times, including violence and crime.
Jacqueline's character is compelling, facing challenges and dangers with intelligence and courage. The story is fast-paced, with a well-crafted setting and lifelike characters, all involved in a web of deceit and power struggles. The unfolding mystery keeps you hooked, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate plot, the vividly created world, and the realistic, complex characters. It's an exceptional book that fans of mystery and dystopian genres will love.
As she embarks on a mission to find a missing boy, she must navigate a treacherous path filled with societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the perilous criminal environment that surrounds her. The book does a fantastic job of painting a complex and detailed dystopian world, filled with suspense, intrigue, and action. It explores the darker side of human nature that surfaces in desperate times, including violence and crime.
Jacqueline's character is compelling, facing challenges and dangers with intelligence and courage. The story is fast-paced, with a well-crafted setting and lifelike characters, all involved in a web of deceit and power struggles. The unfolding mystery keeps you hooked, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate plot, the vividly created world, and the realistic, complex characters. It's an exceptional book that fans of mystery and dystopian genres will love.
July 15, 2016
Jacqueline Spados is living a life of secrets. She started life in the poorest section of the city where she was trained as a prostitute, but never acted as one. She was taken from there to become the wife of leaders of the city. He is fated to run the Spados family, one of the four families that controll almost everything in the city. The Spados family controls a majority of the manufacturing of Happy Time, the illegal drug of choice in the city. But the city is threatening to come apart as the families fight each other and the gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to grow. Jacqueline has to try and fit into the rigid rules of the society of the families. She also is a secret private eye to try and help the poorer citizens. Now the younger brother of a childhood friend has disappeared. While Jacqueline would prefer to leave the matter to the police, she finds herself drawn into what looks like a mysterious plot to destroy her and everything around her.
Let me start by saying that I found the book to be well written and I enjoyed it. But I did have some problems with it. There is a lot happening in this story and most of it is very slow to be revealed to the reader. This caused me some troubles to really get into the story. A lot of threads kept being introduced throughout the book. Unfortunately, some of these threads were left hanging (hopefully to be answered in later installments of the series). I wouldn't call this book a cliffhanger since the case of the missing boy is resolved but you will definitely need to keep reading the series to get answers to a lot of questions that arise. It might have been better to save some of these for later books (like the problems with the inventors, for example).
There was also some minor confusing elements ( at least for me). Things like Jacqueline's husband getting mad at her for walking outside without an escort but then ignores her doing it several other times. I had some confusion with Jacquelines relationship to Air and his family. Were they form the Pot or did they move from another city. Was Air the friend of Black Jack that was talked about or was that someone else? I also felt that the members of the different families got along too well to be such serious rivals (or enemies even). Still these are minor points and easily overlooked.
I would recommend this series to fans of steampunk suspense stories. But just be aware that you will need to read the whole series to get all the answers. I did receive a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I would rate the story as 3.5 stars.
Let me start by saying that I found the book to be well written and I enjoyed it. But I did have some problems with it. There is a lot happening in this story and most of it is very slow to be revealed to the reader. This caused me some troubles to really get into the story. A lot of threads kept being introduced throughout the book. Unfortunately, some of these threads were left hanging (hopefully to be answered in later installments of the series). I wouldn't call this book a cliffhanger since the case of the missing boy is resolved but you will definitely need to keep reading the series to get answers to a lot of questions that arise. It might have been better to save some of these for later books (like the problems with the inventors, for example).
There was also some minor confusing elements ( at least for me). Things like Jacqueline's husband getting mad at her for walking outside without an escort but then ignores her doing it several other times. I had some confusion with Jacquelines relationship to Air and his family. Were they form the Pot or did they move from another city. Was Air the friend of Black Jack that was talked about or was that someone else? I also felt that the members of the different families got along too well to be such serious rivals (or enemies even). Still these are minor points and easily overlooked.
I would recommend this series to fans of steampunk suspense stories. But just be aware that you will need to read the whole series to get all the answers. I did receive a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I would rate the story as 3.5 stars.
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February 22, 2018I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review through Novelreviewers.com.
The neo-Victorian city of Bridges has been split between four different crime families into an uneasy cease fire, that could erupt at any moment. And as its infrastructure begins to fail, another organization is on the rise: the Red Dogs. By all appearances, Jacqueline Spadros has a life most women only dream of: a wealthy husband and a powerful family. But, things aren't completely what they seem. She was kidnapped from her mother's brothel and forced into marriage and the nightmares that come from witnessing the murder of her best friend, Air, ten years ago still haunt her. The only real freedom she has are in the stolen moments she during which she secretly runs her private investigation business, which she has to hide from her father-in-law. When Air's little brother disappears right off of his back porch and the Red Dogs are framed, Jacq is hired by a mysterious gentleman to find out the truth of what's going on. Jacq knows she's risking exposing all of her secrets and her father-in-law's wrath by accepting this case but she can't resist the opportunity to at least try to bring Air's brother back home safely to his mother.
I was completely hooked from the moment I started reading this one and am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The author did a great job writing characters that were both conflicted and believable. They grew and matured as the novel progressed and I particularly enjoyed reading how the relationship between Jacq and her husband matured. This was the first book I'd ever ready by Patricia Loofbourrow but I am sure that it won't be the last!
The neo-Victorian city of Bridges has been split between four different crime families into an uneasy cease fire, that could erupt at any moment. And as its infrastructure begins to fail, another organization is on the rise: the Red Dogs. By all appearances, Jacqueline Spadros has a life most women only dream of: a wealthy husband and a powerful family. But, things aren't completely what they seem. She was kidnapped from her mother's brothel and forced into marriage and the nightmares that come from witnessing the murder of her best friend, Air, ten years ago still haunt her. The only real freedom she has are in the stolen moments she during which she secretly runs her private investigation business, which she has to hide from her father-in-law. When Air's little brother disappears right off of his back porch and the Red Dogs are framed, Jacq is hired by a mysterious gentleman to find out the truth of what's going on. Jacq knows she's risking exposing all of her secrets and her father-in-law's wrath by accepting this case but she can't resist the opportunity to at least try to bring Air's brother back home safely to his mother.
I was completely hooked from the moment I started reading this one and am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The author did a great job writing characters that were both conflicted and believable. They grew and matured as the novel progressed and I particularly enjoyed reading how the relationship between Jacq and her husband matured. This was the first book I'd ever ready by Patricia Loofbourrow but I am sure that it won't be the last!
January 17, 2022
A brilliantly written dystopian novel with meanings hidden in details and exquisite concept.
Welcome to Bridges, a domed city ruled by four crime families, each of them dominating one quadrant. Sink into a dangerous world of violence and machinations, drugs, sort of espionage, and silent rebellion. Jacqueline, a young woman raised in a brothel, is now promised as a bride to the heir of Spadros family, Tony. With her background, it is only natural to have trust issues and try to secure herself with a business of private investigator. Walking a very fine line, Jacqui leads an investigation for a missing boy, all while keeping up appearances, social status, and minding her own interests. And of course, trying to survive the criminal world she is surrounded by.
With the intricate complexity and attention to detail, this book is an excellent dystopian mystery thriller full of suspense, drama, and action. Natural human treats come to forefront when the people are forced to live in straining conditions, fighting for survival each day. Violence and crime are no rare occurrences. Jacqui has to use all her wits to survive the dangerous world and hold her own, now even more being under the scrutiny of the Spadros family.
I absolutely loved the fast developing plot, brilliantly set up world, and very realistic characters with complicated interpersonal relationships. Machinations and intrigues are present throughout every page, and the mystery slowly unraveling in the book is worth as much as the best detective stories ever written. Extraordinary reading experience.
Welcome to Bridges, a domed city ruled by four crime families, each of them dominating one quadrant. Sink into a dangerous world of violence and machinations, drugs, sort of espionage, and silent rebellion. Jacqueline, a young woman raised in a brothel, is now promised as a bride to the heir of Spadros family, Tony. With her background, it is only natural to have trust issues and try to secure herself with a business of private investigator. Walking a very fine line, Jacqui leads an investigation for a missing boy, all while keeping up appearances, social status, and minding her own interests. And of course, trying to survive the criminal world she is surrounded by.
With the intricate complexity and attention to detail, this book is an excellent dystopian mystery thriller full of suspense, drama, and action. Natural human treats come to forefront when the people are forced to live in straining conditions, fighting for survival each day. Violence and crime are no rare occurrences. Jacqui has to use all her wits to survive the dangerous world and hold her own, now even more being under the scrutiny of the Spadros family.
I absolutely loved the fast developing plot, brilliantly set up world, and very realistic characters with complicated interpersonal relationships. Machinations and intrigues are present throughout every page, and the mystery slowly unraveling in the book is worth as much as the best detective stories ever written. Extraordinary reading experience.
March 19, 2018
A saga to sink your teeth into. What an original spin on a story, meshing Victoriana with a female detective and four feuding families. Such a clever plot, with the four waging families - Spadros, Diamond. Hart and Clubb - each vying for dominance, paying lip service to the niceties of society while constantly plotting ways to embarrass, humiliate and ruin their rivals.
Jacqui Spadros, a girl from the Pot, is forced into a marriage as a result of a deal between her scurrilous father and the ruthless head of the Spadros family. Although her new lifestyle is one of wealth, far removed from the Pot, she often yearns for simple yet honest life she left behind, and in particular for her dear friend Air, himself killed trying to save her from this marriage.
Her exploits as a detective are relatively small-fry, until Air's mother appeals to her to find her missing son - Air's younger brother, David. to fulfil her promise to the frantic mother, Jacqui must take on a case that sees her thrown into danger, putting her own life at risk. All of this she does while maintaining the societal façade of ladies' luncheons, Grand Balls, and not to mention certain unladylike activities instilled in her by her father-in-law: the ability to shoot being one such activity that comes in very handy when she faces real danger from the boy's kidnapper.
An entertaining read, with much left unanswered, hooking me ready for the next in the series.
Jacqui Spadros, a girl from the Pot, is forced into a marriage as a result of a deal between her scurrilous father and the ruthless head of the Spadros family. Although her new lifestyle is one of wealth, far removed from the Pot, she often yearns for simple yet honest life she left behind, and in particular for her dear friend Air, himself killed trying to save her from this marriage.
Her exploits as a detective are relatively small-fry, until Air's mother appeals to her to find her missing son - Air's younger brother, David. to fulfil her promise to the frantic mother, Jacqui must take on a case that sees her thrown into danger, putting her own life at risk. All of this she does while maintaining the societal façade of ladies' luncheons, Grand Balls, and not to mention certain unladylike activities instilled in her by her father-in-law: the ability to shoot being one such activity that comes in very handy when she faces real danger from the boy's kidnapper.
An entertaining read, with much left unanswered, hooking me ready for the next in the series.
January 8, 2016
The Jacq of Spades took me a little by surprise. I actually wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I came into it. I knew it was a steampunk novel, but for whatever reason, I didn’t expect the detective aspect of things. It was a pleasant surprise. The story was very well told and really fun to read. I loved Jacqueline as a character. Her meager beginnings put a fresh spin on the typical high society woman and gave her a depth you don’t always find with steampunk heroines. My only real problem with this book is really more on a personal level. I just don’t enjoy reading about rich families and what they’re wearing and all that kind of stuff. I get that it has its place, especially in a novel like this, but it just bores me. The writing was still excellent, and everything was well done, that always just loses me.
December 24, 2015
*I received this book for free through Goodreads giveaways*
I did not care for this book. It's confusing, just launching straight into the story and only explaining the world of the book in bits and pieces, almost like pulling teeth. It was hard to fully imagine the world and the people in it and some of their reactions and without being able to fully understand the world and people I never felt fully drawn into the book.
I did not care for this book. It's confusing, just launching straight into the story and only explaining the world of the book in bits and pieces, almost like pulling teeth. It was hard to fully imagine the world and the people in it and some of their reactions and without being able to fully understand the world and people I never felt fully drawn into the book.
May 1, 2016
A journey into steampunk with a PI as a protagonist. Very enjoyable - my review here:
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August 27, 2019
Set in a steampunk world, this story follows Jacqui Spadros, wife of the heir to the Spadros family. The city is ruled by four families that are reminiscent of the mafia. Jacqui grew up poor, but is now one of the most powerful women in the city. However, she is uncomfortable in her position, so as an insurance policy for herself, she has taken up the habit of picking up minor investigative cases. However, when she is summoned regarding the kidnapping of a child, she knows that she's in over her head. The mother of the child is a face from her past, and despite herself, she gets drawn into the case.
I had mixed feelings on this book. The writing style is quite smooth, which I liked. Jacqui is a character who is far from perfect, but is very easy to empathize with. I also quite enjoyed the side character of Jacqui's husband, who felt quite developed, despite being very self-contained. Though there are a lot of flashbacks, I felt like they actually fit into the story pretty well. The mystery is actually handled pretty well too. Things feel like they develop fairly organically, without too much coincidence driving the plot.
However, I felt like the plot had a bit of a disconnect. Events happen, but they don't always feel like a unified part of the story, or like they're connected to each other. It's something I often see with writers who are lacking in experience.
There are also some gaps in the storytelling that really bothered me. For example, it's never really addressed why Jacqui was chosen to be the wife of this powerful man in the first place. I think the intention is to imply that she doesn't know, but I found that deeply unsatisfying. Similarly, there are a number of people who were raised in the same place as Jacqui who are floating around high society, and no explanation is given as to how or why. I also did not feel like the 'villain' of the story was very good. I didn't find him threatening, to be honest, and I didn't comprehend why Jacqui was so very frightened of him, which took some urgency from the story for me. .
However, I did feel like this was a good book, over all. There were some areas that could use some improvement, but the author definitely has the potential to become a strong voice as she continues to practice her craft.
I received a review copy of this for free. My opinions remain my own.
I had mixed feelings on this book. The writing style is quite smooth, which I liked. Jacqui is a character who is far from perfect, but is very easy to empathize with. I also quite enjoyed the side character of Jacqui's husband, who felt quite developed, despite being very self-contained. Though there are a lot of flashbacks, I felt like they actually fit into the story pretty well. The mystery is actually handled pretty well too. Things feel like they develop fairly organically, without too much coincidence driving the plot.
However, I felt like the plot had a bit of a disconnect. Events happen, but they don't always feel like a unified part of the story, or like they're connected to each other. It's something I often see with writers who are lacking in experience.
There are also some gaps in the storytelling that really bothered me. For example, it's never really addressed why Jacqui was chosen to be the wife of this powerful man in the first place. I think the intention is to imply that she doesn't know, but I found that deeply unsatisfying. Similarly, there are a number of people who were raised in the same place as Jacqui who are floating around high society, and no explanation is given as to how or why. I also did not feel like the 'villain' of the story was very good. I didn't find him threatening, to be honest, and I didn't comprehend why Jacqui was so very frightened of him, which took some urgency from the story for me. .
However, I did feel like this was a good book, over all. There were some areas that could use some improvement, but the author definitely has the potential to become a strong voice as she continues to practice her craft.
I received a review copy of this for free. My opinions remain my own.
August 19, 2017
Mafia-wife by day, noir detective by night, Jacqui Spadros finds herself in a predicament when she receives a case about a missing boy. Should she take a case that could risk revealing so many of her secrets?
Jacq of Spades mixes elements of steampunk, dystopian sci-fi, and noir detective fiction. Patricia Loofbourrow really melds these genres together well. I love the steampunk and noir atmosphere of her dystopian city Bridges. Her description of the ruling families and their quadrants makes you feel as if you are actually there with the heroine—and I want to see even more! I also especially love her characterization of some of her major characters, such as Jacqui, Joseph Kerr, and twins Jonathan and Jack Diamond.
There were times, however, when I faltered over some of Jacqui’s flashbacks. They are definitely integral to the novel, but the placement of some in line with the action of the text seemed a bit sudden or out of place. Nevertheless, I loved seeing into Jacqui’s past.
Overall, I would say this is one of my favorite reads this summer, and it definitely makes me want to devour the rest of her Red Dog Conspiracy novels. I think those who love Sherlock Holmes (and wouldn’t mind a steampunk/noir twist) would really love this series. And the mafia aspect could also really appeal to those who like the politics of Game of Thrones.
Jacq of Spades mixes elements of steampunk, dystopian sci-fi, and noir detective fiction. Patricia Loofbourrow really melds these genres together well. I love the steampunk and noir atmosphere of her dystopian city Bridges. Her description of the ruling families and their quadrants makes you feel as if you are actually there with the heroine—and I want to see even more! I also especially love her characterization of some of her major characters, such as Jacqui, Joseph Kerr, and twins Jonathan and Jack Diamond.
There were times, however, when I faltered over some of Jacqui’s flashbacks. They are definitely integral to the novel, but the placement of some in line with the action of the text seemed a bit sudden or out of place. Nevertheless, I loved seeing into Jacqui’s past.
Overall, I would say this is one of my favorite reads this summer, and it definitely makes me want to devour the rest of her Red Dog Conspiracy novels. I think those who love Sherlock Holmes (and wouldn’t mind a steampunk/noir twist) would really love this series. And the mafia aspect could also really appeal to those who like the politics of Game of Thrones.
July 29, 2018
I'm sure this will be a perfectly enjoyable read for a lot of people, but I just got started off on the wrong foot I guess and the rest of the book went in one ear and out the other. Obviously there is such a thing as too much backstory/exposition but this book just threw us right into a random scene with NO explanation of anything at all. I wouldn't have even had any idea what the general set-up was if I hadn't just read the blurb to orient myself. We then immediately head off to a big dinner party where what seems like every single person in every single family is introduced one after the other until I have absolutely no idea who anyone is or why i should care.
I did skim the rest of the book, but after that rocky start I don't think there was ever any real chance that I would be able to make myself care enough to stop and puzzle out what was going on. I love the idea of the story, from the world-building and the crime families based on playing cars to Jacqui herself - but I felt like the execution fell entirely flat and I just could not retain any information at all. If you have more patience than me you will probably have better luck, but it was a total miss on my end.
I did skim the rest of the book, but after that rocky start I don't think there was ever any real chance that I would be able to make myself care enough to stop and puzzle out what was going on. I love the idea of the story, from the world-building and the crime families based on playing cars to Jacqui herself - but I felt like the execution fell entirely flat and I just could not retain any information at all. If you have more patience than me you will probably have better luck, but it was a total miss on my end.
April 24, 2017
This was a tough review for me due to the book being outside my usual genre. Had it been more of my usual flavor, I might have given it 4 stars, because I'm a pretty picky reader. The fact that it kept me reading despite that fact is a testament to the author's outstanding writing. There were a few things that I didn't care for. There are frequent flashbacks that give is insight to our heroine's past mixed in with the narrative. The use of bold instead of italicized words to denote emphasis on a word was odd and a little distracting. The manuscript was very clean but not spotless. I found a couple of minor typos but nothing egregious. The story is about a woman raised from the slums to become the wife of a major mafia family head. Apparently, she does some side business as a detective of sorts, in this instance, to find a missing boy. The main character is fantastically portrayed, her emotions and actions and dialogue seamlessly crafted.
June 18, 2018
I'm gradually working my way through books which have been on my TBR list for ages. I can't even remember who recommended I try this, but I'm glad they did!
What this book gets right is skipping exposition in favour of getting on with the mystery/detective elements of the story. We gradually get the info we need about the world the author has created - the feuding families, the social problems of the city etc - rather than stopping to hold up the story with big chunks of explanation.
This story was entertaining and the characters are intriguing: the reasons I have already downloaded book 2!
What this book gets right is skipping exposition in favour of getting on with the mystery/detective elements of the story. We gradually get the info we need about the world the author has created - the feuding families, the social problems of the city etc - rather than stopping to hold up the story with big chunks of explanation.
This story was entertaining and the characters are intriguing: the reasons I have already downloaded book 2!
April 13, 2018
Patricia Loofbourrow has created a fascinating Steampunk series settled in a far future US. The neo-Victorian city of Bridges is ruled by the wealthy in this dystopian tale. Jacqueline Spadros, who was forced to marry into a powerful family of Bridges, is set in motion with the disappearance of young child and tasked to find him. The story deepens as people begin dying and more secrets are revealed. A very interesting book! I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book, The Queen of Diamonds.
August 22, 2017
This is my first foray into the steampunk genre and Patricia Loofburrow has made me a fan for life! There was so much to love about this story that it makes it difficult for me to get my thoughts in order. The characters are fantastic! The mystery is intriguing and kept me very interested. I even loved the fact that the it wasn't tied up with a bow at the end. I'm not usually a fan of serials, but for some reason this one worked for me. Maybe it's because I know there are already more books in the series so I won't be waiting to read the next one. I loved it!
June 1, 2024
I was really drawn to this book! It mixes old and new technology in an interesting world with its own customs. I appreciated that the story centers around a strong female lead who lives a secret life. The subtle complexities throughout the story really drew me in. I'm eager to dive into the sequel, "The Queen of Diamonds."
November 5, 2019
I enjoyed the story, but there was one drawback that prevented me from fully diving into it, which was the constant flashbacks. It was jarring and confusing to be thrust back and forth.
I enjoyed the world, the plot, and the characters.
I enjoyed the world, the plot, and the characters.
January 23, 2024
This book is fantastic! The main character is strong and she's surrounded by a cast that really adds to the story. It's set in a world ruled by powerful families, and what starts as a simple mission to find a missing boy turns into so much more. There's murder, deception, clever disguises, and brilliant detective work. I was completely absorbed in the story, from the well-developed characters and flashbacks to the gripping mystery. It's a book that you won't want to put down. Definitely add it to your must-read list! I got this book from Edioak in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2017
This book keeps you guessing about will take place next. Crime in its finest. A definite hit that leaves you wanting more. A first for me but not the last.
August 11, 2017
Love is plot and the characters are fantastic A great read. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
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