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Experiments in Love & Steel #1
Saving Verity
The Soul-Catcher
Reclusive inventor Verity Calvert discovered a secret way to animate artificial bodies with captured souls. Once she has the means to perpetually power those bodies, she can propel her mechanical horses to worldwide fame. Or create something much more lethal. Her quest for a rare mineral to complete the battery brings her face to face with a clever detective over the body of a dead man.
The Detective
When a customs agent is murdered in his warehouse, Scotland Yard assigns their best. Despite his perfect record, Detective Inspector Jacob Howell has grown cynical investigating the dark side of London, until he crosses paths with the brilliant and unexpectedly compassionate inventress. He senses she’s the key to this mystery, but to solve the case he must find her again in the overcrowded city.
The Killer
Someone has learned Verity’s secrets. Someone willing to kill to stop her. Can Howell convince her to trust him before the murderer takes her life and her soul?
Reclusive inventor Verity Calvert discovered a secret way to animate artificial bodies with captured souls. Once she has the means to perpetually power those bodies, she can propel her mechanical horses to worldwide fame. Or create something much more lethal. Her quest for a rare mineral to complete the battery brings her face to face with a clever detective over the body of a dead man.
The Detective
When a customs agent is murdered in his warehouse, Scotland Yard assigns their best. Despite his perfect record, Detective Inspector Jacob Howell has grown cynical investigating the dark side of London, until he crosses paths with the brilliant and unexpectedly compassionate inventress. He senses she’s the key to this mystery, but to solve the case he must find her again in the overcrowded city.
The Killer
Someone has learned Verity’s secrets. Someone willing to kill to stop her. Can Howell convince her to trust him before the murderer takes her life and her soul?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2019
21 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 3, 2019
A smart, sultry, mysterious read with impeccable world-building, likeable characters and chemistry that is off the charts. HIGHLY recommend!!!
September 14, 2019
Though I am familiar with steampunk, this is the first book I have read in that genre--and it was a wonderful introduction. By the time I had read just a few chapters, I totally believed in a London where mechanical horses and airships were part of every day life and the weather could be controlled. By the time the villain's intent was revealed, I felt a real shiver of fear at what he planned. The two main characters were well drawn, and their histories made them a good match for one another. Looking forward to more!
May 23, 2019
Compelling main characters, fascinating world building, and gripping suspense! Saving Verity pulls you in from the first page and never lets go.
I loved both Verity and Howell, and found them intriguing in their differences and similarities. Both are complicated, wounded people with a deep compassion and commitment, though their causes are very different. Both are hiding secrets... in Verity's case, quite a few of them. And while both have connections to high society, neither is particularly comfortable with them. The attraction between them is evident very early on. In the general order of things, Howell's status as a police detective would bar any relationship between them, but Verity's background and scientific focus have led her to live a reclusive life outside aristocratic society, which makes their growing relationship more believable.
The secondary characters are also well-drawn, and some are engaging enough to make me wish we saw more of them. The adventurer and impressario Inigo Sharp, in particular, would make an interesting hero for a sequel. (review continued on blog; see link below.)
Full review and giveaway on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
I loved both Verity and Howell, and found them intriguing in their differences and similarities. Both are complicated, wounded people with a deep compassion and commitment, though their causes are very different. Both are hiding secrets... in Verity's case, quite a few of them. And while both have connections to high society, neither is particularly comfortable with them. The attraction between them is evident very early on. In the general order of things, Howell's status as a police detective would bar any relationship between them, but Verity's background and scientific focus have led her to live a reclusive life outside aristocratic society, which makes their growing relationship more believable.
The secondary characters are also well-drawn, and some are engaging enough to make me wish we saw more of them. The adventurer and impressario Inigo Sharp, in particular, would make an interesting hero for a sequel. (review continued on blog; see link below.)
Full review and giveaway on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 16, 2019
4.5 stars. The scientist heroine, the Druid detective hero, and the steampunk/fantasy world were delightful. I got a little bogged down by the whodunit in the last third, but still very much enjoyed the read.
September 14, 2019
Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story- the plot moved quickly, and the resolution was unexpected. The main characters were interesting and complex, the steampunk elements were magical, and the mystery was thrilling. Looking forward to the next one!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story- the plot moved quickly, and the resolution was unexpected. The main characters were interesting and complex, the steampunk elements were magical, and the mystery was thrilling. Looking forward to the next one!
June 6, 2019
Heartfelt and Mysterious
Enjoyed this steampunk detective adventure. Loved the characters and their shared experiences they've had throughout their lives. They story is full of heart and love.
Enjoyed this steampunk detective adventure. Loved the characters and their shared experiences they've had throughout their lives. They story is full of heart and love.
March 15, 2020
I could hardly put it down
What’s not to like about this story, Brilliant woman meets brilliant man. Although they have different agendas they find a way to solve murders and fall in love.
What’s not to like about this story, Brilliant woman meets brilliant man. Although they have different agendas they find a way to solve murders and fall in love.
April 22, 2021
3.5 stars. Smart, complex, and visceral.
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July 17, 2022I hope the author writes more books!! Verity was an amazing main character
September 17, 2020
The premise behind this book is so inventive. The heroine is a genius and has invented a way to trap souls in mechanical bodies. The world-building was complete and transported me to their London each time I sat down to read it. The mystery was intriguing and I loved the supporting characters. Well-done!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews